it does work, but you need to have a lure that will hit bottom at slow speed, and be prepared to lose one to snags and stuff, but it works.
Was just wondering is anyone has any success trolling for flatties. Heading to the Pin tomorrow annd instead of cruising from spot to spot I was thinking of slow trolling hard bodies along the droppofs along the way.
Is it worth the trouble? When trolling palagics I sit on about 14kph, but I was thinking probably half that speed for these guys?
What do you think?
Cheech
it does work, but you need to have a lure that will hit bottom at slow speed, and be prepared to lose one to snags and stuff, but it works.
I havent worked the pin before but this is what i normally do. If have a leccy it makes things easier. If not troll as slow as you can go. Pick lures that are according to the depth your working, making sure that the bib is hitting the floor. Water around 2 or so metres, lures like flatz ratz and such are nice. Also make sure you sound around for likely structure and not aimlessly driving around all day. If it was me though i might use a trolling technique to maybe locate an area where the fish are congregating then through plastics or hardobies in that area to maximise your results. Good luck i was thinking of heading out to chase some more jacks tomorrow but the wind isnt looking to nice, although afternoon storms are right on track.
i usually go as slow as my boat will let me, any water between 2-4m making sure your lure can get down that deep. black and yellow coloured ones work very well for me good luck and good fishing.
I prefer drifting instead ,depends on the flow and wind directions of course.
George
At Heaven's gate a soldier stood,
his story ready to tell,
St Peter said, 'no need my son all is understood,
Go right in cos you've already served your time in Hell'
Cheech, I agree with Budge. Troll an area that you would be prepared to cast and retrieve at as well, that way your not just aimlessly cruising around wasting time and fuel. If I found a fish or two in an area while trolling I would then anchor/drift and work the area properly with SP's. Type and colour of HB for trolling is less important than ensuring that it is near the bottom and regularly bumping the bottom. Good luck, I got a few down there yesterday
Haven't been trolling for flatties in ages but have done well down the pin fishing fairly shallow water about 1 meter with attacks and stretch 5s.
A few years back I invested in a trip or 2 with Brad Smith (a Pro who charters) on the Gold Coast & learnt so much from the guy. He is "Tha Man" when it comes to the waters of the coast. Trolling his own design hard bodied lures around the pin, broadwater & in the canals for a HEAP of fish & he shares so much information with you. I learnt so much in a couple of hours & still base a lot of my techniques on his knowledge.
To answer your question, trolling can be/& is - deadly on flatties of all sizes.
i have alot of luck trolling for flatties in the pacific harbour canals. i use lures that just touch the bottom its great because i cover lots of ground and catch alot of fish plus i catch cod at the same time.
I have had luck with the halco poltergeist in the orange/gold/chrome colour for this kind of fishing. Grab one of em, they do the biz.
Drop that to about 2 - 3 k and you are around the mark.Originally Posted by Cheech
try trolling red mr twisters i have benn catching flatties for 15 years on them ,they always come up with the goods. cut your trolling speed right down as slow as 2ks if possible. and away you go. bob
Thanks Guys. I gave it a go on Saturday, but I was trolling too fast. Will drop it right back next time.