View source for Trolling (fishing)

{{Short description|Practice of fishing by drawing a baited line or lure behind a boat}}
{{distinguish|Trawling}}
{{use dmy dates|date=September 2018}}
[[File:Trolling drawing.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|Artist's conception of tuna trolling operation, using outriggers to tow multiple trolling lines and give the appearance of [[Shoaling and schooling|schooling]] fish]]

'''Trolling''' is a method of [[fishing]] where one or more [[fishing line]]s, baited with [[fishing lure|lures]] or [[bait fish]], are drawn through the water at a consistent, low speed. This may be behind a moving boat, or by slowly winding the line in when fishing from a static position, or even sweeping the line from side-to-side, e.g. when fishing from a [[jetty]]. Trolling is used to catch [[pelagic fish]] such as salmon, [[mackerel]] and [[King mackerel|kingfish]].

In American English, trolling can be phonetically confused with [[trawling]], a different method of fishing where a [[Fishing net|net]] (trawl) is drawn through the water instead of lines. Trolling is used both for [[recreational fishing|recreational]] and [[commercial fishing]] whereas trawling is used mainly for commercial fishing.

Trolling from a moving boat involves moving quite slowly through the water. This can be accomplished with the use of a special [[trolling motor]]. Multiple lines are often used, and [[outrigger]]s can be used to spread the lines more widely and reduce their chances of tangling. [[Downrigger]]s can also be used to keep the lures or baits trailing at a desired depth.

==Line-spreading trolling devices==
[[File:Trolling for bluefish2.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4| {{center|"Trolling for blue fish" [[lithograph]]<br />by [[Currier & Ives]], 1866}}]]

===Outriggers===
[[Outrigger]]s are poles which allow a boat to troll several lines in the water without tangling. A boat which trolls enough lines can simulate a [[Shoaling and schooling|school of fish]].<ref>{{cite book| last= Ettingshausen | first= A | year=2006| url= | page= [https://books.google.com/books?id=OSmNuxANbV8C&pg=PA143 143]| title= Fishing for Beginners| publisher= Pan Macmillan Australia | isbn= 978-1-4050-3749-5 }}</ref><ref>Slatter SO [http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6668745.html Outrigger assembly] United States Patent 6668745, issued 2003.</ref><ref>Francis ER [http://www.google.co.nz/patents?hl=en&lr=&vid=USPAT4858370&id=rFE3AAAAEBAJ&oi=fnd&dq=+school|schooling|shoal|shoaling+outrigger++troll|trolling++&printsec=abstract#v=onepage&q=school|schooling|shoal|shoaling%20outrigger%20%20troll|trolling&f=false Fishing lure for simulated feeding] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926210112/http://www.google.co.nz/patents?hl=en&lr=&vid=USPAT4858370&id=rFE3AAAAEBAJ&oi=fnd&dq=+school%7Cschooling%7Cshoal%7Cshoaling+outrigger++troll%7Ctrolling++&printsec=abstract#v=onepage&q=school%7Cschooling%7Cshoal%7Cshoaling%20outrigger%20%20troll%7Ctrolling&f=false |date=26 September 2011 }} Patent number: 4858370, issued 22 August 1989.</ref>

===Downrigger===
[[Downrigger]] are devices used while trolling to keep a bait or lure at the desired depth. In practice, fish swim at different depths according to factors such as the temperature and amount of light in the water, and the speed and direction of water currents.<ref name=Moritz>Moritz AJL [http://www.google.co.nz/patents?hl=en&lr=&vid=USPAT3897648&id=_kc2AAAAEBAJ&oi=fnd&dq=troll|trolling+fish|fishing&printsec=abstract#v=onepage&q=troll|trolling%20fish|fishing&f=false Trolling line sinkers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926210122/http://www.google.co.nz/patents?hl=en&lr=&vid=USPAT3897648&id=_kc2AAAAEBAJ&oi=fnd&dq=troll%7Ctrolling+fish%7Cfishing&printsec=abstract#v=onepage&q=troll%7Ctrolling%20fish%7Cfishing&f=false |date=26 September 2011 }} Patent number: 2645053, Issued: July 1953.</ref> A downrigger consists of a one or two metre horizontal pole which supports a weight, typically about {{cvt|3|kg}} of lead, on a steel cable. A clip called a "line release" attaches the fishing line to the weight, and the bait or lure is attached to the release. The fishing line is reeled in by a spool powered either by manual cranking or by an electric motor.<ref>Schultz 2009, pp. 219–220.</ref> Using a downrigger can be hazardous. For example, man-made reservoirs can contain submerged trees and other structures beneath the surface which downriggers can snag.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

===Paravanes===
"Paravanes" (underwater kites) are sometimes used as depth controlling devices,<ref>Larson W [http://www.google.co.nz/patents?hl=en&lr=&vid=USPAT4486970&id=82wzAAAAEBAJ&oi=fnd&dq=troll|trolling+fish|fishing&printsec=abstract#v=onepage&q=troll|trolling%20fish|fishing&f=false Trolling depth controller] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926210126/http://www.google.co.nz/patents?hl=en&lr=&vid=USPAT4486970&id=82wzAAAAEBAJ&oi=fnd&dq=troll%7Ctrolling+fish%7Cfishing&printsec=abstract#v=onepage&q=troll%7Ctrolling%20fish%7Cfishing&f=false |date=26 September 2011 }} Patent number 4486970, issued 11 December 1984.</ref> particularly in commercial tuna fishing operations. These kites have various shapes, such as arrowhead paravanes, flexi-wing paravanes, and bi-wing paravanes.<ref name="fishing">{{cite web|url=http://www.fishing.sh/htmfiles/seabirds/danielsolander.html |title=Tuna Fishing an Underwater Bait Setting Device |publisher= | website= fishing.sh| access-date= 2015-08-31}}</ref> The devices can place the lure or bait at designated depths and positions; and in this way multiple devices can be towed at the same time without the devices and bait interfering with each other.<ref name="google">{{cite web|url= https://patents.google.com/patent/US2914884 |title=Patent US2914884 - Trolling device | publisher= | via=Google Patents |access-date=2015-08-31}}</ref>

===Spreaders===
"Spreaders" allow multiple baited hooks or lures to be trolled from a single line. There are many inventive spreader designs, such as devices which cause the baited hooks or lures to move in [[Helix|helical]] patterns, in a sophisticated emulation of the schooling behaviour of a group of fish.<ref>Barnett OL [http://www.google.co.nz/patents?lr&vid=USPAT4920687&dq=troll|trolling%20fish|fishing&printsec=abstract&id=GZQeAAAAEBAJ&output=text&pg=PA4 Rotating fishing lure spreader for use while trolling] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926210144/http://www.google.co.nz/patents?lr&vid=USPAT4920687&dq=troll%7Ctrolling%20fish%7Cfishing&printsec=abstract&id=GZQeAAAAEBAJ&output=text&pg=PA4 |date= 26 September 2011 }} Patent number 4920687, Issued 1 May 1990.</ref>

===Planer boards===
"Planer boards" are trolled devices designed to spread fishing lures out away from the fishing vessel. They allow multiple lines to be trolled. They come in dual board and inline board designs. Dual board designs consist of two boards that are spaced apart and attached by a line to a mast near the front of the boat with a separate fishing line in a spring tension release clip that separates when the fishing line is set. Inline boards are attached directly to the fishing line and a spring tension clip that releases upon setting or tripping the planer board so it slides down the fishing line to a swivel tied several feet in front of the lure. Inlines are popular with [[walleye]] and [[wahoo]]<ref name= "thetackleroom">{{cite web|url= https://thetackleroom.com/blogs/news/how-to-inline-planer-fishing|title=How To: Inline Planer Fishing | first=Timothy| last= Lewis|publisher= | website= thetackleroom.com|access-date= 2024-02-05}}</ref> [[fishermen]]. Once tripped they offer much less resistance when reeling in a fish.<ref name= "walleyecentral">{{cite web|url= http://www.walleyecentral.com/articles/?a=192|title=Tips For Using Inline Planer Boards | first=Julia (Juls) | last= Davis|publisher= | website= walleyecentral.com| access-date= 2015-08-31}}</ref><ref name= "howstuffworks">{{cite web|url= http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/fishing/freshwater-tips/walleye/walleye-fishing-techniques2.htm|title= Walleye Fishing with a Planer Board |date=20 November 2008 |publisher= | website= adventure.howstuffworks.com|access-date= 2015-08-31}}</ref><ref name= "planerboard">{{cite web| url=http://www.planerboard.com/how-to-use-a-planer-board-for-trolling/|title=How to Use a Planer Board for Trolling|publisher= |website= planerboard.com|access-date=2015-08-31|archive-date=18 June 2021| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210618141932/https://www.planerboard.com/how-to-use-a-planer-board-for-trolling/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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==Baits and lures==
{{More citations needed section|date=February 2021}}
[[Image:Fishing lure.jpg|thumb|right|Fishing lures are made in various creative designs like this top-water lure.]]
[[Image:Fishing lure spoon.png|thumb|70px|right|[[Spoon lure]]]]

To be effective, trolling [[Fishing bait|baits]] and [[Fishing lure|lures]] must have the visual ability to attract fish and intrigue them with the way they move through the water.<ref>LeBoeuf KP [http://www.google.co.nz/patents?hl=en&lr=&vid=USPAT4215506&id=xNQrAAAAEBAJ&oi=fnd&dq=troll|trolling+fish|fishing&printsec=abstract#v=onepage&q=troll|trolling%20fish|fishing&f=false Trolling lure and method of making same] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926210151/http://www.google.co.nz/patents?hl=en&lr=&vid=USPAT4215506&id=xNQrAAAAEBAJ&oi=fnd&dq=troll%7Ctrolling+fish%7Cfishing&printsec=abstract#v=onepage&q=troll%7Ctrolling%20fish%7Cfishing&f=false |date=26 September 2011 }} Patent number: 4215506, issued 5 August 1980.</ref> Most trolling lures are designed to look and behave like dying, injured, or fast moving fish. They include:
* [[Surface lure]]s, also known as topwater lures or stickbaits. They float and resemble prey that is on top of the water. They can make a popping sound from a concave-cut head, a burbling sound from "side fins" or scoops or a buzzing commotion from one or several propellers.
* [[Plugs (fishing)|Plugs]] are also known as crankbaits. These lures have a fishlike body shape and as they troll through the water they make various movements caused by instability due to a scoop under their heads.
* [[Swimbait]], a minnow-like soft plastic bait that is reeled like a plug. Some have swimming tails.
* [[Spoon lures]] resemble the bowl of a table spoon. They flash in the light while randomly wobbling or darting due to their shape.<ref>{{cite book| last= Sternberg| first= Dick | year= 2003| page= [https://books.google.com/books?id=4Bwc3bjwj7UC&dq=jigging&pg=PA264 264]| title= The Ultimate Guide to Freshwater Fishing| publisher= Publishing Solutions| isbn= 0-9725580-0-4}}</ref>
* [[Spinnerbait]], pieces of wire bent at about a 60-degree angle with a hook on the lower end and a flashy spinner mechanism on the upper end.

Trolling baits and lures are either tied with a knot, such as the [[improved clinch knot]], or connected with a tiny safety pin-like device called a "snap" onto the fishing line which is in turn connected to the reel. The reel is attached to a rod. The motion is of the lure is made by winding line back on to the [[reel]], by sweeping the fishing rod, jigging movements with the [[fishing rod]], or by trolling behind a moving boat. Lures can be contrasted with [[Artificial fly|artificial flies]], commonly called ''flies'' by [[Fly fishing|fly fishers]], which either float on the water surface, slowly sink or float underwater, in imitation some form of insect fish food. However some flies, such as the [[trolling tandem streamer fly]], are designed for trolling behind a moving boat.

As an example, [[marlin]] lures are typically {{cvt|7|–|14|in|cm}} or more long with a shaped plastic or metal head and a plastic skirt. The design of the lure head, particularly its face, gives the lure its individual action when trolled through the water. Lure actions range from an active side-to-side swimming pattern to pushing water aggressively on the surface to, most commonly, tracking along in a straight line with a regular surface pop and bubble trail. Besides the shape, weight and size of the lure head, the length and thickness of skirting, the number and size of hooks and the length and size of the leader used in lure rigging all influence the action of the lure: how actively it will run and how it will respond to different sea conditions. Experienced anglers fine tune their lures to get the action they want. Specialized lures made specifically for trolling [[swordfish]] use plastic [[glow sticks]].

A pattern of four or more lures can be trolled at varying distances behind the boat. Lures may be fished either straight from the rod tip ("flat lines"), or from outriggers.

In addition to attaching a lure to the fishing line, an oval piece of metal (often hammered or curved for reflective purposes) called a dodger is often used to attract fish from greater distances. Lures designed for trolling with downriggers include metal "spoons" that are often decorated with colour tape, and plastic or rubber "squids" with various colours.

A [[Daisy chain (fishing)|daisy chain]] is a chain of plastic lures which have no hooks. Their purpose is to function as teasers which attract a school of fish closer to the lures that do have hooks.<ref name="alltackle">{{cite web|url=http://www.alltackle.com/MCSquidDaisyChain.jpg|title=Image: MCSquidDaisyChain.jpg, (191 × 223 px)|publisher= | website= alltackle.com| access-date= 2015-08-31|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303223844/http://www.alltackle.com/MCSquidDaisyChain.jpg|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Trolling speed==
[[Image:bassboat1.jpg|thumb|right|Aluminium [[bass boat]] with [[trolling motor]]<ref>Matthews CL et al [http://www.google.co.nz/patents?hl=en&lr=&vid=USPAT4386918&id=tG04AAAAEBAJ&oi=fnd&dq=troll|trolling+fish|fishing&printsec=abstract#v=onepage&q=troll|trolling%20fish|fishing&f=false Trolling motor steering device] Patent number 4386918, issued 7 June 1983.</ref>]]

Baits and lures are typically trolled at speeds up to {{convert|9|kn|km/h|lk=in}}, though speeds up to {{convert|15|kn|km/h}} can be used, particularly when boats are travelling to different fishing areas. The speed at which the lure is pulled through the water impacts on the fishing success. The optimum trolling speed varies with different species of fish, with weather conditions and the time of year, and other conditions. [[Chinook salmon]] can be successfully trolled at higher speeds than more docile [[lake trout]]. For these reasons fishermen use devices that accurately track speed.<ref name=Moritz /> [[Trolling motor]]s calibrate speed more accurately than large outboard motors. Trolling plates are also used with larger motors to slow the boat to the desired speed, although some anglers experience mixed results with plates.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

Trolling can be effective at surprisingly low speeds. [[Kayak fishing|Kayaks]] fitted with a deck-mounted bracket for holding a rod can be paddled to troll effectively for salmon.<ref>Daniel, L (1997) [https://books.google.com/books?id=he0A_psGKuoC&pg=PA79 ''Kayak Cookery: A Handbook of Provisions and Recipes''] Page 79, Edition 2. Menasha Ridge Press, {{ISBN|978-0-89732-236-2}}</ref>

==Recreational trolling==
In marine environments, trolling is used in [[big-game fishing]] to catch large offshore or open-water species such as [[tuna]] and [[marlin]]. Saltwater [[angling|anglers]] also troll for [[Coastal fish|inshore species]] such as [[bluefish]], kingfish and various [[Carangidae|jacks]].<ref name=Schultz>Ken Schultz (1999) [https://web.archive.org/web/20091212095156/http://www.gofishn.com/content/trolling ''Ken Schultz's Fishing Encyclopedia'']</ref>

[[Rock fishing|Rock fishermen]] can use an umbrella rig as a method of trolling without using a boat. Typically, an umbrella rig consists of four plastic neon green lures with a lead dragging behind. An additional lure is attached to the lead. Only the lure behind the lead need have hooks attached because this lure can appear to a stalking fish as a wounded or sick laggard in a [[Shoaling and schooling|school]], making it a more likely target.<ref>Schultz 2009, p. 218.</ref>

A pattern of multiple baits or lures can be trolled at varying distances behind a boat. Lures can be fished straight from the rod tip (flat line), or from outriggers. Purpose designed sinkers exist to control the trolling depth on freshwater lakes.<ref>Weber RW [http://www.google.co.nz/patents?hl=en&lr=&vid=USPAT3844059&id=MTc5AAAAEBAJ&oi=fnd&dq=troll|trolling+fish|fishing&printsec=abstract#v=onepage&q=troll|trolling%20fish|fishing&f=false Fishing device] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926210212/http://www.google.co.nz/patents?hl=en&lr=&vid=USPAT3844059&id=MTc5AAAAEBAJ&oi=fnd&dq=troll%7Ctrolling+fish%7Cfishing&printsec=abstract#v=onepage&q=troll%7Ctrolling%20fish%7Cfishing&f=false |date=26 September 2011 }} Patent number 3844059, issued October 1974.</ref>

Freshwater anglers can also find trolling effective. Recreational fishermen can successfully troll lakes and reservoirs for [[salmon]] and [[trout]]. It can be the method of choice for catching the elusive [[Muskellunge|muskie]], and a useful technique for catching [[walleye]], [[black bass]] and [[striped bass]].<ref name=Schultz /> For light and medium freshwater gamefishing, any reasonably robust casting or spinning rod can be used as a [[Fishing rod#Trolling rods|trolling rod]]. Effective trolling rods should be fairly stiff with a relatively fast action, since "whippy" slow action rods are frustrating to troll with.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

<gallery mode=packed style=float:left heights=146px>
File:TURTLE BAY RESORT BOATING DSC01590.JPG|Trolling for fish in Hawaii
File:Inflatable boat-001.jpg|Inflatable boat with small electric trolling outboard motor
File:Uistelu2.jpg|Trolling boats at the Finnish trolling championships
File:Uistelu.jpg|Trolling during the Finnish championships
</gallery>
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==Commercial trolling==
Commercial trolling vessels catch fish by towing astern one or more trolling lines. The trolling lines are [[fishing line]]s with [[Bait fish|natural]] or [[Fishing lure|artificial baited]] [[Fishing hook|hooks]] trailed by a vessel near the surface or at a certain depth. Several lines can be towed at the same time using outriggers to keep the lines apart. The lines can be hauled in manually or by small winches. A length of rubber is often included in each line as a shock absorber. The trolling line is towed at a speed depending on the target species, from 2.3 knots up to at least 7 knots. Trollers range from small open boats to large refrigerated vessels 30 meters long. In many tropical [[Artisan fishing|artisanal fisheries]], trolling is done with sailing canoes with outriggers for stability. With properly designed vessels, trolling is an economical and efficient way of catching [[tuna]], [[mackerel]] and other [[pelagic fish]] swimming close to the surface. Purpose-built trollers are usually equipped with two or four trolling booms raised and lowered by topping lifts, held in position by adjustable stays. Electrically powered or hydraulic reels can be used to haul in the lines.<ref>[[FAO]]: Fishing Vessel type: [http://www.fao.org/fishery/vesseltype/360/en Trollers]</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.fao.org/figis/servlet/IRS?iid=7979| title = Drawing (FAO)| access-date = 12 June 2010| archive-date = 24 September 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924142201/http://www.fao.org/figis/servlet/IRS?iid=7979| url-status = dead}}</ref>

<gallery mode=packed style=float:left heights=180px>
File:Drawing of a troll vessel.gif|Diagram of a commercial troll vessel using outriggers to tow trolling lines
File:Trolling photo Atlantic.jpg|[[Fishing vessel]] trolling for [[tuna]] in the Atlantic
File:Pacific ocean-fishing for tuna-commercial trolling vessel.jpg| Trolling for tuna in the Pacific
File:Trolling illustration, Historic American Engineering Record.png|Commercial trolling in Alaska
</gallery>
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Commercial trolling for tuna is more successful near [[Ocean bank (topography)|offshore banks]] than in open water areas, and is also enhanced in the vicinity of a [[fish aggregation device]] (FAD).<ref>Buckley RM, Itano DG and Buckley TW (1989) [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/umrsmas/bullmar/1989/00000044/00000002/art00038 "Fish Aggregation Device (FAD) Enhancement of Offshore Fisheries in American Samoa"] ''Bulletin of Marine Science'', '''44''' (2): 942-949.</ref>

==Historic trolling==
Historically, in Alaska, hand hook and line trolling were used commercially to catch king and silver salmon in salt water. This method required minimal gear-boat, lines and hooks—and was used to catch fish that were still feeding in open water before returning to spawn. Trolling was very successful in southeast Alaska and historically the catch was used by the fresh and mild-cured fish packing industries. Power boats located near feeding grounds conducted most of the trolling. Each boat had four to ten lines, extending from tall poles hung outboard when fishing; each line carried several hooks, with heavy lead sinkers and spoons or baits as lures. Trolling lengthened the fishing season, allowing fishermen to fish in early spring before spawning runs.<ref>Sisk, John (29 May 2007) [https://www.conservationgateway.org/ConservationByGeography/NorthAmerica/UnitedStates/alaska/seak/era/cfm/Documents/9.5_SalmonIndustry.pdf "The Southeastern Alaska Salmon Industry: Historical Overview and Current Status"] ''Southeast Alaska Conservation Assessment'', Chapter 9.5.</ref><ref>Hadman, Ballard (2015) [https://books.google.com/books?id=mDVwCwAAQBAJ&q=%22As+the+Sailor+Loves+the+Sea%22 ''As the Sailor Loves the Sea''] Pickle Partners Publishing. {{ISBN|9781786254504}}.</ref>

{{multiple image
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 | header            = Historic trolling for salmon
 | header_align      = center
 | image1    = Salmon troller.jpg
 | width1    = 250
 | alt1      = 
 | caption1  = Alaskan salmon troller 1955
 | image2    = Preparing bait for salmon trolling.jpg
 | width2    = 158
 | alt2      = 
 | caption2  = Preparing the bait
 | image3    = Placing bait on hook for salmon trolling.jpg
 | width3    = 159
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 | caption3  = Putting bait on a hook
 | image4    = Hauling in salmon caught by trolling.jpg
 | width4    = 257
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 | caption4  = Hauling in a caught salmon
}}

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==See also==
* [[Longline fishing]]

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==References==
* [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troll Merriam-Webster] definition 2a: "to fish by trailing a lure or baited hook from a moving boat"
* [http://www.spc.int/coastfish/Fishing/Trolling_handbook/English/chap3s.pdf Instructions in trolling]
* Hall P (1992) [http://www.nt.gov.au/d/Content/File/p/Fishnote/FN10.pdf Trolling for Gamefish – Some Basic Techniques] ''Fishnote'' No. 10. Northern Territory Government, Australia.
* Schultz K (2009) [https://books.google.com/books?id=9EY39N9XkI0C&pg=PA218 ''Ken Schultz's Essentials of Fishing: The Only Guide You Need to Catch Freshwater and Saltwater Fish''] John Wiley and Sons. {{ISBN|978-0-470-44431-3}}.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100703012825/http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/content/media/MBA_SeafoodWatch_TrollingFactCard.pdf Trolling Fact Card] ''Seafood Watch''. Retrieved 23 January 2012.

{{fishing industry topics}}
{{fisheries and fishing}}

[[Category:Recreational fishing]]
[[Category:Fishing techniques and methods]]