Trolling

A trolling rod is a fishing rod designed for pulling lures or bait behind a moving boat, it’s a technique known as trolling. These rods are built stronger than regular casting or spinning rods to handle constant drag, heavy lures, and the powerful strikes of big fish. Trolling rods typically feature durable fiberglass or composite blanks, sturdy guides, and long handles for use with rod holders. Many models pair with line counter reels for depth control. 

At Angling Sports, we carry trolling rods for salmon, walleye, trout, and muskie, from trusted brands like Okuma, Shimano, and Daiwa, plus the tackle and downriggers you need to build a complete setup.

Trolling is a fishing method where you drag lures or baited lines behind a slow-moving boat to cover more water and locate active fish. It’s popular for species like salmon, trout, walleye, and muskie in the Great Lakes and large inland lakes. Anglers use rod holders, planer boards, or downriggers to control depth and spacing. Speed is key because slower for walleye, faster for salmon. Trolling allows multiple lines and lure styles to run at once, increasing your chances of finding fish.

The best trolling reels are strong, smooth, and built for consistent performance. Most anglers choose line counter reels, which track how much line you’ve let out, it’s essential for precise depth control. Popular choices include the Okuma Cold Water, Daiwa Sealine, and Shimano Tekota. These reels feature powerful drags, large spools for heavier lines, and corrosion-resistant components. For salmon and lake trout, pair your reel with 30–40 lb braid or mono; for walleye, 10–20 lb line is usually enough.

The ideal trolling speed depends on the species and lure type. For walleye, slow speeds of 1.0–2.0 mph work best with crankbaits or crawler harnesses. Salmon and trout prefer faster presentations (typically 2.5–3.5 mph) to trigger aggressive strikes. Always watch your lure action behind the boat; if it’s spinning or wobbling unnaturally, adjust your speed. Using a trolling speed indicator or GPS helps maintain consistency. Changing direction or speed slightly can often trigger a strike.

Downriggers and planer boards are both tools used to control lure depth and spread lines while trolling. Downriggers use a weighted cable and release clip to send your bait deep , it’s perfect for targeting lake trout and salmon in 50–100+ feet of water. Planer boards, on the other hand, pull lines out to the sides of the boat, allowing you to cover more horizontal water and run multiple lines at different depths, and ideal for walleye or muskie. Many anglers use both systems together for maximum coverage.

The best trolling lures depend on your target species and conditions. For salmon and lake trout, try trolling spoons, flashers with flies, or cut bait rigs. For walleye, crankbaits, crawler harnesses, and spinner rigs are top choices. Muskie anglers prefer large plugs and swim baits trolled near structure. Always adjust lure colour to match light and water clarity, bright or UV for stained water, natural tones for clear days. Brands like Rapala, Great Lakes Finesse, Luhr Jensen, and Chaos Tackle dominate the trolling scene.

Line choice is key to successful trolling. Monofilament offers stretch and shock absorption, making it great for crankbaits and walleye. Braided line provides superior sensitivity and depth control, it’s ideal for deeper trolling or use with downriggers. Some anglers use lead-core line or copper wire to get lures deep without extra weight. Line strength varies by species: 10–15 lb for walleye, 20–30 lb for salmon and trout. Always check your reel capacity before spooling.

To start trolling, you’ll need a trolling rod, line counter reel, trolling line, and a variety of lures or baits. Add rod holders, a net, and a sonar or fish finders to locate fish and track depth. For deeper fishing, consider downriggers, planer boards, or dipsy divers. Don’t forget safety gear like PFDs and a drift sock to control your speed. 

At Angling Sports, we carry everything from trolling rods, reels, and spoons to electronics and rigging accessories. Whether you’re targeting salmon on Lake Ontario or walleye on Lake Erie, our staff can set you up with a reliable trolling system that fits your boat and budget.