Casting vs trolling

[On the fly]

I have recently started fishing St.Clair for Muskie. I've noticed that the majority of Muskie fisherman prefer to troll on the lake. I casted mostly when fishing for Muskie

What do you members recommend??

Thanks

Jay

[huntingmaniac45]

More area covered = more fish!;)

[donbtanner]

If you prefer to cast, find a perch school (or any baitfish school for that matter, even bass), anchor and start casting rapalas or ratltraps in all directions (360 degress from boat) as far out as you can, then hold on tight.

[Canuck136]

If you want numbers...TROLL!

[fishinthed]

In addition to the reasons mentioned above, another reason I like trolling is more precise control of depth and speed, especially if you're fishing somewhere in the middle of the water column. Important in places like the shipping channels, where big fish are often suspended in relatively deep water.

[treeman]

Casting allows you to fish some shallower water, structure and weeds that you just can't fish while trolling. Anchor bay gets too weedy to troll effectively but it does hold fish all year. There is nothing like having a muskie follow and hit at boatside. You will catch more fish while trolling which is the best method for the open waters of the main lake. Just throw your casting rod in the boat with your trolling gear and if you need a change of pace you can switch. Most of the muskie baits used for trolling cast very well. Lizajane makes a good point about the cost of trolling vs casting as well. I typically will use 12 to 15 gallons of fuel per trolling trip on my boat. That is expensive fishing. I can cast all day for alot less.

[muskiebobxr]

I like most of you trolled for years but I really like casting as to me it is a lot more fun and a heck of a lot cheaper. Like treeman said there is nothing like a monster Muskie hitting a bait at boatside. Good Fishing All. Bob

[fishinthed]

Lizajane makes a good point about the cost of trolling vs casting as well. I typically will use 12 to 15 gallons of fuel per trolling trip on my boat. That is expensive fishing. I can cast all day for alot less.

Bloody 'ell! I'd mostly cast or jig if I ran through that much gas. :eek:

Makes me glad I have a measly 14 ft boat and 5 hp motor! Burns no more than 2 gallons on a long day of trolling almost full throttle.

How would you guys cast in the channels? I've marked some dense concentrations of big fish in the channels in the lower half of the water column in about 30 feet of water. Even with a half pound of weight it's hard to work a lure fast at such depths. Jigging may be the only way to work it.

[eddiejohn4]

I personly mix it up. but you cannot beat a couple of planers trolling for over all coverage.I can run a few lines at the same time and cover the water.