Flathead trolling

[DaneCross]

Hi everyone,
We've been working on our flathead catching technique over the past few weeks in the lead-up to this years 'Flathead Classic', just looking for a few tips on trolling. I have a Quintrex 475 Bayhunter with a 50hp 4-stroke Merc on the back, we've been reasonably successful but we have to basically bring the revs down to a 'chugg' to troll at what I think is a good speed. My first question is, can this constant chugging do damage to the motor? And secondly, are there any ways of slowing the boat down during the troll (someone suggested a couple of buckets over the side)?
Any suggestions?
DC

[mackmauler]

Try a smaller prop, the 4s dont seem to mind going slow.

[DaneCross]

By 'good speed' I meant, speed at which the diving minnow lures (i.e. Manns 5+, Manns 10+, miro mullets etc) work without popping out the surface.

[DaneCross]

Would a smaller prop effect top end speed, or any other performance aspect?

[mackmauler]

Yeah it would but so would leaving a bucket out there

[peterbo3]

DC,
I'm with MM. The smaller prop will give you a wider rev band to operate in. Might knock a bit off your top speed but is far cheaper than fitting an electric with associated deep cycle battery.

[webby]

You can buy a foil type set up that comes down behind the prop and reduce your thrust, not sure of the technical name for them.
Or where you would purchase one.
But there worth a try.
regards

[Big_Muddie]

One type called "Troll Easy" is available from Solas Props - $149 - see here http://www.solas.com.au/troll.htm

[DaneCross]

does anyone know if one of these attachments from solas affects performance in any other way. i guess i could just take it off when i'm done

[Chris.Y]

DC , you don't have to troll super slow to catch flatty's, a mate of mine always trolls at about 4.5kph & often outfishes me. Just make sure your lures are tuned properly. I think he gets a lot of impulse strikes from the fish .
The low revs won't harm the motor you've got ( they will idle all day ). A good tactic while trolling is to drop the motor into neutral every now & then, especially when you go over drop offs. You could also try trolling shad style plastics with lge paddle tails using the same method, just make sure they're on the bottom & the fish will come runnin. Plastics are also a good option when the snot weed is around (which is always when the comps on)
Good luck & have fun

Cheers Chris

[flytime]

HI dc ,
I've been trolling lures for about 10 years or more.
I have used 10ft punt with a 4hp to my 4.3 with a 50 fourstroke.My 50 4/stroke is miles better on speed and feul economy, for trolling lures.If your having problems with lures popping up.let alot more line out.And it only takes a small bit of weed or a bit of mud on bib or hooks to make the lure unbalanced.And pop to the top.Braid is by far the best for trolling.It pulls the lure deeper and it lets you tell if the tip of your rods not vibrating.something is caught on your lure.I have a standard prop on mine.And have no troubles. Hope this helps .
regards steve

[bungie]

I was told by a tackle shop owner to place a rubber band over my rod so that it brings the line from the top runner, down to the level of the reel. Would do the same as letting out more line ????

[DaneCross]

Cheers guys, a lot of handy information there. Yeh, I think part of my problem has been using shitty lures, I've found that using the better quality lures, I can troll faster, keep the lures on the bottom longer and in turn catch more fish.
Thanks for input,
DC