You can also try using a spinner or a plug as your trolling lure, which will help you cover more ground and attract more fish. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to troll like a pro without ever using a downrigger!
There are some trolling techniques that can be used without a downrigger, but they are not as reliable and often result in missed opportunities. If you are just starting out fishing, I would recommend using a downrigger to increase your chances of success.
First, it allows the troll to maintain a much more consistent depth throughout the waters being fished. This is important because it ensures that the lure being used stays in the optimum strike zone for longer periods of time.
Second, a downrigger also allows for greater speed and control when trolling. This again allows the angler to keep the lure in the ideal strike zone for as long as possible.
Finally, a downrigger also makes it easier to fight fish once they are hooked. This is because the downrigger provides an anchor point against which the fish can be fought. Overall, while it is possible to troll without a downrigger, doing so significantly decreases the chances of success.
If you’re fishing for smaller fish, such as panfish or trout, in shallow water (less than 15 feet deep), you may be able to get by without a downrigger. However, if you’re targeting larger fish like bass or walleye in deeper water (20 feet or more), you’ll likely need a downrigger to get your lure down to where the fish are.
It also gives you more control over your lure presentation and prevents your lures from getting snagged on bottom structure. So while you can technically troll without a downrigger, using one will undoubtedly increase your chances of success.
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