I troll a few times during the summer with my little bit of knowledge, and try to target kings. I think it’s a failure for me for… 1) I usually do it around the 3 mile reef out of MI. Is that deep enough? And 2) my bait always seems to spin. And 3) I don’t know if I have enough variation in depth, color , etc.
What should I use as a “pattern” for my trolling? Use some naked rigs, skirted rigs some on top and some down on a planer? Maybe a diving lure? Would a small teaser help? Any advice is new knowledge for me.
I ASSume you’re using ballyhoo…they need to be “pulled” by the beak, not the hook too prevent spinning. If you’re using live bait (best IMHO) they’re dead or moving too fast. Lots of good videos on king fishing available. Big diving rapalas and big shiny spoons are good if you’re trying artificial.
Bait spins if it isn’t hooked correctly or it is pulled too fast. Live bait is best pulled idling about. Dead bait can be pulled faster.
Adjust the speed to what swims and looks natural in the water and you’re good.
When we used to look for kings we had good success pulling cigar minnows on rigs like the one in this article. Perry’s has these pre-tied and ready to roll. Of course, you’ll have to put the baits on there yourself…3mph - 4mph worked for me.
http://coastalanglermag.com/blog/2012/08/fishing-controlled-depths-drifting-anchor/
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