Key Takeaways
- Outfit your Lund boat with quality trolling equipment to catch more fish. Design your working environment to help you get the most out of your more extended fishing adventures.
- Ensure your rods, reels, and lures (and line) are appropriate for the species being pursued and the conditions in which you’re fishing, increasing catch rates and success.
- Consider a fish finder, GPS, and autopilot systems to help you navigate better, find more fish, and keep a consistent course while trolling.
- Being willing to adjust your setup according to the weather, water conditions, and seasonal changes will help you remain effective and flexible out on the water.
- Perform thorough pre-trip checks and regular maintenance on motors, batteries, and all gear to avoid unexpected problems during your runs.
- Always prioritize safety by keeping essential gear onboard, monitoring weather, and following boating regulations for a secure and successful outing.
Setting up your Lund boat for successful trolling runs means paying close attention to every part that helps you catch more fish. I want tight rod holders, smooth line retrieval and a trolling motor that runs true. Quality equipment – sonar, nets, tackle boxes – make it easy to keep everything organized and ready to go.
A clean deck helps avoid tripping hazards and prevents lines from tangling and snagging on equipment. I run battery charge checks, make seat assignments and review safety equipment again. Now, with my Lund dialed in, I’m able to make the right passes over key hot spots and not lose a strike.
My aim is to help you keep things simple and trouble-free so you’re spending more time fishing and less time mending. Here’s how to take a trolling run, step by step.
Why Lund Boats Excel for Trolling
To this day, I recognize the tremendous benefit that the durability of Lund boats offer for trolling. The energy-efficient hull design provides a deceptively smooth and stable ride, even when the waters become choppy. Constructed with heavy-duty aluminum and discerning welds, these boats take a beating over the course of a long day on the lake.
I am not afraid of dings or bumps. The wider stance holds the deck stiff enough to remain level with no wobble as we walk around. This customized build means I get to spend many more years enjoying my boat, maximizing my fishing opportunities. I spend more time fishing and less time fixing it!
When it comes to space, Lund truly designs for every angler’s needs. The impressive decks provide plenty of room to spread out, accommodating multiple baits and tackle setups. I rarely get in the boat and need to arrange three or four rods, coolers, and tackle bags without tripping over gear.
The girth beam, often as much as 8 feet on larger models, allows us the ability to entertain fellow anglers. Lockers for rods and three deep storage bins maintain order. If I need to introduce a downrigger, planer boards, or a fish finder, all three have a convenient place.
I like to go out there, spread out my gear, drop the lines, and really focus on the run. Lund boats are some of the most versatile craft you can find. Whether I am on a small inland lake or a big river, the hull cuts through waves and stays dry, which is essential for comfortable fishing.
For walleye, I can slow way down; for salmon, I can go much faster—it’s all in the setup. Each boat lends itself to a variety of motors and trolling layouts, allowing for a range of fishing approaches. I’m not limited to one method of fishing only, keeping my travels easy, whether I’m fishing local lakes or heading out west.
Essential Trolling Gear Selection
Setting up my Lund boat for trolling calls for the right gear in the right place, including essential downriggers and rigger rods. Reliable equipment, such as matching reels and strong line, keeps each run smooth and safe, ensuring prime fishing opportunities. Here’s a quick list of what I keep on board: assorted lures, leaders, terminal tackle, and fish handling tools like nets and pliers.
1. Choosing the Right Rod Holders
I prefer rod holders that adjust to accommodate various lengths and types of rods, as I’m focused on both walleye and trout. I try to mount them where they’re within arm’s reach, but out of the way to minimize tangles.
These adjustable holders allow me to easily switch rods in and out when I’m trolling in shallow or deep water.
2. Selecting Trolling Rods and Reels
I typically use heavy to medium heavy action rods. They always come in at 7 to 9 feet long, giving me the confidence to fish for larger fish.
I pair them with reels that have gear ratios around 5:1 for steady line pickup. By testing rod and reel combos before heading out, I’m able to determine what feels best.
3. Understanding Downriggers and Planer Boards
Instead, downriggers allow my lures to be dropped to specific depths, so I can target saltwater salmon or lake trout at their desired depth layer.
Planer boards allow me to get lines out to the side of the boat, thus covering more water. Using both on a run means I can work deeper fish and those near the surface at the same time.
4. Picking Effective Trolling Lures
- Spoons for trout
- Crankbaits for walleye
- Flashers for salmon
- Spinners for pike
I change lure color and/or size with water clarity, as nothing reveals prime fishing opportunities like rotating lures through trial and error.
5. Essential Line and Leader Choices
Braid provides me the strength and sensitivity I need. I’ll put on mono or fluorocarbon leaders when fish are skittish.
I change line weight, starting at 10 pounds and working up to 30, depending on depth and speed.
6. Must-Have Terminal Tackle
In my tackle box I keep size 12 swivels, size 1 snaps, various weights of split shot and egg sinkers. Each item is already a perfect match for my chosen lure and line.
I bring a ton of extras with me, so I can change gear quickly if I need to.
7. Nets and Fish Handling Tools
The rubber-coated landing net protects fish for release. My go-to unhooking tools are long-handled pliers and fish grips.
The key is to check all tools before every single trip which will ensure they are always ready.
Optimizing Boat Control for Trolling
Boat control makes or breaks every trolling run. Keep an even pace to keep your lures lifelike. Trolling do’s Use your locator, then position your boat accordingly, following drop-offs or weed lines, where fish are lying in wait.
Wind and current conditions can be sporadic, at best. Be proactive and employ pattern intelligence to keep your line in the water. Even slight adjustments in speed and angle of presentation can greatly affect the action of your trolling lure and the way fish react to it.
Utilizing Your Kicker Motor
Since a kicker motor operates comparatively quiet, you can engage in a leisurely troll without alarming the fish. It gives you total control to go slow with intent. Fine-tuning boat control allows you to keep your bait at the proper depth and action.
Adjusting your pace with the throttle or by maneuvering the motor’s tilt will improve lure performance. Maintain the kicker—oil, fuel, and cables should be inspected regularly, preferably before every getaway.
Leveraging Bow Mount Trolling Motors
With bow mount motors, tight turns and holding in a line along structure is no problem. With remote controls or integrated GPS features, you can easily fine-tune your path, regardless of your position in the boat.
Ensure the motor does not interfere with rods and lines to avoid tangling. This will allow you to have better control over your track, especially in rough water, so mount it right at the bow.
Mastering Boat Speed Control Systems
Electronic speed control systems like digital throttles or dial-controlled units help you hold a set speed, even with waves or wind. Be responsive to the fish’s disposition—speed up when they’re biting, slow down if they’re not.
It requires some practice to get a feel for these controls, but the investment pays dividends with more controlled and smoother running trolling maneuvers.
Steering Techniques for Precision Paths
Controlled, gradual turns will prevent your lures from getting bumpy action. Maintaining a straight line while in wind or chop requires much less steering wheel input.
Paying attention to land masses or buoys to keep you on course is essential. Having visible markers to line up with keeps you honest.
Integrating Electronics for Success
On board a Lund fishing boat equipped with electronics, you’ll get a consistently unfair advantage in the troll. With your fish finders, GPS, and radios all integrated and networking in unison, you come to expect more than just dumb luck. You’ll have quality data that assists in identifying fish, monitoring depth, and locating best areas to cast.
Once I’m about to go, I go through and inspect every wire and screen very closely. Every piece of technology must power up fast and provide accurate, understandable results. This removes the guesswork during your time spent on the water.
Choosing and Mounting Fish Finders
When I choose a fish finder, I want a big, colorful, high-resolution display. With high-res models, you can really see fish, weeds, and drop-offs very clearly. I just try and set the finder where my eyes can see it quickly from the helm.
That way, I don’t have to worry about it not hitting the mark when I’m trolling. I regularly install software updates, so I’m constantly getting fresh maps and new features. For instance, new mapping layers for my chartplotter or sonar upgrades can completely affect the way I fish.
Maximizing GPS and Chartplotter Use
Having a GPS with built in chartplotter feature onboard helps me stay on sieged route. When I catch fish, I mark waypoints and drop waypoints where I catch them. On subsequent trips, I simply check those marks and go straight back.
We actively look at the chartplotter to identify ledges, holes and rock piles. This kind of information helps me choose the best trolling line, not just go with the pack.
Considering Marine Radio Communication
A working VHF radio is non-negotiable. It helps you to see where everyone else’s boats are and, if the weather suddenly changes course, too. I get to know the local channels and the best way to send an emergency call.
This equipment assists you in conversing with other boaters or fishermen about hot locations or high traffic to steer clear of.
Autopilot Systems for Hands-Free Trolling
When Autopilot is steering, I can pay attention to the rods, and not the wheel. If I take time to set a course, the autopilot will do the rest, holding the boat on line. It’s a digital world, and I monitor the system from time to time to keep it optimized.
This allows me to spend more time concentrating on what’s in demand.
Customizing Your Lund Layout
Customizing my Lund setup with the right trolling layout streamlines and simplifies future trolling runs. When I think about the boat’s space, I focus on maximizing every square inch so lines and rigging don’t get tripped over and gear is out of the way. I like to have tools, nets, and baits nearby to enhance my fishing opportunities.
For my rod holders, I place them where I can easily reach them without having to bend or reach. I bolt them down super tight with quality hardware that will survive rough water. Experimenting with different positions helps me arrive at a preferred layout, as some positions significantly reduce line tangles, especially when using rigger rods.
When you’re catching kings and lakers, you want to get to them in a hurry, so I secure them by the stern. I build with really heavy-duty T slot brackets and bolts. Prior to any trip, I ensure that each element is secure, functional, and operating smoothly.
This keeps the gear functional and in good shape, making every trip more enjoyable and less stressful. I organize tackle not by fish species or tackle type in my boxes. The compartments on my Lund help prevent messy trays from sliding around, which is crucial for a small boat angler.
I want to make very clear what each hatch or opening is for. This way, I can quickly find the right gear, even when it’s dark or rough water. For electronics, I run a separate battery to power my sonar and GPS, ensuring I have access to prime fishing opportunities.
This allows my main battery to always stay topped off for starting the engine. It’s wires and battery’s health check before going out. For long-distance travel, a solar charger or spare battery will ensure you can use your screens all day long.
Seats on board are outfitted with additional padding for marathon days. I choose seats that roll and rotate to keep everybody loose and on their toes.
Adapting Your Setup to Conditions
So, prior to every outing, I have to look at the weather and water. This allows me to have a pretty good handle on what the day is going to look like. Wind, waves and water clarity all affect how I rig my Lund boat for trolling.
I’m constantly switching lures and adjusting the depth that I’m presenting my bait and matching what the fish are wanting that day. Every single one of those trips is distinct, so being willing and fast to adjust is what keeps me landing more trips.
Adjusting for Wind and Waves
When the wind starts blowing and the conditions start getting tougher, I reach for heavier sinkers or larger lures. These help cut through the chop and hold my line steady.
I put the boat directly into the wind, as this provides the best control of the boat and the most consistent speed. When the waves are rolling high, I back off a tad to ensure I’m making my bait go straight and appear natural under the conditions.
Modifying for Water Clarity Changes
When the water is clear, I choose shiny and natural colored lures. When it goes cloudy, I switch to neon colors or glow-in-the-dark ones.
In murky water, I deliberately scent the lure so fish can locate it by smell. Fish might move up or down in the water, so I use a fish finder to check their depth and drop my lure to their level.
Targeting Specific Fish Species Effectively
Prior to departing, I research what fish are actively biting and adjust my approach accordingly. Some prefer their bait slow and deep, others a quick darting lure in the upper strata.
I keep a notebook of what worked on each trip—what bait, what color, what depth—so I can replicate the same setup on my return visit.
Seasonal Setup Variations
Fish move location and behavior patterns seasonally. I’m fishing with the right bait and the right presentation, the right speeds, to match the time of year.
If I stay alert to changes in water temperature, I can use those variations to help me select the most productive trolling times.
Pre-Trip Checks and Maintenance
Preparing my Lund boat for salmon trolling runs begins long before I drop the boat in the water. In summary, I use this basic checklist to help remember what needs checked before each trip. This ensures that everything gets addressed.
I make sure the fuel, safety gear, and all the tools I will need to operate the equipment. The purpose here is to have peace of mind before embarking on the trip that everything is configured correctly.
Engine and Motor Maintenance Basics
I try to keep to the engine maker’s schedule of simple maintenance. Always monitor the oil and coolant levels as well. I change the old filters as soon as they start to collect dirt or begin wearing out.
Before I fire up the engine, I always inspect the prop and lower unit for cracks, dents, or miscellaneous fishing line. Even a small slice in the prop can get me up on pad or even prevent me from turning left or right.
Electronics Functionality Checks
Wishful thinking aside, every trip I power up my fish finder, GPS, and radio before departure to ensure each is in working order. It’s important to keep their software up to date, so I regularly load the latest beta software.
Components such as cables and terminals can quickly become detached or loose with any sort of driving vibrations. Even things like making sure all the plugs are snug and not rusty. Whether the picture is fuzzy or buttons are sticky, I want to address it before I take it out for good.
Inspecting Trolling Gear Integrity
I check downriggers, rods, and reels for cracks, bent parts, or loose screws. If I see a frayed line or a cracked guide, I replace it.
I always have extra rod tips, fuses, and line in my kit. That way, I’ll be able to fix nearly anything right there on the water quickly, if necessary.
Battery Health and Charging Routine
I check my boat’s battery voltage with a multimeter and clean the terminals. Batteries are charged the night before.
I always have a spare or jump pack with me as a back-up. Keeping an eye on the battery meter while I’m trolling allowed me to identify issues before they became serious.
Safety Considerations for Trolling Runs
As I approach the subject of rigging my Lund boat for trolling operations, safety is always front and center in my decision making. By prioritizing safety, I’m confident every outing is a successful one, and my passengers are comfortable and at peace.
Before I do anything else, I look up the regulations for the waters I will be fishing. Every state and lake may have different requirements regarding life jackets, speed, or distance allowed to fish from shore. I discuss basic safety and emergency procedures with all those on board, even if they are frequent anglers. This approach helps ensure that, if anything does go south, everyone is clear on how to respond.
Essential Safety Gear Checklist
I maintain an up-to-date gear list that includes all the necessities for a safe fishing trip. This list features life jackets for everyone, a working fire extinguisher, flares, and a comprehensive first-aid kit. Before every outing, I inspect each item closely, ensuring that we are prepared for any fishing opportunities that may arise.
Keep life jackets accessible, not stored away. Flares and the boat’s first-aid kit rest in labeled dry boxes. After that, I tend to replace expired gear and supplement with the new items if new rules come out.
One especially important consideration is the safety of child passengers—particularly if you choose to bring kids along! I check their safety gear and make sure their gear is up to date.
Smart Weather Monitoring Practices
I use three weather apps on my phone and a marine radio to keep track of the forecast. Even if it’s beautiful when I leave, I have to monitor wind speed and any potential warnings for thunderstorms, as clear skies can turn very quickly.
If the weather is going to be bad, I always have a reverse course established to return. I let my crew know what the plan is. If the wind starts to kick up, or thunder begins to boom in the distance, we’ll be heading in.
Safe Boating and Navigation Rules
After doing a little research on local navigation rules, I was educated on right-of-way privileges, speed limits, and no-wake zones. I like to use paper charts along with my depth finder to avoid rocky or shoal areas.
When the lake becomes a bit crowded, I simply announce my area on the radio. That’s the best way to keep my crew, and everyone else’s crew, safe.
My Lund Trolling Journey Insights
Each time I prepare my Lund boat for a trolling run, a different lesson or insight is waiting to be discovered. Developing it properly requires a detailed eye and a subset of hard determination. At first, I encountered the inevitable snarl of lines and some wobbly rod holders.
It taught me to always check mounts twice and to carry some essential redundant tools on board. Simple repairs on the water, like changing a battery or re-tying a leader, all add up to saving hours. Gear hiccups still occur, but I’m starting to learn to travel with extra clips, replacement line and a mini-tool kit.
Overcoming Common Setup Hurdles
One of the largest challenges is figuring out how to rig everything and ensure that each component is compatible with the others. I store my rods, reels, and specific tackle ready and stowed in an easy to reach manner. The one time a rod tip broke, I just replaced it immediately from a backup rod I had hidden under the seat.
Sometimes quick thinking and staying calm is what gets you through when everything goes haywire. I carry a roll of electrical tape and zip ties for quick repairs.
Fine-Tuning Speed and Lure Depth
The bottom line is, fish want what they want on any given day. I tend to troll between 1.5-3 mph depending on conditions. To get down to the right depths, sometimes 10 feet, sometimes almost 25 feet, I’m constantly letting line out.
I make notes on what’s working—what color lures, speed, sometimes even water temp. When fish are slow, I will change at least one thing at a time and keep observing the results.
Evolving Your Strategy Over Time
I learn from every trip, I reflect on what I can improve upon. Virtual communities through social media and other angler-only fishing apps have sparked my creative juices.
Whether it was experimenting with a new spread or learning the nuances of a newer sonar unit, it led to more bites.
The Biggest Game-Changer Tip
I know that changing lures every 20 minutes helps to keep my presentations new and exciting to the fish, resulting in more strikes and prime fishing opportunities. Have faith in your own modifications—there is no end of experimentation!
Conclusion
Setting up my new Lund boat for successful trolling runs has revolutionized the way I fish. Every step, from choosing the best rod holders to sonar tuning has set the stage for more successful and safe runs. I receive smooth line, fast tackle transitions, and even rudder steering, in spite of the wind or chop. The abuse my setup takes during long runs trolling is insane. It helps keep all of us safe and helps me focus more on the fish. Now, every trip gives them the opportunity to spend more time running baits properly and less time adjusting hang-ups. Follow these instructions to make the most of your prized Lund and enjoy more time catching instead of cursing. Have your own setup tricks or a cool new gear discovery? Send us a line though and keep the great runs rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Lund boats ideal for trolling?
Lund boats have a well-deserved reputation for stability, bullet-proof hull construction, and intelligent layout. Their design gives a trolling angler the ability to make precise boat control, which is key to successful, productive trolling runs. You’ll be pleased to discover that new models are mostly factory-equipped with features like rigger rods to make trolling runs easier.
Which trolling gear should I prioritize for my Lund?
Invest in quality downriggers, rod holders, and planer boards for your fishing opportunities. Purchasing tackle suited to your intended species and body of water enhances your fishing experience and ensures a more successful, less labor-intensive trolling run.
How do I optimize boat control while trolling?
Mount a trolling motor with integrated GPS anchor and autopilot functions to enhance your fishing opportunities. Precision adjustments allow you to present lures more naturally and efficiently comb the most productive water for multispecies catches.
What electronics are essential for trolling success?
Good quality fish finder with GPS and mapping is important for maximizing fishing opportunities. Don’t forget about networked sonar, side imaging, and trolling motor integration, as these electronics make it easier than ever to find fish and monitor your speed efficiently.
How can I customize my Lund for better trolling?
Install easily removable rod holders for your rigger rods, tackle storage solutions, and other useful accessory mounts. Stow and rig equipment so it’s readily reachable but doesn’t become a tripping hazard. A personalized touch will make your boat significantly more comfortable and efficient for those long trolling runs, maximizing prime fishing opportunities.
What pre-trip checks should I perform before trolling runs?
So check fuel levels, check batteries, and inspect your safety gear. Ensure that your trailer, lights, and tire pressure are in good condition. Confirm that your electronics, including the new Fish Hawk X4 downrigger probe, and trolling gear are ready. Pre-trip maintenance will help you avoid breakdowns and ensure you have a safe, enjoyable outing with great fishing opportunities.
What safety tips should I follow when trolling from a Lund boat?
Whether you are a beginner or have years of experience as a fisherman, always wear a life jacket. Maintain a well-stocked first aid kit and communication device on board your vessel. Additionally, keep an eye on the weather, and don’t troll too close to other boats to ensure safety while exploring prime fishing opportunities.
