Thread: chains for trolling or drifting

Nah, Slick. I wish that I had a variable speed, and as soon as I have the bank on my side, I'm going to have one. But until then, I'm stuck with my 40lb thrust 5 speed. Slo-trollin' can be done with a 5 speed, its just that you have to stay on top of the trolling motor in any wind. The lowest setting is usually too fast for most applications (including cold months because you must move really slow unless the fish are very actively feeding). One option that I have considered (as inspired by Dr Pepper) adding is a big-foot switch to momentarily power on the trolling motor without twisting the handle.

This is my technique on boat control for slo-trollin'. In winds less than 10mph or in wind-protected areas, I will point the bow into whatever wind there is. I bump the trolling motor and let off of it. I give myself enough speed to swing the line about 45 degrees towards the boat. I then coast until the boat comes to a stop. Then repeat, but if I want to fish a certain spot I will just hold the boat in position with the trolling motor. If it is fairly windy, the coast won't last nearly as long as in calm wind conditions. Using this method is really handy for determining how fast they want it moving by remembering where most of the fish are biting in the speed sequence. If they only bite when I hit the end of my coast, then I know that they want it moving really slow.

In winds above 10mph or in open water areas with any wind, I will use the chain. I want the chain to either hold me in the wind or drift slowly. I use the wind to ease me along with my trolling motor using the same sequence as above. Drifting with the wind, I bump the trolling motor and the resistance of the chain causes the coast (just like above but going with the wind). When the chain slows me back down, I'll bump the trolling motor again. Once I figure out how fast they want the bait moving, I adjust the length of rope to the chain to maintain that speed in the wind. Having 1/2 the chain dragging the bottom gives you the least resistance. Having the entire chain on the bottom gives you the most resistance. From there, you can let out your entire length of rope (mine is 75' long) to gain the most braking power in the wind.

The important thing is...whether you are going into the wind or drifting with it, the boat and the baits are doing the same thing.



I'm going to repost the set-up so that no one misses it:

Originally Posted by ceb

Here's my chain set-up. It was inspired by Steve (BamaFan) from the LA board. It is a great thing to have in winds above 10mph or on any open water. I used my chain on Saturday in wind gusts topping 30mph, and was able to stay on the lake catching fish after fish while most folks had to pack it up. It is a simple set-up...I use a shackle to connect varying lengths of chain. I have a 2.5' and a 3' chain, but plan to get some smaller lengths as well. Using the shackle, you can adjust the drifting speed by adding/removing pieces of chain. I tie a loop knot in the anchor rope and hang it over the motor cowling. Keeping it off the dead center of the back helps keep it trimmed up more and in a straight line with the wave action. This rig really shines on shallower lakes with mud bottoms either clean or stumpy bottom.