Page 16 - ODUMar-Apr2019

Shops are real sweethearts! We run the baits off of 10lb. Berkley XT line, which has been the standard

for trolling walleyes for years. The Off Shore planer boards we run have a very heavy ballasted system
so boards can be trolled slowly without tipping. They are also great for handling rough conditions. When
trolling crankbaits, we like to modify the clip set-up on the boards to what we call “The Pro Set-Up”. We
remove the release hardware and the OR16 (Red) release from the back of the board. The board comes
from the factory with and OR19 (Orange) release that is mounted straight out on the arm and we add
another OR19 just behind that one so it’s aimed back at about a 45- degree angle (the board comes with
a pre-drilled hole for this modification). The advantage of the “Pro Set-Up” is that it makes the boards
easier to read because they will “tip back” more when a fish is on. It also makes removing the boards

easy, especially when you are fighting a fish by yourself.)

The rip rap and depth along a dam never stays
constant. Larger rocks, flatter sections, and wind-
eroded cuts hide beneath the water. Wind plays a
factor too. The only goal of this first trolling path is

to locate these structural elements and trigger a
couple of over-anxious males to provide a clue into
the night’s details.

As darkness falls casting becomes the better option.

We start with any lure from the Berkley Cutter family
and put the bait right up on the edge of the
shoreline. The Cutter 90 is smaller than the 110
while the 110+ dives a bit deeper. A Berkley Digger
3.5 will also tempt fish when bounced off the rocks.

Having four or five Bass Pro Shops or Cabelas 6’3”,
fast action Prodigy spinning rods rigged up with
different lures can help stay on top of the changing
bite. Half of the rods should be rigged with a no-
stretch line like Berkley Ultra 8 Carrier Fireline. For a
different sink rate and presentation, the other rods

should be rigged with 8-lb Berkley Trilene XL. The
stretchy monofilament line puts a slightly different
action into the lure while also keeping the lure higher
in the water column.

If possible, nose the boat into shallow water and cast
parallel to shore. Start with a constant, but
extremely slow retrieve and eventually work pauses
into a classic jerkbait cadence. Be patient as each
night progresses differently. In some cases that
initial nightfall will be a hot bite, but others will be

delayed until much later.

On dark nights solid colors like Fools’ Gold and Pearl