Trollin for butts

How do you like to rig for butt trolling?  I  Wanna start thinking about this.

I had some pretty good success around early April last year trolling for 'buts for the first time. Here's what I was using:

30 lb braid mainline (I think braid allows me to troll at higher speeds when necessary without having to add more lead)
3-way brass swivel
12" 10lb mono to a clip with 3 to 8 oz lead depending on depth and speed
18" 20lb mono to a 6" dodger w/chain swivels on each end, 36" 20lb flouro to an RSK with a herring or anchovy in it.

I would make sure that I was going fast enough that the RSK would actually rotate and then I was ensuring that I had enough lead that it would hit the bottom every once in a while. Then it is just like any other trolling, paddling along and waiting for my rod to load up completely before I reached for it.
Good luck!

main line to a three way swivel. On one eye you tie your weight (3-8 oz depending on the current/drift/paddle speed) with 12 inches of 10-12lb mono (make sure its lighter then your main line and leader). On the other eye you tie 24-36 inches (some go longer) of leader 20lb to a 3/0 to 5/0 octopus hook. Some guys snell the hook and add a 2nd stinger hook (often a treble) in case you are getting short bites.

Allen also has a link on left side of the page (his reg is a bit different but just as effective)

oh sure Jay...get all fancy with the dodger....hahaha just kidding. The flasher adds to 'hey butt! Look over here!' factor

So how the heck to you release the rig to troll while paddling and not get it all tangled by just dropping it down and free spool until you think you have enough line out?   

So how the heck to you release the rig to troll while paddling and not get it all tangled by just dropping it down and free spool until you think you have enough line out?   

I start paddling and build up some speed, then I put the reel in free spool and thumb it so that it goes down in a controlled manner. If I'm in more than about 20' of water I may have to do this twice to get it to the bottom without tangling. Or, sometimes there is enough of a breeze to allow me to drop it while drifting.

Good question Tom. Trolling for a yak with a bunch of tackle can be tricky. You can't just put it in freespool and drop straight down....unless you want to troll a tangled-mess of tackle.
It seems like a good method is to paddle hard to build momentum, then let out 10-15ft while still gliding forward. Paddle hard again, let out 10-15ft on the glide. And repeat.
I do this with the rod underneath my leg instead of in the rod holder because it's easier to reach the spool. I also like to slow down the spool rate by tightening up the tension....this helps avoid birds-nests if you're unable to keep a thumb on the spool. 

if you have a clicker, throw it in freespool with the clicker on...it will release more slowly and you can paddle as it goes out.

if not, padddddddle then..well...good luck!

Or you can get a Hobie and peddle it while holding the rod in your hands 

+1

Good info guys!  With word that a few are already being caught, i figured this would be a good thread to start.

Any of you guys just drift while working swimbaits or live bait?

Good info guys!  With word that a few are already being caught, i figured this would be a good thread to start.

Any of you guys just drift while working swimbaits or live bait?

Yes I've drifted w/ live shiners, anchovies, and smelt.  When live bait is available, thats my preferred method of halibut fishing.

Hasn't worked for me yet, but many have been caught drifting live bait, fish traps, and storm wildeye anchovies.

I love fishing swimbaits and since i wok right by OP pier, i figured I could easily use the cast net for some shiners before going out.

Hi Yakers:

             I use the rig Allen gave me when I booked a trip. I shortly caught
a 27 Lb. Butt on a 3' Stinger Leader w/ Egg/Snap Swivel and, whole squid from Ranch 99 .
             There are no fish in Santa Cruz!
                                                         Sea-ya
                                                         Ernie