50/50 Method Snap Weight #Trolling for #Salmon & Trout on the Great Lakes #POW Depth Charge Weights

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Using Snap Weights for Trolling Salmon and Trout

Introduction:

• In this tutorial, we will discuss how to effectively use snap weights for trolling salmon and trout, especially when fishing deep waters.
• Snap weights are clip-on weights that can be attached to fishing lines to help get your lures to the desired depth.
• Snap weights offer a more enjoyable fishing experience by allowing for lighter rods and a better fight with the fish.

Materials Needed:

1. Snap Weight Kits (such as the POW Depth Charge Weights)
2. Fishing Rods with 50-pound braid and 15-20 pound fluorocarbon or monofilament leader
3. Planar Boards (inline boards or large boards like Amish Outfitters or Riviera)
4. Lures (spoons, crankbaits, dodgers)
5. Fishing Reels
6. Fishing Line (braid and fluorocarbon or monofilament)
7. Downriggers (optional)

Step 1: Selecting the Right Snap Weights

• Choose snap weights based on the depth you intend to fish and the target species.
• Heavyweight kits (4-6 ounce weights) are suitable for deeper waters and larger fish like coho and trout.
• Lighter weights (1-4 ounce) are great for shallower depths and spring fishing.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Fishing Rods

• Spool your fishing reels with 50-pound braid and attach a 15-20 pound fluorocarbon or monofilament leader.
• Rig your rods with 50 feet of fluorocarbon or monofilament line, which will be your go-to setup for snap weight fishing.

Step 3: Using Snap Weights with Planar Boards

• Attach snap weights to the outside lines of your planar boards.
• Run your snap weight setups on planar boards for better coverage and control.
• Consider using inline boards or large boards for this setup.

Step 4: Deploying Snap Weights for Trolling

• Use the 50/50 method by letting out 50 feet of line with the lure, then attaching the snap weight, followed by another 50 feet of line.
• Snap weights help get your lure down to the desired depth quickly and effectively.
• Adjust the weight size based on the depth you want to reach (1-4 ounce for shallower depths, 4-6 ounce for deeper waters).

Step 5: Adjusting Snap Weights for Depth and Target Species

• Use lighter weights (1-2 ounce) for spring fishing near the shoreline to target salmon at 7-15 feet deep.
• For offshore fishing targeting salmon and trout in the top 20-35 feet of the water column, use heavier weights (4-6 ounce).
• Adjust the distance of line let out based on the type of board used (inline, big boards) to ensure proper depth coverage.

Step 6: Enhancing Versatility with Snap Weights

• Snap weights can be added to lead cores, weighted steel lines, or copper presentations to add extra weight and reach greater depths.
• Each ounce of weight added equates to approximately 7 feet of depth at a trolling speed of 2 miles per hour.
• Experiment with different weight sizes to customize the depth of your presentation.

Conclusion:

• Snap weights are a versatile tool for trolling salmon and trout, offering precise depth control and a more enjoyable fishing experience.
• Remember to adjust the weight size and setup based on the depth you want to fish and the target species.
• Utilize snap weights in combination with planar boards for optimal coverage and effectiveness while trolling.