Fishing is both an art and a science. As anglers, we’re continually learning new techniques to catch more and bigger fish. Two of the most popular and effective methods are trolling and jigging. But when should you use one over the other? This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of trolling and jigging to help you decide.
Introduction to Trolling and Jigging
Trolling and jigging are tried and true fishing techniques used by amateur and professional anglers alike. Both methods have distinct advantages depending on the type of water, target species, time of year, and other factors. Learning when and how to utilize each technique can significantly improve catch rates.
Trolling involves trailing fishing lines behind a slowly moving boat using baits or lures. This allows anglers to cover a large area while keeping multiple lines in the strike zone at various depths. Trolling effectively locates and catches active fish.
Jigging employs a vertical presentation where heavy lures are lowered to the bottom or suspended at depth. The angler uses an up-and-down motion to mimic struggling prey. Jigging precisely targets structure and bottom contours to entice reaction bites.
Choosing the ideal approach boils down to understanding fish behavior and dialing in presentations based on conditions. This guide breaks down the key considerations for both methods.
When to Use Trolling
Trolling shines for targeting fish in open water. It enables anglers to cover more area to find actively roaming fish. The boat and lure movement also helps trigger reaction bites. Here are the best applications for trolling:
Large Bodies of Water
Trolling is extremely effective on big lakes, reservoirs, and rivers where gamefish travel and scatter across large areas chasing food. The moving presentation helps locate dispersed fish.
| Type of Water | Target Species |
| Large Lakes | Trout, Salmon, Walleye, Pike |
| Reservoirs | Striped Bass, Catfish |
| Coastal Habitats | Spanish Mackerel, Cobia |
| Rivers | Smallmouth Bass, Trout |
Trolling on a large body of water is an excellent technique for locating active fish – Fishing Booker.
When Fish are Actively Feeding
During peak feeding periods, gamefish go on the hunt for baitfish and can be scattered across large areas. Trolling imitates this behavior and allows anglers to capitalize on the action when fish are active and aggressive.
Best Seasons for Trolling:
- Spring – Pre-spawn feeding frenzy
- Summer – Warm waters spur metabolism
- Fall – Stocking up before winter
Targeting Suspended Fish
Certain gamefish suspend in the water column rather than staying near bottom. Trolling suspends lures at these depths while covering water. Target midday when sunlight penetrates deeper.
| Examples of Suspended Species | Best Depths for Trolling Lures |
| Kokanee Salmon | 15-30 feet |
| Walleye | 10-20 feet over mud flats |
| Striped Bass | 20-50 feet near river channels |
When to Use Jigging
Vertical jigging has distinct advantages any time fish position tight to cover, relating to bottom structure versus roaming open water. Jigs can also produce when fish turn inactive.
Jigging tight to structure is deadly for many species.
Fishing Deep Water Sites
As depth increases, fish tend to hold tighter to structure rather than roam. They use ridges, humps, drop-offs, and ledges as ambush points. Jigs present bait right on their nose.
| Examples of Prime Habitats | Target Species | Best Jig Styles |
| Offshore Wrecks & Reefs | Grouper, Snapper, Cobia | Bucktail, Spoon |
| River Channel Ledges | Catfish, Sturgeon | Football, Bottom-Hop |
| Points & Humps | Walleye, Lake Trout | Swimbaits, Tube |
When Fish are Inactive
During tough conditions like cold fronts or high pressure, fish become inactive and lethargic. Jigs are ideal because the vertical presentation requires less effort while providing a vulnerable meal.
Best Times to Slow Jig:
- Fronts & High Pressure
- Heat of Summer
- Colder Months
Techniques:
- Long pauses
- Slow lifts & drops
- Gentle hops off bottom
Precise Targeting Ability
Jigging gives anglers pinpoint accuracy, allowing focus right on submerged structure, cover, or transition zones where ambush predators hide.
| Prime Target Zones | Fish Behavior | Lure Placement |
| Brush Piles | Concealment from Prey | Work vertical paths through branches |
| Docks & Piers | Shade & Baitfish | Bounce off pylons and corners |
| Edges of Grass Lines | Prime Ambush Sites | Swim along ragged edges |
Key Factors Impacting Approach
Beyond basic technique advantages, anglers must also consider other variables before deciding on trolling or jigging. Water depth, temperature, and fish behavior patterns all influence the ideal method.
Water Depth
Shallow areas call for trolling to locate roaming fish while deeper structure sees better results from vertical jigging. Of course, exceptions occur during migrations or seasonal behaviors.
| Depth | Best Technique |
| 0-30 feet | Trolling |
| 30+ feet | Jigging |
Water Temperature
In warmer conditions, trolling capitalizes on active fish. Cooler temperatures have fish hunkered down, favoring jigs.
| Temperature | Best Technique |
| 55°F+ | Trolling |
| 55°F and below | Jigging |
Fish Behavior
Understanding daily and seasonal movement patterns and feeding behaviors helps determine the best technique.
| Fish Activity | Technique |
| Roaming & hunting in packs | Trolling |
| Lethargic and inactive | Jigging |
| Relating to cover and structure | Jigging |
Lure and Bait Selection for Trolling and Jigging
Choosing the best lures and baits maximizes your chances for success. Match hatch by mimicking the prime forage. Consider action, depth control, and vibration. Here are top options:
Best Lures for Trolling
Crankbaits – Ideal for trolling due to great action and ability to run at precise depths and crash into cover.
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Spinnerbaits – Excellent trolling lure for the vibration, flash, and movement. Work well when tipped with live bait.
Spoons – A longtime trolling staple thanks to tempting wobble and flash. Add bait for scent dispersion.
Plugs – Offer great built-in actions from wobbling to diving and splashing. Popular favorites include stickbaits, jerkbaits, and surface poppers.
Best Lures for Jigging
Lead Head Jigs – The standard for jigging with densities to reach bottom and stand up vertically. Tip with bait.
Swimbaits – Dynamic tail action even when paused on descent. Ideal for jigging off ledges, through grass and wood.
Spoons – Fluttering action on drop mimics wounded baitfish. Extremely versatile big game lures for anything with teeth.
Soft Plastics – Soak in scent and use as trailers on jigs or rig weedless to work through cover.
Swimbaits and soft plastics allow precise presentations when jigging structure –
Putting It All Together
Assess the conditions before your trip. What time of year is it? Have fronts or pressure changes moved in? How deep is the area? What does the structure look like? Which species are present? Their expected behaviors provide insight into trolling vs. jigging.
Start with the higher percentage play then be ready to adapt. Set rods for both methods so you can respond to promising developments. Quiet electronics locators and paying close attention to action ensures you capitalize on productive patterns.
Conclusion
While trolling and jigging take unique forms, both provide efficient and effective means for catching more fish on any body of water. Trolling covers water to find hungry predators and trigger reaction bites from the movement. Jigging makes vertical presentations to pull reluctant bottom dwellers from their lairs.
Understanding when to deploy each technique based on conditions helps experienced anglers make the most of every trip. Dialing in seasonal patterns, structure, prime times of day, and other variables lets you take advantage of feeding windows. Pay close attention so you can adjust to improving bites.
With the knowledge and gameplans above, you’ll be fully prepared to utilize trolling and jigging to catch your next monster haul or trophy fish!
Happy fishing and tight lines! Be sure to check out RankoFishing for all the best lures, baits, and tackle to equip your next big outing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What depth is best for trolling?
A: In general, depths between 15-40 feet work well when trolling large lakes and rivers. Target depths from mid-water down to several feet over submerged structure. Use planner boards, diving planes, weights and lure selection to control running depth.
Q: What rod and reel setups are recommended for jigging?
A: When jigging offshore structure, ocean boats and reefs, conventional tackle provides the backbone to winch big fish from the depths. Use stout jigging rods paired with line counter or conventional reels spooled with 80 lb braided line and 60+ lb leader.
Q: How do you know when to switch from trolling to jigging?
A: Pay close attention to your electronics and where fish marks concentrate. If baitfish and gamefish disappear from wide roaming schools into tighter pods relating to structure, it’s time to drop anchor and break out the jigs.
Q: What bait works best for trolling in murky water?
A: The vibration, flash and contrast make Colorado blades excellent trolling lures for stained to muddy conditions. Also add trailers like live baitfish or plastic grubs to provide scent dispersion.
Q: Can trolling be effective in cold water conditions?
A: While fish turn sluggish in frigid conditions, trolling allows anglers to cover water until remaining active feeders are found. Target warmer, south-facing banks and focus efforts during peak warming periods of the day.
