Team Werre’s Trolling Tips

by Dave Kooser

Kevin and Alissa Werre have been collecting checks from CWA tournaments for years. Through this time, one thing remains constant…they will always troll for their fish. Whether it is a fault or confidence in only trolling, it works for them. Tuesday the 2nd of October, Kevin was the guest speaker at the South Chapter meeting and gave some tips on how to troll for walleye.

Kevin builds a network of friends and contacts at lakes he fishes. Prior to even making the trip to the lake, he is pulsing his network to determine things like water temp, water clarity, if fish are active, what baits are working and what parts of the lake are active. Kevin also reflects back on his historical data to determine what was working the last time he was at the target lake.

A few of Kevin’s tips:

In the spring use smaller cranks that imitate the smaller “newly hatched” bait.
The first few trolling passes are at a faster speed…3.5 to 4 mph. This strategy has a two pronged return. Overnight fish have likely moved, spots that worked the day before might not hold fish like it did the day before so a little “speed looking” is called for. The higher speed trolling passes allow Team Werre to pick off the more aggressive fish first. It also allows them to survey the water with their electronics, GPS’ing inactive or neutral fish so that on their next pass they can slow down and go right back over the previously marked fish.
Use heavier poles and line to get the fish in quicker. This allows for the crank to be returned to the water sooner, maximizing the number of cranks in the water.
Mix leadcore set ups with non-lead core. Leadcore drug cranks on the inside, non-lead core on the outside with planner boards. Lead core set ups are used with linecounter reels.
In cloudy conditions use white or firetiger colored cranks. In clear conditions, use silver and gold colored cranks.

On additional tip Kevin gave and can only be used in states where it is legal is to troll a crank and spoon on the same line. Kevin uses a three way swivel to present a crankbait below a 2 inch Michigan Stinger Spoon. The leader to the crankbait is half the length of the leader to the spoon. At times and instead of the spoon, Kevin will tie on a Cha Cha, Double Whammy or Wally Pop made by Macks Lure. Again, check state laws to determine if this presentation is legal but if so, it allows the angler to double up on the number of lures in the water.

The Colorado Walleye Association would like to thank Kevin for being our guest speaker at the October South Chapter meeting. Kevin is sponsored by Macks Lures, Michigan Stinger Spoons as well as running a guiding business in Wyoming (www.walleyetrackers.com).

Swede Kamm won the CastAway Rod donated by Joe Conway. Thanks Joe and CastAway Rods!