T- falls First trip of the year

[agorges]

Well, The boat will be all ready to put in after this weekend. I plan on putting in at T-falls using a seth green rig. I wanted to run some top lines, but have never tried it before. Does anyone have any basic tips for running a few top lines off the back of the boat? I was planning on running rapala's, stick baits or swedish piimples. I know it will be trial and error, but does anyone have any suggestions on depth or a decent set up that will help me down the right path.....

[larry]

If you have planner boards they will help in getting your line away from the boat and increasing the width of your spread.

This helps you cover more water thereby increasing your opportunity for success. If you're just running flatlines off the sides of the boat rods flat, then get the lures out about 200 ft +, this gives fish that are on top that you spook off to the sides with your boat time to get back behind the boat again. Watch your speed and lure action and use slight turns not a straight line troll to give the lures a chance to get in and out of the boats' wash zone. For lure choice, look at the water color and back round, the bait should blend in with it just as real bait would, ie: green water green lures, clear water black and silver, bright days bright colors dark days dark colors. Set the drags very loose with the clickers on so a strike will get your attention then apply a little thumb pressure on the reel to set the hook, trout have soft mouths and sharp hooks will penetrate easily. As far as depth goes this time of year the near shore waters warm first and attract bait which attracts the fish, look for temperature changes for your top lines or mud lines from outflows from feeder creeks. For Seth rigs can't help, don't use em myself. Good luck!

[agorges]

Larry, thanks for the comprehensive overview....I havent done this for about 15 year... since my grandfather died....Hope my son enjoys this as much as I did when I was his age.

Thanks for helping get my line wet again

[stinger]

A PFD is a absolute must. The air temps may go into the 60's but the water temp is under 40 deg. Be safe & enjoy.

Be sure to read this and then watch the video at the bottom of the page before you hook up your boat>....viewtopic.php?f=2&t=16060...

[agorges]

Thanks Stinger. We always wear them, warm or cold. I invested quite a few bucks into comfortable vests for my kids, so that they dont mind wearing them (and myself, too)..... I hear the fish dont even mind if you are wearing them...lol