Thread: Cranking isn't going like I'd hoped

From personal experience I can tell you a sock in the prop isn't all that much fun.You can catch fish at 1.1 to 2. whatever MPH .Your 1.4-1.5 with the trolling motor will work once you 1)get in an area with shad balls n crappie and 2) get to the right crank bait depth. I like the suggestion of going with someone to help get you started....Good Luck

"You have the fish cornered in the lake now all you have to do is catch them"

I crank with my big motor. My TM will not run sustained over the second speed setting for any more than a few minutes before shutting off so I can only go .8 with it. Great for power trolling and I have pushed cranks and caught crappie that slow a few times. I just started pulling and use my big outboard and a bucket. Kept me at around 1.8-2.1 all weekend and the fish didn't seem to mind the noise. Caught them on down rods and flatlines. Just have to pay attention to that line out the back. I used a bridle off the back cleats and had a big float where the line came off the bridle. It seemed to stay up high and didn't give me any issues.


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A trolling plate like the Trollamatic works great...I used one on a 115 Yamaha four stroke for about six years.

nccater, trolling plates work great, but I finally got my pontoon set up to troll. It trolls about 2.2 to 2.5 depending on conditions. I took two 5 gallon buckets and cut 4 - 1 inch holes in the bottom. Connected lines and a swivel from lowes for twisting and have instant drift socks. They slow me down to between 1.8 to 2.0.

Originally Posted by cwright

nccater, trolling plates work great, but I finally got my pontoon set up to troll. It trolls about 2.2 to 2.5 depending on conditions. I took two 5 gallon buckets and cut 4 - 1 inch holes in the bottom. Connected lines and a swivel from lowes for twisting and have instant drift socks. They slow me down to between 1.8 to 2.0.

Didn't know you had pontoon Craig. Did you sell your Skiff?

Yep. Miss it, but wife wanted a pontoon we could just leave in. Missing going to other lakes though.

It has the fishing station in the back and works great trolling for big cats. When they start biting again on Tillery I will give you a shout and we will take her out.