Some thoughts on the 'Trolling' issue

[GKramer]

Since long ago I wrote the wording of the "no trolling rule" for one of the organizations (and could tighten it up further if someone thought we needed to), I know this much. There is nothing about trolling that is inherently unlawful or unsporting.

It's really just an historical issue. In the beginning of tournament fishing, there was a lot of dogma about what constituted "real bass fishing." This dogma affected rod action (broomstick-like); rod length (5 1/2 feet was the standard); and no spinning gear, thank you. (Only the late Tom Mann could get away with using one.) As an example, I found an article of the day in a Florida bass fishing publication that made reference to dropping down to "ultra light" tackle: It 17-pound test! Trolling, just like fly rodding, was left out of the manly game.

When one compares the rules of tournament bass fishing, say to the rules of saltwater jackpotting, you see a parallel. "Trolling fish" do not qualify for the jackpot. But not because there is a presumption of "luck" in the catch (a notion many bass fishermen mistakenly cling to) but rather, because not everyone has equal chance on a sport boat.

It could be different now, if that's what bass tournament contestants demanded. (Like the pre-tourney lake closure rule?) While I'm willing to bet most people in the business don't know why tournaments haven't traditionally allowed trolling, it doesn't matter. The idea of rules is to protect the integrity of the game and to generally give equal footing to all the contestants.

As you know, walleye tournament anglers can troll forward or backward, and are even allowed to use live bait. Those are their rules.

The whole idea should be to follow, not circumvent the rules of bass competition. Still, how close to the edge they can get is something competitors of every sport will always attempt. But hear this. If trolling were to be allowed in tournaments in the lower half of the state, I promise, the true trolling experts would have an immediate, 2-season advantage over the casting pros, and only the summertime 6-hour regulation would save their bacon.

It would not be pretty.

[John Barron]

George, what's you opinion about "dragging" a split shot or C rig around? I'm talking tournament and using the trolling motor to do so.
jb

[gt5bass]

Not George,

But I couldn't give a Rat's Banana if someone drags, strolls, trolls or whatever during a tournament unless it is expressly prohibited by written rules (we should all know the rules before we put the boat in the water, if you don't like the rules, don't fish that event). All of the above can be very effective techniques. Like George stated, most are considered "not manly" and therefore frowned upon an even prohibited from use in tournaments. I say let people fish their strengths as long as it isn't live bait

BTW...I will drift a rig wit da wind in laziness when I don't want to stay on the TM, but pulling a bait with either motor bores the YKW outta of me

[fishinman]

BTW...I will drift a rig wit da wind in laziness when I don't won't to stay on the TM, but pulling a bait with either motor bores the YKW outta of me


I'll second the motion, mostly I believe all of us do it now and then

[GKramer]

I will stand by the tournament organization's interpretation of the rule of no trolling. As a rule maker or enforcer, the issue is what is it you really want to prevent? If I really only want to prevent competitors from dropping back two Shad Raps, DB 3's, AC Plugs (heck, Spoon Plugs, a made-for trolling lure) while under outboard power, the trolling rule is easy to enforce.

And from my fishing experience of the last 40 years, that's really what constitutes trolling, be it top-line, leadcore or with downriggers. But since angling methods are continually developing, there is a sense today that trolling is more than the above.

Call it semantics, but even dragging a bait (splitshot, Carolina rig) under electric power, is a far cry from "pulling" a lure as in conventional trolling. If we called the electric option a "positioning" motor as some do, would "positioning" be against the rules? Most of the time, use of the trolling motor for these contour hugging methods is about controlling your drift and your presentation. That's not trolling in my mind--as an observer. But it could be if I was in a role as an enforcer of the letter of the law.

It is a curiosity in our game that TM-ing into the wind and slinging spinnerbaits diagonally or perpendicularly to the bank is considered a skill. But letting momentum and gravity leave the bait behind the boat under minimal power and it's an infraction.

I believe tournaments are a game of skill. If we have players with the skill to electrically control the boat so well that they can long line with precision, then that's seems like a worthy thing. We don't penalize a guy because he's better than the rest at pitching or flipping. Why would we want to penalize a guy for great boat control? Should we bring back anchoring as the standard of boat position? Of course, not.

I really wouldn't care if they did open things to trolling--though it might require a clear and agreed upon definition--for in the words of many a weighmaster, the first question on the stage is "How many?" Not "How come?"

So, John, in answer to your attempt to trap me, I will say, "There is no trolling motor in the back seat, where I sit."

[Guy Williams]

Hey GK, what state are you running for? Man, all that non-sense for "NO" answer! By chance, is your name really Hillary?
Guy Williams
BTW- Strollers are for babys and "Wenches" are for men.

[Schneider Fishing]

I've been known to drag a worm from time to time.

I first started doing it after a guide trip with Don Iovino and I asked him flat out if it was legal and he told me it was. The way he explained it to me was that the key word, at least with WON Bass, was "solely" so if you are shaking, or letting more line out, etc. while using the trolling motor, it's legal. Basically as long as your rod was in hand, you weren't solely manipulating the bait by the use of a motor.

With respect to American Bass; it seems to me that by saying "Trolling, also referred to as ripping / sweeping or jerking" that they would not be referring to dragging a worm but rather dragging a hard bait and occasionally ripping, sweeping or jerking it.

The NBW, USAC, and Top Stick haven't defined trolling in their rules so I believe that would be up to interpretation. Probably Webster’s definition or if CDF has a definition it would apply.

100% Bass. Conventional cast a retrieve might kill the dragging idea. The part about not extending your cast wouldn't in and of itself prohibit dragging a worm with a trolling motor. You just couldn't let out more than an additional 10 yards. Heck, I've let out more than 10 yards after a traditional cast with a swimbait just to get to the bottom when I'm fishing 75 feet deep. I guess then it would come down to what is 'a conventual cast and retreive method?'

With respect to 25 yards, and the organizations that have that rule about encroachment; I don't see much difference between dragging a bait and working a bank with a reaction bait. 25 yards is 25 yards.

Just because you don't like doing it or it isn't one of your strengths doesn't make it illegal.

If guys want to do it let them do it.

To me a hotter topic is the new DFG rule with regards to snagging a fish. That is hooking a fish anywhere except in the mouth. I really think this would put a lot of the jerkbait, crankbait and ice jig caught fish in the category of being caught illegally.

[FRANKRIZZO]

trollings for fags cant we all talk about some cool sh*t we all know were not allowed to do it in tournaments

[Ron T.]

I must be fag than becouse I have cought some pigs longlineing a hudd . Some of the big names must be fags too . I dident know a guy had to be gay to catch big fish . I guess you learn somthing every day . Donkyhole !

[FRANKRIZZO]

are those big names on here talking about it no, im very proud of you any one can drive their boat around longlining and stick a good fish but can they win a tournament that way? dont take it personal

[Ron T.]

I know of one that has written a book including a chapter on the topic and produced one of the best Swimbaits on the market and yes he could win tournaments doing it . Matter of fact Ive done it with another big fish hunter in the Lagoon . You figure out who they are .

[wccjanel]

I wrote an article about two years ago on this very subject. I later submitted it to several magazines. Since the westernbass crowd seems to be less judgemental than most fishing mag editors , I'm gonna share it with y'all. Enjoy


Long-lining and Drifting
By James Nelson
Copyright October 10, 2005

I was watching that movie “A Perfect Stormâ€

[John Barron]

No trap was intended (this time) George, I truly just wanted your opinion and if you would like I can talk to Nick at the Tolling Motor Doctor and see if we can't get you a trolling motor for the back seat
Cya at the Bass-A-Thon
jb

[John Barron]

I did a quick review of specifically "equipment". Of the SoCal org's only 100% BASS truly addresses the original question of casting and using the trolling motor to move away from the bait. Rule 19 last sentence reads "Trolling motors may not be used to extend the length of your cast". The rest all say "no trolling"
John Barron

BTW please stop by the Bass-A-Thon and see the new GK Qwik-Release Backseat Trolling motor mount available soon!
jb

[some guy]

good...ill have my eye on some teams next sat at DVL.

[tunaman]

Nice article James - thanks for sharing.

And don't sell yourself short - you may one day become half the writer GK thinks he is... perhaps!

Roger

[Oldschool]

The late Dick Trask won a few tournaments "strolling" a drop shot Flutter Craft worm around the local lakes, as did Aaron's mom back seating. I'm not a tournament fisherman, however been around the lakes long enough to know that moving the boat while doodling worms, drop shot and split shot presentations is common practice.
Casting a swimbait or any other lure out and moving the boat a few hundred yards is in my opinion is trolling and beyond the scope of tournament rules.
Tom

[John Barron]

I'm not sure there were any better at it either.
jb

[wccjanel]

Nice article James - thanks for sharing.

And don't sell yourself short - you may one day become half the writer GK thinks he is... perhaps!

Roger

Thanks, bro.

It's good to know I have one fan left. Other than Mona, I mean.

Seriously, this is only an issue if we make it one. But then again, aren't most topics that way?

I envy all of you getting to go to BAT this year. Rick really has made this into the best thing we have west of the Rio Grande. Have fun, ya'll.

Stick 'em or I will,
James

[kazk]

ABA's rule about Ripping/Jerking was created about 20 years ago mybe 15. It was instituted because back then a few anglers mostly around Lake Isabella was taking a jerk bait or crank bait and with their trolling motor on high going down the bank ripping their baits. It was a very effective technique but bordered on trolling because until you caught a fish you only made the initial cast.

Chris Koda

[Guy Williams]

Some guy, don't look no further than the back seat!!!
Guy Williams

[some guy]

guy it must really bug you that he out fishes you day in and day out..he doesnt drag..get over it man...theres always somebody better then you...grow up man...sounds like you need a hug, next time i see you ill give you a big hug...everything will be alright buddy i promise.

[Brian Linehan]

Big J is the sh*t

[Guy Williams]

Kyle gave me a hug today so everything is cool now. Too bad his wallet became mine, 2 bucks and a condom? Kyle, I know you have more money than that!
Guy Williams