Setting up your trolling rods and reels for musky trolling is the most crucial step, and any form of mistake in the setup can lead to inefficiency and possible failure. One has to make sure that the proper equipment is used; else the efficiency of the whole process of musky trolling would dwindle. Let us take a step by step glance at how to set up musky trolling rod and reel with the proper gear
Step 1:
Consider the number of people involved in the activity before choosing any equipment. In selecting rods, four rods are required for a two-person voyage.
The four rods include two in/down rods and two out rods that are handled by the two people involved. The out rods suitable for this method are the medium/heavy dipsy diver rods that are 10 foot in length each.
They are also known as ‘ugly sticks’ by some people. These two out rods are ideal for this system because of their length. Their length makes them spread well, so you do not require a planner board.
One thing for sure about the medium/heavy dipsy diver rods is that they take some time to get used to. Once you can get used to them, you are good to go.
The In rods are about 6 to 7 feet in length, and they are usually medium/heavy rods. Musky trolling rod and reel are traditionally Browning Syloflex made of reasonably soft muskie rod. But they are no longer produced anymore and are scarce in the market.
Moreover, they are ideal for this system and can be put out without causing any issues with the out rods. Some other ways to use them are either by placing them in the water by their tips or placing them up with a lure in the prop wash.
Step 2:
The next step now is to choose the proper reels. Proper reels do not necessarily mean that you go for the most expensive one, but going for the one that works well for your system. One good reel for this system is the Okuma Convector 30. The Okuma reels are of a reasonable price, and have a good line counter and drag.
Most people believe that you can use any reel, and this is not entirely false too. The difference between the Okuma reels is that they are tough and can hold up well for musky fishing, and also walleye and salmon fishing.
Step 3:
Once your Musky trolling rod and reel are set, you would need lines. In choosing a line, you do not need to worry about the brand. Just get lines that can serve you well depending on your purpose.
Some people that go after the big catches require more prominent lines with 65 to 100 lbs. Capacitybraids. If you are trolling in a smaller lake, the 50lbs. Braid is ideal for you.
Step 4:
You have set up your rods and reels, but you still have not decided on the braid knots. Then it is essential that you know how to tie braid knots. Braid knots prevent the braids from loosening at the ends. Since braids make stronger ropes and would be tied by you, you should learn how to tie braids and the knots at the ends of the braids.
Two common knots are the ‘back to back uni knot’ and the ‘blood knot.’ These knots are very simple to tie and are available on the internet to learn. Do not forget to use the same amount of lines for your braids to ensure consistency in length.
Step 5:
Once you have decided on the braid you want, you should consider the backing for the line braid too. You can’t fill your reel with your braids because it would cost you a lot of lines and it is just too expensive even if that is what you desire. You would need a range of back to fill your reel with first.
Your backing should be about a hundred feet to two hundred depending on the depth you intend trolling. Backing fills up your reel and provides the additional line you need to erase the fears of your line being short.
Make sure to get a cheap material for your backing as 100 feet of mono backing would cost you a very substantial amount of money. The backing should pass the 25 to 50-pound test before being used as a mono backing. The backing is a form of elongating the braids. It is what you first fill your reel with before braids.
Step 6:
The next step is attaching your braids directly to a fluorocarbon leader with the knots you have previously learned. The presence of a leader prevents the needs of additional hardware like swivels and snaps.
Leaders prolong the life of your equipment, by preventing you from continuously reeling your snap through the first guide. The guides ensure that your knots pass through them freely to allow you net fish easily.
You might need about 8 to 10 feet of fluorocarbon leader for clear bodies of water. It is because you would love to go more in-depth due to the unobstructed view of the depth of the water. You can get about 1 to 3 feet of fluorocarbon leaders in the market though.
You must also make sure your fluorocarbon leader passes the 100-pound test, and ensure that it is ‘fluorocarbon leader material.’
Step 7:
The final step is considering your bait. You should use a snap if you are using a crankbait. If you snap has a ball bearing it is would destroy most of the action of the bait. In some cases, the bait won’t even work with the presence of the bearing. Bear in mind that snaps wear out, and it is safer to change them weekly if possible.
Finally, all these steps explain how you should consider each part for your set up and how to approach them. If you follow the steps correctly, it will ensure that you get the best out of your musky trolling set up.
