channell

[fishsniffer]

when you guys are trolling in the channell how far down and back are you trolling j plugs...what speed you running?

[DIRTY DOG]

i run 2.7 to 3 on the gps and 40 to 60 back and 5 to 10 ft off the bottom but the only time i do habor patrol is dirring the week when the crowd is lite

[Lion Den]

Both of those questions are variables. Personally I depend greatly on my probe in the channel. Depends whether you are going with/against the current. Depends on river flow, and fish mood. As a rule I will troll 2.4-2.6 down speed. As for the lead, that varies too. If traffic is tight and turns are needed, so are short leads. If I can get away with it, it is sometimes very effective to lengthen the leads out. I have been VERY pleased with the SUPER GLOW Stinger balls fishing the deep water and mud this season. Remember that the plugs will dive some as you troll, so allow for that.

[GLF]

Where does your fish finder show the fish at? I mark a lot of fish around 13' down and 23' down. I target these depths if I am in the channel. If you are fishing plugs, you should take into account how deep they dive. Then set up a program that will put your baits in the strike zone.

I am running my baits 20 behind the ball. You will need the shorter leads for sharper turns. I try to keep the boat around 2mph for the down speed while doing harbor patrol.

[TheKingfisher]

weekend after Labor day in Manistee with the other 450 boats we were running 60-80 foot behind the balls. Makes it lots of fun to weave in and out... But we were catching fish...