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Calculate fishing line strength and leader size for target species, technique, and drag setting based on line type and test rating.
Estimate fish weight from length and girth measurements using species-specific formulas when you do not have a scale on the water.
Compare fishing knot breaking strength as a percentage of line rating for Palomar, Uni, FG, and other popular terminal connections.
Predators respond to speed windows where lures swim naturally. Cold water often favors slower speeds.
Crankbaits have min/max speeds before they blow out or stop wobble. Spoons and spinners tolerate wider ranges.
Faster trolling with the same amount of line out generally runs lures shallower; divers and downriggers decouple this.
Updated: July 2026
Target 2.0 to 2.8 mph with flasher-fly combos and adjust for water temperature.
Slow to 1.0 to 1.5 mph so night crawlers stay on hooks and blades spin true.
Run 4 to 7 knots so skirted baits skip without tumbling.
Soft baits need slow speeds so they swim naturally. Dead baits may need slightly more speed for spinners.
Cold fish often prefer slower presentations. Start at the low end of the species range.
Dial in boat speed for the right lure action. Select species and lure style to get recommended trolling speed and tips for depth control.