Can You Use A Spinning Reel for Trolling? – spinning reels for trolling

Do you want to learn how to troll with spinning reels?

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of trolling with spinning reels and show you how to get the most out of them.

If you’re an angler who spends more time fishing from shore than from a boat, then chances are that trolling requires some research on your part. If you’re looking to take your trolling game up a notch, read this post now! We’ll show you how to use spinning reels for trolling and give you some tips on how to make the most of them. With the right information, you can use spinning reels to troll like a pro!

Understanding the Basics of Trolling

Trolling is a form of fishing where bait or lures are moved slowly through the water in order to entice fish. It’s a popular choice for anglers pursuing gamefish such as salmon, trout, walleye, and bass. The key to successful trolling lies in finding the right speed and depth for your lure or bait. This requires precision and accuracy, which means your choice of fishing reel is important.

Why Spinning Reels are Better for Trolling?

When it comes to trolling, spinning reels have some significant advantages. First and foremost is their accuracy: the line releases evenly from the spool when casting, making it easier to get your bait or lures moving at the right speed and depth. Additionally, the bail arm on a spinning reel helps to reduce line twist and improve accuracy. The lightweight nature of spinning reels also makes them ideal for trolling, as they are easier to maneuver in open water. Finally, the drag on a spinning reel is smoother than that of a baitcasting reel, giving you more control over the line and allowing for greater precision when trolling.

Differences Between Spinning and Trolling Reels

When it comes to trolling, there are some key differences between spinning and Trolling reels. The major difference is in the line capacity: a spinning reel can hold more line than a Trolling, making it much easier to fish in deeper waters. Additionally, the drag on a spinning reel is much smoother and allows for more precise control when trolling. The Drag system of a Trolling reel is not as smooth and can be more jerky when trolling, and the line capacity is much lower than that of a spinning reel. The gear ratio of a Trolling reel is also much slower than that of a spinning, making it more suitable for trolling larger baits.

All in all, spinning reels are a great choice for trolling. They provide you with the accuracy and control needed to get your bait or lures in the right depth and speed, as well as the line capacity to fish in deeper waters.

Why a strong drag is important when trolling?

A strong drag is essential for successful trolling. It’s important to have the right amount of drag on your reel when you’re trolling, as it helps to keep your line taut and prevents it from being pulled by large or powerful fish. A good drag system should be smooth and adjustable, so that you can adjust the resistance as needed. Additionally, the drag system should have a high line capacity to reduce the risk of the line breaking when it’s pulled by a large fish. The drag has to be set to the right resistance for the type of trolling you’re doing, and it’s important to reset it after each catch.

Once you have allowed the fish to tire itself out, you can slowly reel it in. A strong drag helps to keep the line tight and prevents the fish from breaking the line while you’re retrieving it. If you intend to use or catch larger fish, it is important to have a strong drag that can handle the pull of bigger and more powerful fish.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Spinning Reels for Trolling

Although spinning reels have many advantages when it comes to trolling, they also come with some drawbacks. For example, the lightweight nature of a spinning reel means that it can be difficult to cast long distances, and the line capacity is still much lower than that of a baitcasting reel. Additionally, the drag system on a spinning reel can be less powerful than that of a baitcasting reel, which can make it more difficult to fight larger fish.

Overall, spinning reels are a great choice for trolling, especially if you’re new to the sport or looking to fish in deeper waters. They provide you with the accuracy, control, and line capacity needed to effectively troll and catch game fish. However, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both spinning and baitcasting reels in order to make an informed decision about which is best for your needs. With the right reel and technique, trolling can be an incredibly rewarding experience!

Tips for Using Spinning Reels for Trolling

When using a spinning reel for trolling, it’s important to set the drag correctly. The drag should be light enough that you can cast and retrieve your bait easily, but also strong enough that it won’t break if a large fish strikes. It’s important to practice adjusting the drag so that you have a good feel for how to do it quickly and accurately.

In addition, when trolling with a spinning reel, you should use a braided line that is strong enough to handle the weight of your lures or bait. This is especially important if you’re using heavier lures and baits. It’s also important to make sure that your line is free of knots or tangles, as this can reduce its effectiveness.

Using the right type of line

When it comes to trolling with a spinning reel, the type of line you use makes all the difference. Monofilament or fluorocarbon lines are great for trolling because they’re strong and flexible, allowing you to cast your bait or lure further and more accurately. Braided lines are also an excellent choice for trolling as they are extremely strong and have low stretch, which helps to keep the line taut. Using the right type of line for trolling will help you to get the most out of your spinning reel and have more successful catches. It’s important to monitor your line regularly and replace it if it becomes frayed or weakened over time.

Selecting the right lures and baits

It’s also important to select the right lures and baits for trolling with a spinning reel. Using the wrong type of lure or bait can significantly reduce your success rate. For example, if you’re trolling in deeper waters, it’s best to use heavier lures that sink quickly and create vibrations that attract fish. Similarly, if you’re trolling in shallower waters, it’s best to use lighter lures that can be more easily seen by the fish.

By taking the time to select the right lures and baits for trolling with a spinning reel, you can increase your success and have a more enjoyable experience. With the right tackle, technique and knowledge of the waters you are fishing in, you can truly get the most out of your trolling adventure!

Using a swivel on your line

Using a swivel on your line is also important when trolling with a spinning reel. This will help to reduce the line twist that can occur when trolling, as well as help to improve the presentation of your lures or baits. Swivels also prevent your line from kinking up due to the constant motion of trolling. Overall, using a spinning reel for trolling can be a great way to catch gamefish.

Alternative Options for Trolling

Of course, there are other options for trolling as well. Baitcasting reels can also be used to troll effectively, and they offer different advantages depending on the type of fishing you’re doing. For example, baitcasting reels can be used to cast heavier lures and baits with greater accuracy than spinning reels. Ultimately, the choice between spinning and baitcasting reels for trolling comes down to personal preference. Conventional reels and Downriggers are also great options for trolling, depending on the type of fish you’re targeting.

Regardless of the type of reel you use, trolling can be an effective and enjoyable way to fish. With the right equipment and knowledge, you can get the most out of your trolling experience!

Conclusion

Trolling with a spinning reel can be an effective and enjoyable way to fish. By selecting the right lures and baits, using the correct line, and practicing your technique, you can get the most out of each trolling experience. Additionally, by using a swivel on your line, you can reduce line twist and improve presentation. Ultimately, the choice between spinning and baitcasting reels for trolling comes down to personal preference. With the right equipment and knowledge, you can truly get the most out of your trolling adventure!

FAQs

1. Is it possible to use a spinning reel for trolling, or do you need a dedicated trolling reel?

This is perhaps the most basic and fundamental question when it comes to using spinning reels for trolling. As long as it is the right size and has the proper drag system in place, you should be able to utilize your spinning reel for trolling with great success.

2. How can I ensure that my line remains taut while trolling?

The best way to ensure that your line remains taut while trolling is to use a swivel on your line. This will help to reduce the line twist that can occur when trolling, as well as help to improve the presentation of your lures or baits. Additionally, using a swivel will prevent your line from kinking up due to the constant motion of trolling.

3. What types of fish can you target when trolling with a spinning reel?

Trolling with a spinning reel can be utilized to target a variety of game fish, such as bass, walleye, musky, pike, and trout. Additionally, if you’re in shallower waters, smaller species such as panfish can also be targeted with a spinning reel. It’s important to be aware of the species of fish you are targeting, as well as the type of lure or bait that will best suit your needs. By taking the time to select the right tackle and bait, you can increase your chances of success when trolling with a spinning reel.

4. Are there any particular downsides to using a spinning reel for trolling?

One of the major downsides to using a spinning reel for trolling is that it does not have the same casting power and accuracy as a baitcasting reel. Additionally, spinning reels are not as well-suited for using heavier lines or lures when trolling. However, overall, these are minor drawbacks when compared to the potential benefits of using a spinning reel for trolling. With the right line and technique, you can still get great results when trolling with a spinning reel.

5. What is the best type of line to use for trolling?

When it comes to trolling, it’s important to choose the right line for your needs. Generally speaking, a monofilament line is best for trolling, as it is more durable and has less stretch than other types of line. Additionally, the monofilament line provides better sensitivity when detecting strikes from fish. For trolling, a lighter line (4-6 pound test) is generally recommended, as it will have less of an effect on the action of your lure or bait. Ultimately, the right line will depend on the type and size of fish you are targeting. By researching the type of line that is best suited for your target species, you can ensure that you get the most out of your trolling experience.