Thread: What technique do I need to use?

Howsit all,

Ive recently completed restoring my bass boat, but have encountered a slight problem...

For years Ive fished from the banks and Ive always used a "jerk, wait 5 secs then jerk again" retreive, thats how Ive caught most of my bass...

Now that Im fishing off a boat Im totally lost! With the trolling motor running at its slowest speed I cant fish the same retrieve that has served me so well in the past! I dont have the same contact with the lure because Im too busy trying to reel in the slack line and before I know it im 5 meters away from where I casted. (If I cast in front of the boat I end up reeling up slack line, if I cast behind the boat the lure gets towed behind the boat)

How do you guys go about fishing off a boat? How does one get a slow retrieve right on a moving boat?

The best approach I've seen was with Robdog, the spots you're casting at should be on the side of your boat, then stop your motor. At bronkies we just deadsticked the baits in the holes of weedlines or close to structure. Then start moving off slowly with your motor and that movement got us 80% of our bites. Well, at least my bites.

My own boat is a rowing boat so I'm afraid that's the full extent of my knowledge regarding bass boats with trolling motors. On my own boat I row in, drop anchor and wait for a few minutes for everything to settle back to normal, then fish the area thoroughly before raising anchor and moving on.

I'm sure the more experienced guys will comment also!
Tight lines!

Trolling motor is there to move you from 1 spot to the next and to position your boat. This is the biggest mistake most of us make and that is to be in to much of a hurry with the trolling motor. Only guy that is succesfull fishing while moving is KVD and then is not even moving as fast as some of us.

Hi Horny...

I've got the same problem!!

Been Bass Fishing from the Bank and Float tube, but O BOY, what a different ball game from a boat. Controlling the Trolly and Checking the Fishfinder and still Fishing, WOW man what a challenge.

The most sound advice I received thus far.

Get time on the water, this will familiarize yourself with the Trolly and Fishfinder, and soon you'll be in control!!!

Your next comment will be that you are 'Back Boating' your partner.

Time on the Water = Confidence!!

PS: I blanked at Rust de Winter while the others on the boat had a field day, NOT A NICE FEELING!!!!!

I suggest you try and keep your boat as stationary as possible when casting. That way you can cast all around the boat. When finished casting then move on and start the process again as the boat slows down. You will be faced with a similar problem you are experiencing now when the wind blows, so you must get used to fishing while the boat moves regardless.

Originally Posted by Fish-on

PS: I blanked at Rust de Winter while the others on the boat had a field day, NOT A NICE FEELING!!!!!

Don't loose sleep over this as it happens to the best of us at some stages.

Originally Posted by Vaalboy

I suggest you try and keep your boat as stationary as possible when casting. That way you can cast all around the boat. When finished casting then move on and start the process again as the boat slows down. You will be faced with a similar problem you are experiencing now when the wind blows, so you must get used to fishing while the boat moves regardless.

I totally agree with that. As the other guys are saying, you need time on the water. After a while it becomes second nature positioning your boat, handling wakes from others, not backboating a partner, watching your fishfinder, eating, talking on your cell phone, and catching fish at the same time.

Fishing in the wind can also be quite tricky when the boat moves quickly, but experience on your trolling motor can help keep you glued to a spot. Sometimes however you just need to either give in or throw an anchor. Your battery gets drained faster if you're using it continuously.

Just a silly question : You mention that your trolling motor is on its slowest speed and that you are always moving. Most trolling motors have a "continuous" switch/button which means it's always on, and then another switch/button that's allows you to only activate the trolling motor when you want to. Is yours always on ?

When power fishing movement of the boat is not such a big deal. Lure hits the water wait a little a retrieve. I have difficulty fishing weightless or weighted softs for that matter from the boat. Trying to let the lure sink down next to stucture or just wanting to have it lie still has not been easy as you have to contend with the boat traffic's waves, wind and other factors that move your boat around on the water.

My solution would be to get my hands on an i-pilot

Originally Posted by BassinBuddy

Trying to let the lure sink down next to stucture or just wanting to have it lie still has not been easy as you have to contend with the boat traffic's waves, wind and other factors that move your boat around on the water.

I'm sure most of the experienced guys know this, but as I newbie in the Boat Fishing thingy...

I would make the cast at the structure and as my lure hits te water, strip two or three arm lenghts of line from the real, then only click the baitcaster over and keep contact with the line. All the time watching the line to spot a take on the fall.....

Easier said than done, I know...

The troll motor has 5 forward speeds numbered 1-5.. I leave it on 1, so yeah its on all the time...

Looks like its something we all have to contend with. I suppose my mindset needs to change. I'll have to adapt.

I agree that more time on the water gives one more experience. Im sure in time I will master the art. Im definitely hitting the waters this weekend!