|
|
Lake Erie Charter Captain Dave Adams of D & D Charters answers questions and provides tips and insights into fishing the region.
If you would like to Ask the Captain a question, please click HERE.
May 27, 2003
Two years ago, Lake Erie Troller asked:
Dave:
"Hi! I have one question for you. I have just recently traded my pro style bass boat with a 150-hp outboard. I bought a 20-foot Sunbird, with a V8 302. I bought it for trolling and fishing in Erie. Would I need a trolling plate to put on the outdrive, to prevent the motor from overheating?"
And it led to a discussion on trolling bags.
Trolling plates have a few disadvantages. First, which is typical of all marine gear, it is expensive. Second, a trolling plate is installed by drilling holes into your outdrive. Finally - and what I consider the most important - if you forget to pull the release, the outdrive (on hard acceleration) might be damaged.
A trolling bag is an efficient, inexpensive, and easy-to-use alternative to control trolling speed. It is similar to a drift sock, but stronger and one or two bags will slow any boat.
Since that column, I have received many emails on trolling bags, their use, and where to buy them. For example: What trolling bag do you recommend? Can you give me a "brand" or recommendation to buy? What is the best way to rig it to your boat?
I use and recommend the Amish 28-inch Buggy Bag. It can be bought online from Fishusa.com at FishUSA.com; or found at both Poor Richards stores (Erie and North East), and at the North East marina.
When considering the purchase, match the bag to your boat size. This is what another captain said about the Buggy Bag (courtesy of
www.amishoutfitters.com)
- "Nine years ago, I bought a sea anchor (trolling bag) from one of the big name marine suppliers. I hooked it up to my charter boat and went fishing. Two hours later, the bag blew out from the pressure of the moving boat as we trolled along looking for Lake Erie walleyes. I took the bag back to the store where they cheerfully gave me another bag. Figuring that I probably got a bad bag to begin with, I loaded the new bag up and promptly blew that one out also. The store cheerfully refunded my money, but left me without a means of slowing my boat to proper trolling speed. I heard of an Amish tarp maker not far from me and went searching for him. Since he doesn' t advertise, or have a sign out, the only way I found him was by word of mouth and the thirty or so boats in his yard. I asked him if he could make a sea anchor that had a better chance of holding up to the pressure of trolling. He didn' t know. He had never made one. After a little trial and error, the Buggy Bag Trolling Bag was born.
Most charter captains in the Central Basin of Lake Erie now use these bags. Their durability has far exceeded my expectations. The local shops have carried them for a few years now, and it' s time to branch out to the nation.
These bags come in four sizes. All sizes are measured in open diameter. The size of the bag needed is dependent largely on the size of the boat, the speed of the boat, and how slow you want your boat to go. The following measurements are just a guideline.
The 22" bag is used on boats from 14' to 24'.
The 28" bag is used on boats from 24' to 30'. I have a 27' Sportcraft that weigh 6500 lbs. And I use a 28" bag every day. This bag will take me down to 2.0 to 2.2 mph. When I need to go slower than 2.0 mph, I have a 36" bag on the other side of the boat.
The 36" bag is used for boats from 28' to 32'.
The 48' bag is used for boats bigger than 32'.
I almost always only run one bag. The exceptions are when I am in a big following sea, when I am spring salmon fishing in water that is only 34 to 38 degrees, or fall fishing for walleyes in 40 degree water.
I recommend using 3/8" or bigger line from the boat to the front of the bag, and the same from the rear of the bag to the boat. Adjust the line to the back of the bag so it doesn' t swing under the boat and into the propeller, rudder, or outdrive."
Using a trolling bag is easy. Attached the front line (open end of the bag) to the front cleat. The other line (release line) is attached to the side rail or cleat, where it can easily be pulled when done fishing. Then start fishing. When it's time to move or change trolling speeds, the rear line is pulled and the bag is flipped into the boat.
Good Fishing,
Capt. Dave Adams
Dave Adams is an author and professional charter captain who operates D & D Charters on the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie.
|
|
