The Crolling Fishing Technique (Trolling)

Trolling or trolling is the fishing technique with which one or more gear is dragged behind the boat. This modality is practiced both in the lake and in the sea, fishing with artificial lures or natural bait. The speed with which the trolling is done depends on the species that you want to fish and also on the type of bait that is being used.

Necessary material for trolling (Trolling)

For this technique, a good quality rod and reel with a good fishing line, usually nylon, are required. Trolling is done from a moving boat, canoe, or kayak.

You can use a variety of lures of different sizes, styles and colors (spinnerbaits, soft plastics, metal or hard plastic lures) or even fresh bait for trolling or trolling behind the boat.

Types of trolling

Coastal Tricancer

It is the trolling that is practiced, as its name indicates, at a shallow depth and, normally, near the coast.

The most common catches are usually medium or small in size. However, it is not uncommon to capture large pieces with this modality.

Since large predators approach the coast in search of food.

Deep Sea Fishing Trolling

The trolling or "trolling" of height is one of the hardest modalities that we can practice, logically, for the catches that we can get.

The target is large predators such as tuna, marlin, etc. Which weigh several tens of kilos. Hence its difficulty, if we manage to hook one of these giants, we must be well prepared for a hard and long fight to get it on board our boat.

This type of sport fishing is usually practiced in remote areas, even several miles from the coast.

A detail to take into account, when fishing for these giants, is the speed of the boat, we must navigate at a minimum speed of about 8 knots. Since our targets like speed and, in fact, they are very, very fast.

bottom trolling

Bottom trolling is the one we practice at depths greater than 30 meters, and even more, usually reaching the bottom of the area where we are.

Generally, the objective is the capture of large fish that, in general, are at a greater depth.

This technique requires specialized gear to ensure that our lure reaches the bottom and stays on it while the boat moves.

Species that fish with trolling

Yellowfin tuna

They can weigh up to 180kg and are usually caught offshore trolling.

Yellowfin tuna are fabulous fighters so you need the right gear to catch one.

Bonito

The bonito (Sarda sarda) is a fast tuna that hunts sardines, anchovies, horse mackerel and mackerel. It has a dark and striped back, while its belly is silver. They can become 80 cm long and weigh up to 8 kg.

It is mainly caught trolling using feathers and all kinds of artificial lures of about 5-10cm at a speed of about 5 knots.

Gold

Also known as the llampuga (Coryphaena hippurus), the dorado has its very peculiar shape with its flattened head, a long dorsal fin and its vivid colors ranging from dark blue and green on top and yellow on the sides.

It is an aggressive fish that attacks virtually all trolled lures. The dorado loves to hide under floating obstacles in the high seas, such as a dead tree, branches or a rope. Making a trolling pass close to the obstacle can produce extraordinary results.

His physiognomy makes him a very fast swimmer. He can weigh more than 15 kg and measure a meter in length.

black marlin

The black marlin (Istiompax indica) is slightly larger than the blue marlin. They can reach 4,5m and weigh more than 750kg. They belong to the billfish family: marlin, swordfish and imperial marlin.

This fantastic fighter feeds mainly on fish, octopus and squid. He is usually caught trolling on the high seas, using artificial lures or natural bait (bonito, mackerel...).

Blue Marlin

The Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) is probably the most emblematic species for sport fishermen. This fantastic fighter feeds mainly on fish, octopus and squid. They can weigh up to 750 kg and measure up to 4,5m.

It is usually caught trolling on the high seas, using artificial lures or natural bait (bonito, mackerel...).

Sailfish

The sailfish (Istiophorus) is one of the most desired species in the world of sport fishing. Often described as the fastest fish in the sea, sailfish can weigh up to 90 kg and measure 3 meters in length.

They prefer the high seas and deep reefs. They can usually be seen on the surface, where they seek out warmer waters.

It is fished trolling with lures or with natural bait (bonito, mackerel...). Once it has dived, it usually begins a fast and frantic fight with many spectacular jumps.