One of the biggest differences between trolling crankbaits on a clear water lake like Pickwick and a more stained or muddy water lake like Sardis or Grenada is the size line you need to use.
Out in Mississippi’s muddy lakes, angler Kent Driscoll trolls 12-pound Vicious solar green monofilament line, while in parts north, he may only opt for 8- or 10-pound clear line.
The reason is as clear as the water in Lake Pickwick.
“Those lakes out west stay muddy or at least murky all the time” Driscoll said. “But some lakes are pretty clear and I believe that heavy line spooks fish.”
Another factor has to do with depth of presentation. With the thinner diameter of 6-pound test, Driscoll has no problem getting a 300 series Bandit down to the 15- to 18-foot range with less line out than he has to use with 12-pound test.
He also stresses watching the depth finder. With the navigational charts on most of today’s modern units, the angler can not only see what is under and to the side of the boat, but also the break of the terrain.
“I mostly troll out in the middle of the lake on clear water lakes, targeting offshore humps and points, so hanging up is not as big a concern” said Driscoll, “if I do come across some standing timber or a shallow hump, I’ll see it on the depth finder or on my chart before the baits get there and I can slow down and make the baits float up.”
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