Thread: crankbait trolling question

How do you maintain the speeds required for trolling crankbaits?

Do you just use the trolling motor or could you use the outboard?

I want to try trolling crankbaits out the back of my fiberglass boat but its difficult when I'm by myself.

TM with a remote on it and gps on depth finder.

Torch and I both use a kicker motor to push us and the Terrova to steer.

I started out last year in a bass tracker w/50 hp motor. Put the motor in gear, put the trolling motor down for a little added resistance, and wa-la. Started catchin

Thanks for the replies-good info to start with. Until I can get a remote tm I can surely try using the outboard-I just thought the noise from the outboard would scare fish away ?

WSSM and I caught em Saturday Morning using his 25hp, trouble with the outboard is going slow enuff. Trolling motor down and an anchor hanging over the side for some drag and we were still fast. Caught as many fish within 40 feet of the back of the boat as we did on the longer lines on the outside.
Gonna get a trolling plate for his.

I use a trolling plate with my 40 HP outboard. I can slow down to 1.2 mph. This works fine for me and like Rees said, I'll catch fish with as little as 30 feet of line behind the boat. Noise from outboard doesn't seem to bother them at all. You'll probably find that you catch bigger crappie on cranks vs. jigs/minnows. I use a handheld gps to set my speed.

Originally Posted by Rees Guide

WSSM and I caught em Saturday Morning using his 25hp, trouble with the outboard is going slow enuff. Trolling motor down and an anchor hanging over the side for some drag and we were still fast. Caught as many fish within 40 feet of the back of the boat as we did on the longer lines on the outside.
Gonna get a trolling plate for his.

Try using two 18" drift socks. That's what I use with my outboard, and it works great!!! Even heard of dragging two 5 gallon buckets too!!!


Big River Marine
Bill Burnett
870-635-0202

Originally Posted by BigRiverMarine

Try using two 18" drift socks. That's what I use with my outboard, and it works great!!! Even heard of dragging two 5 gallon buckets too!!!


Big River Marine
Bill Burnett
870-635-0202

Thought about the buckets or socks. WSSM is in a chair so we try to keep it as simple as possible,gonna install a plate.

I've have also used the Trollamatic trolling plates with good success. The only problem for me using those, is that some customers don't like the holes on the cavitation plate when buying my demo 's.


Big River Marine
Bill Burnett
870-635-0202