Good monday morning anglers.
I’d like to touch on boat control today as it pertains to both the success and failures while fishing on your body of water.
The mastering of your boat control skills is critical to your overall success. I think there should be a class on it. If you show me an accomplished anglers I will show you an accomplished fisherman that can control his boat. Anglers looking to become more efficient while on the water simply need to master their game whether this is backtrolling rigs/jigs, forward trolling spinners or “Raps”, holding a piece of structure or even dropping the anchor. Becoming an “Expert” at boat control will have you and yours catching more fish.
As a fishing guide there are two key components to consistently coming dockside with a box of Walleyes. The one crucial piece of the equation was discussed last week as we talked about “Fishing…Fish”. If you haven’t read this piece I would suggest taking a gander at it. If you aren’t fishing fish…….Even a fishing wizard won’t be able to majic wand fish into the net. Once you have determined that your on top of the best pod of fish available then you need to position yourself to catch those fish. Seems simple right 
I assure you most anglers struggle here.
If jigging you can either dump an anchor, use your I-Pilot, or backtroll breaklines or structure. Each angler can decide what gives him/her the best chance to barb the beast. What I will say is “Boat Control” or the lack of is the biggest factor that attributes to poor results from weekend anglers. If your out of position and fumbling around the big motor or 50 yards off the active pod of fish……It’s not going to happen for you.
If you trolling a breakline and all over the map and not holding the correct speed…….It’s not going to happen for you.
If your dropping an anchor and finding yourslef 50 yards east or west of the fish then deciding this is good enough………UGHHHH!!
Learn to be a MASTER at staying on the fish. Keep your presentation within the “Wheelhouse” of the target species. The only bites you will get is “IN THE FISH”. Stay on the fish and give yourself the best chance to catch them.
The add of the I-Pilot was a blessing for many anglers. If your a novice trying to control your boat by backtrolling I would HIGHLY suggest the add to your boat. It will make you much more efficient, and your guests much less grumpy.
If you a trolling wizard or a wannabee; The add of the Trollmaster allows you to fine tune your speeds while sitting at the wheel of your boat. Anytime you can elimiate human error seems to be a good thing.
If you drop the anchor; take enough rope to achieve the correct scope of your anchor to actually hold you in position. 50 feet of rope in wind over 35 feet of water…….NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. A good digger anchor with some chain is critical IMHO.
Find fish and stay on top of them!!
Good fishing boys!! We’ll be the boat with the Frabill out!! 
