To Troll or Not To Troll - - That is the question

[crackers42]

 Hodgey: I will PM you a picture of the ones we make up pretty simple and cost effective although the brass hooks are somewhat tough to find.

Usually if we have a rainy day at the camp the lure making material will make its way to the kitchen table with some beverages.

[GregL]

Which ever method you prefer, a smaller blade on your harness will keep you deeper and in the strike zone than the lager blades (you equation proves it).  Too much drag from the large blades.

Are most people making their own worm harnesses or is there a particular brand/style/size that is preferred for Kipawa for purchase? Having never used one, when I look to purchase some for my up coming trip to Kip in July, the selection I see online at places like Bass Pro are slim.

I tie my own snells and put the beads on in the boat. I found a pretty quick method and you can make a TON of combos ahead of time.

[GregL]

I don't know...if you ask me they're more a "dragger" than they are a "bouncer". How do I know? Whenever I use one, I refer to them as a "Snagger". 

Also, they are "Bottom bouncers" not "Bottom Draggers".

Here is our method.
1) Start boat get to desired speed. For me I start at 1.5 and move up/down depending on fish.
2) On a taught line drop bouncer to bottom. I pull the rod forward and slowly let rod back till  it's 45 degrees behind me.
3) close reel and pull rod forward until it's perpendicular to me, this get's me just off bottom and I can drop rod back to 45 degrees to tick the bottom every once and awhile.
4) Then I zig zag from 10 to 25' until I find the fish

I've finally figured out all this science behind trolling and think I have it translated. Here is really what you need to know:

HAHA! They definitely can be that on this lake. You really have to stay on them and just tick the bottom every once in awhile in the Alwaki area. Though I have found a few spots where you can get a pretty lengthy troll with them.

[CaptainCrappie]

Hodgey,, I've made hundreds of worm harnesses over the years since my first Kipawa trip in 1997.  There is something very satisfying along with a feeling of accomplishment when you catch a fish on a lure of your own creation.  There are many different types of blades, and beads out there, along with all the different colors, that can make your harnesses truly unique. I've even added some soft plastics such as a frog or minnow imitation to some harnesses. You can add hair or feathers, or use a wire shaft, the choices are endless. You can tie em with one, two, or three hooks and use different hook styles. I haven't used a store bought harness for years. I've caught fish with a lot of different styles of harnesses but can honestly say my results are no better than the store bought versions.  It's just a good feeling and far less expensive. Terrific way to spend some time on a cold, cabin fever day too! I've given harnesses to everyone that has made the Kipawa with me and my 5 grandsons and 6 great grandsons will never ever have to buy a harness in their lives. It will give them something to remember me by when I'm gone as well.  Give it a try and enjoy!

C.C.

[Jay Thomas]

Are most people making their own worm harnesses or is there a particular brand/style/size that is preferred for Kipawa for purchase? Having never used one, when I look to purchase some for my up coming trip to Kip in July, the selection I see online at places like Bass Pro are slim.

Hi Hodgey1,

Please take my comments with a grain of salt since I only use crawler harnesses behind bottom bouncers (usually a 2 ounce bottom bouncer).

I've been fortunate enough to spend some time with CaptainCrappie on Lake Kipawa. Consequently, I have been witness to his creative juices regarding his harness making. It was a real treat to see the enjoyment he took from that endeavour.

However, for myself, I'm simply too lazy to tie crawler harnesses. My go to supplier for crawler harnesses has been Northland Tackle. I used to be able to purchase their Baitfish Spinner Harness in RCH3, RCH4 and RCH5 (the number signifies the size of the Colorado blade). My last order was in 2012 when I ordered 60 RCH4 and 60 RCH5 harnesses (my walleye trips are in August and September). I have approximately 15 of each size still remaining from that order. Unfortunately, now, only sizes RCH3 and RCH4 are available - see https://shop.northlandtackle.com/seasonal-tackle/0pen-water-fishing/baitfish-spinner-harness/  The 2019 cost is $8.29 USD per card of 3 harnesses.

I believe it is important to have various sized blades available as well as different colour patterns. The Silver Shiner and Sunrise colours have been the most productive colours for me. Although I have always preferred Colorado blades, I'm sure there are many who prefer Willow blades.

One caveat though. We must always remember to experiment and let the walleye educate us as to what works best.

Jay

[Hodgey1]

However, for myself, I'm simply too lazy to tie crawler harnesses.

Thanks for the info Jay! I fall into that same situation, more about time constraints than anything right now. I will become a worm harness making machine when I retire!

I've been fortunate enough to spend some time with @CaptainCrappie on Lake Kipawa. Consequently, I have been witness to his creative juices regarding his harness making. It was a real treat to see the enjoyment he took from that endeavor.

I must hook up with @CaptainCrappie for some lessons.

[Hodgey1]

Hodgey: I will PM you a picture of the ones we make up pretty simple and cost effective although the brass hooks are somewhat tough to find.

Please do. Thanks

[CaptainCrappie]

Hodgeye,  a quick class on harness making can be found on YOUTUBE. There's of zillion sites you can check out. Once you have the knot down pat the rest is gravy. Give it a try.  I have discovered that tying harnesses is good medicine to do to avoid Alzheimer's disease. Because, I know why I tie them and remember how to do it.  I'm just not sure why I need so many of them so I don't know when to quit making them.  Come to think of it, maybe tying harnesses is not a good medicine against Alzheimer's, but I'll use it for now.

C.C.

[whaler15]

I find trolling with blue rapala catches larger walleye
than any other way.

[Hodgey1]

I was reading @Jig and drift 's trip report from his week at lake Dumoine, he mentioned trolling for Eye's and picking up a lot of Northerns. My question is, if you are fishing an area that you know you are going to be picking up the occasional Pike, do you use a steel leader?

[NortonJoe]

I use a steel leader except when I am jigging...when I'm jigging the leader takes away some of the ability to feel the hits, especially if the walleye bite is soft.

[johnny walleye]

I WAS BROUGHT UP A TROLLER IT WAS PAST DOWN TO ME .IT WORKS FOR ME . JIGGING HAS NOT WORKED FOR ME BUT I HAVE NOT DEVOTED THE TIME NEED TO BECOME A GOOD JIGGER. EACH YEAR I PLAN TO JIGG BUT NEVER SEEM TO FIND THE TIME.

[Jig and drift]

When we troll we do use the steel leader. Our go to is the small sized Rapala hot en tot silver with the black back.  Have used worm harnesses but as a drift method on a good windy day, like a lot of Lake Erie folk do.

[crackers42]

Hodgey,

If you want to run a leader your better off to run 30 lb Fluro carbon

Invisible under water and will take the abuse

[RHYBAK]

Hodgey

There are also a series of Lake Erie worm harnesses out there being manufactured using steel line as the main.