All about trolling fishing and trolling equipment

4 min read

Maybe you've already heard of trolling fishing, or maybe you're curious: what is trolling? Here at Fluer you can learn everything about trolling - from method, trolling setup and trolling equipment .

Trolling as a fishing method

Trolling is a special method of catching fish that has proven to be quite effective. In this fishing method, you fish from a boat, where a bait is pulled. Trolling as a fishing method can be used with larger boats and right down to a smaller dinghy. The boat just needs to move slowly through the water at a recommended speed of around 2 or 2.5 knots. In addition, trolling fishing is most often done in salt water. With trolling, you can catch many different fish, such as salmon, garfish, trout and mackerel, but also fish like cod, which move more on the bottom.


Besides being an effective fishing method, the advantage of trolling is that you can fish in deeper water or places that are difficult to reach from land. With trolling you can also adjust and adapt it to your level or needs. For example, you can keep it simple by pulling one or two lures from a dinghy. At the other end of the scale, you can also use up to 15 rods spread over a larger area on both the sides and in depth. Overall, there are 4 different methods of trolling fishing, which you can read more about below.

Setup for different trolling methods

The 4 methods that can be used for trolling fishing are quite different, do different things and therefore also have different setups. The 4 methods are:


  • Surface trolling
  • Depth trolling
  • Paravane trolling
  • Trolling with Planer Board


The methods can be combined in a variety of ways, so you can create a trolling setup that suits you and your boat.


Surface trolling is the simplest method and is sometimes called trolling. As the name suggests, you fish only on the surface with a jig or wobbler, which is dragged between 20 and 30 meters behind your boat. Surface trolling is best if you are sailing close to fjords or other places with shallow water. If you want to go a meter or two deeper into the water, you can tie a small piece of lead to the jig.


Depth trolling is a method where you can get deeper into the water - about 50 meters down. You can have more lines out, but it is also a method that requires more equipment. To get the flash down in a certain direction and depth, you need a downrigger, and on larger boats there can be room for four downriggers, but normally only two are used. With setup it is easiest to only have one rod per downrigger , as the lines can quickly get tangled.


Paravane trolling, like depth trolling, can also go down to a depth of about 10 meters. In addition, with paravane trolling, you can also make the lure move out to the side. This way you can fish over a larger area at the same time and still avoid the lines getting tangled. Different solutions can be chosen in terms of setup, depending on whether you want to use a Dipsy Diver or a Side Planer.


Trolling with a Planer Board is for trolling fishing over large, open water areas where there is no need to steer the boat around other things. The advantage, however, is that you can fish over a fairly large area because the Planer Board can be pulled out approximately 30 meters. Trolling with a Planer Board requires that there is a mast on the boat that can pull a winch. With this trolling method, you often fish with no more than three rods.

The most important equipment for trolling

Depending on which trolling method you choose, you will need different trolling equipment. However, there is generally trolling equipment that you will need regardless of the method. Firstly, flashes or wobblers are an indispensable part when you want to try your hand at trolling fishing. On our website you will find a large selection of trolling tackle in different shapes, colors and sizes. With a good flash in the water, you can create movement and visibility, so that the fish's interest is aroused. You may also need trolling equipment such as clamps, rod holders and bags. Once you are out on the boat, it is important that you have the most essential equipment in place. We are happy to guide you on how to best prepare for trolling fishing with the different equipment.

More information about trolling

Do you have other questions about trolling or do you need more information about the different equipment? At Fluer we would like to help you get started so that you have the best experience. You are therefore very welcome to contact us - either by phone 71 71 80 80 or via our email fiskegrej@fluer.dk . We look forward to hearing from you and equipping you with the best gear for trolling fishing.