Trophy fishing

[lapworth]

Last fall and summer I had a great season trolling for Rock fish. I have read that in the spring trophy season tackticks for hitting the fish are different. All the books and fisherman I talk to use motor boats and I belive using a sail boat changes the playing field. Examples are I have caught fish 10 feet off the boat and can also cut in near schools of bait fish with out spooking the fish off. Are there any good books on fishing under sail or does any one around the bay have some nice ideas on how to catch these cows this spring using sails as an advantage.

[CalebD]

Originally Posted by lapworth

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Examples are I have caught fish 10 feet off the boat and can also cut in near schools of bait fish with out spooking the fish off.
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I can agree with this.
When motor boats troll a lure (or lures) behind they usually let out hundreds of feet of line. When trolling in a sailboat I have caught fish with less the 50' of line out.
I think you are right that the lack of engine noise tends to not spook the fish. Even the gurgling of water going by the boat does not seem to upset them much.
Trolling motor boats also tend to set their speed at around a constant 2 - 3 knots while a lure towed behind a sailboat will vary with the wind and sail trim. I have also hooked fish in a sailboat going faster then the 2 - 3 knot mark.
Other tactics to try:
- live bait is best. Pick a spot to heave to, throw over the baited hook(s) and drift; watching out for crab pots.
- douse jib and use only main while drifting bait
- douse all sails while drifting bait or cast your lures while drifting

Good luck Lap.