How to Catch a Mackinaw

Instructions

1




Different lure blades create different vibrations in water.

Determine the type of blade or blades (lures) you will use when trolling for the mackinaw. The rotation of the lure's blade in the water---or its vibration---will determine its ability to attract fish. If you plan to move slowly through the water, avoid narrow blades. The narrower the blade of the lure, the less water resistance that blade will have, thus resulting in increased vibration. If you are attempting to attract a big fish like the mackinaw, you will want to troll slowly and keep the lure's blade from vibrating too quickly.

2




Small spoons are ideal when trolling for mackinaw trout.

Choose your bait or lure. If you're using bait, bits of white fish are ideal to catch a mackinaw. Other types of bait that you can use include lake herring and minnow. For a lure, most fishermen use a small spoon (such as a Needlefish or Midge Wobbler), a small plug or even a worm.

3




Troll at slow speeds.

Troll with ease. Don't rush it. The mackinaw trout is a big fish, and big fish get tired easily. They do not like to waste any more energy than is necessary to catch their food. Therefore, gently moving your boat across the surface of a lake should net you a better catch.

4

Move the boat across the lake in a figure "S" while varying your speed. Guiding the boat in a straight line will cause the troll and lure to plunge deeper, slowing their movement. This will create a negative effect on the spin and vibration of the lure's blade. Alternatively, swinging the boat in curves will make the troll and lure intermittently rise to the surface. This will attract any nearby mackinaw searching for food.

5

Try allowing the troll and lure to fall dead in the water, then begin trolling again. The erratic movement of the lure or bait will alert any nearby fish, thus attracting them to strike. Similarly, increase the speed of your boat, then slow down abruptly. Any movement that mimics the characteristic of a small fish darting through the murky waters of a lake is advantageous to any fisherman attempting to catch the mackinaw trout.