How many strikes...when trolling?

I received the attached LINK today.

The fish may be European Northern Pike, but the video shows what we can't see when trolling. Only a few minutes. Enjoy.

richg99

"How many Strikes?"
https://youtu.be/15d-aumX6Sg

Cool video

Always thought there were more fish than I was seeing.
richg99

I always thougth there were more fish than I was catching.

There are fish in the water?

I've seen similar videos for trout. It is amazing how many unsuccessful strikes there are, even from the same fish.

While trolling for walleye I get most of my strikes when I let the lure drop back after a steady speed.
Need to give the "follows" a reason to strike. I troll 10-15 seconds steady, then let it drop back 4-5'. If no response I bring the rod back to the "steady troll" position and go again. I get relatively few strikes on a "dead stick" compared to one actively worked.

Good point, bunny. I believe the same is true when cranking. A hesitation now and then can bring a strike.

richg99

bunny said:

While trolling for walleye I get most of my strikes when I let the lure drop back after a steady speed.
Need to give the "follows" a reason to strike. I troll 10-15 seconds steady, then let it drop back 4-5'. If no response I bring the rod back to the "steady troll" position and go again. I get relatively few strikes on a "dead stick" compared to one actively worked.

Click to expand...

I'm with you and Rich on this. I am constantly making turns and changing speed while trolling. Seems to "up" the action considerably. While I don't do it intentionally, I occasionally get a little to aggressive and accidentally drag my down rigger weights across shoals/ledges. Seems I get a fair percentage of bass hook-ups when that happens. I see them dragging. Rush back to raise the riggers a few feet so I don't get hung up. Rod keeps bouncing and what do you know, fish on. Kind of a Keystone Cops moment.

Lots of pros recommend banging your crankbaits intó timber to draw a strike.

richg99