Lake Berryessa Trout Trolling: Avoid These 3 Mistakes

Lake Berryessa offered a valuable lesson on my recent trout trolling trip. Three key mistakes, although seemingly minor, turned a potentially successful outing into a learning experience.

[@Setthehuk]

I also recommend the same on slowing down to 1 mph while retrieving and clearing lines. I added a servo to my kicker or use the remote electric trolling motor. Also I always use flouracarbon leader 10 lb test no lower than 8. Floura reflects water at 100% so they can’t see it and 10 still gives you some movement.

[@AndyVanderveerdebondt]

4th thing in my opinion is slowing your kicker motor back down to idle once you hook up a fish. 3+ mph is pulling pretty hard on those big Eagle lake trout. 1.5ish at idle is a good speed to keep pressure. on the fish. Just from my experience. Lol great video.

[@catchhappy]

I think I have to agree

[@keithschath8036]

I caught a nice Crappie trolling at over 3mph, it was like bringing in a big log, I already decided to cut the main motor and let the electric I use for steering hold 1.0/1.5 or so, much easier to bring in a fish against that, and I've been finding trout will run with and toward the boat when there is resistance the other way, then the fight is on when they get 20 feet or so away. Pulling against over 3.0 will lose fish for sure.

[@catchhappy]

@@keithschath8036 Agreed. Always learning.

[@sep649]

Slow your trolling speed putting less pressure on the fish and your line, when you have a fish on. Makes the fight much more enjoyable rather than dragging a fish in and using the reel like a winch. Reduces the fun when fighting the fish with speed while hooked up. You can still intercept fish at slower speed. Once in the net…resume your speed. You’re right…properly adjusted drags are imperative. Forget the clicker. Good stuff to share.