Best troll speed for Tube -n- Worm?

[179]

I would like to know what is the best trolling speed for a tube-n-worm setup? I usually fish Point Judith Lighthouse, or Block Island. I have a GPS and according to that my typical speed is about 3-4mph trolling??????

[Slipknot]

If you can slow it down a little you'll do better. Typically 1 1/2 to 2 knots is good. There is an article in this months On the Water magazine that may be helpful to you but try and get a little slower. Good luck

[Patrick]

There was also an article in last month's saltwater sportsman pro issue on tubing for bass.

I don't know if you can still get it or not. The issue is the Annual Pro Issue. On the cover, there are two guys holding a yellowfin tuna.

The article on tubes was pretty in depth plus there was an article on how to make your own.

If you can't get your hands on a copy. Just email me your address and you can have mine. There's a little wear and tear on the corners but it's in good shape. If you aren't comfortable with the address thing, I can just scan the pages in and email them to you but I don't know what the quality will be.

[Roccus]

Slooow, slooow, sloooow, then drop it down even slower...if you can't drop the speed any more w/o stalling the engine, check at the boatyard about a trolling board (attaches on transom to create drag) or troll into a current to reduce speed-over-bottom...the speed seems to dictate the size fish you pick up...the slower the bigger.

[ragfly]

You can slow your boat down by simply dragging a 5 gallon bucket behind your boat (not to far behind!). Our you could use a trolling plate for your motor or one of them trolling socks.

[JohnR]

If your boat is of the right size to accomodate it, consider a bow mounted electric trolling motor... I was highly impressed with the manuverability that Got Stripers gets with his troller pulling the boat quitely through where he wants to go...

Unfortunately, I don't think that'll be an option for me as the boat I want (yeh, thinking about another boat) would not accomodate one...

[Gus]

Slower is definitely the way to go!!! I would say 1.5-2 nautical miles per hour. Last year my boat was Idling in gear at about 1500rpm. I purchased and installed a new rotor, distributor cap and ignition wires. It ran much better, I was able to turn back the idle screw and now the idle rpm in gear is about 800. That was the difference between catching only a few fish trolling last year to my first keeper this year.

I'm not sure but I also think it is possible to go to slow.

If you can't adjust your idle speed, try like many of the others have suggested....a drifting anchor (about $50 in boat us) or it's cheaper cousin the five gallon bucket!!

Let us know what course of action you take and the results!!

[Canalratt1]

My buddy and I have been using tubes for just a few years but definatly under 3. Try taking it out of gear and do'nt troll straight turns and snaking your patterns work best. If fishing under 30 feet leadcore works better than wire.