Pause for a moment to consider Dad’s single trolling rod compared to the specialized rods Cappelli carries for planer boards, Dipsey Divers, Jet Divers and lead core.
“All my rods are 8.5 feet long – except two 12-foot lead core rods. Every rod is telescopic, which makes them easier to store on the boat,” Cappelli said. “I have all my rods numbered so if I lose line or need to repair a reel then I can write down the number of the rod in order to take care of the issue after fishing. All rods are outfitted with line counter reels.”
Cappelli said the most important consideration in choosing line is the diameter of the line because diameter plays a huge part in determining the exact depth your crankbait will run.
Information in the Precision Trolling Data app (available online as a download to your phone) provides exact line amount to let out for all popular crankbaits. The data was arrived at by testing crankbaits on a line diameter of .013, which is the diameter of several popular 10-pound test monofilament lines used for trolling. The app also includes information for braided line. Braid is thinner than monofilament for same pound test and will allow a bait to dive deeper.
“I only use 10-pound monofilament with a .013 diameter when pulling crankbaits because it matches up with data in the app. I use mono line because of the stretch; that way you don’t lose as many fish. Pulling cranks with braid results in more fish lost because there is no give.”
However, when running a Dipsey or Jet Diver, then Cappelli employs specific rod & reel combos spooled with braid. Those reels have been calibrated to the trolling app for braid.
Lead core takes a lure down approximately five feet for every color segment of line out when running 2 mph. Cappelli employs 18-pound-test lead core line with a 12- or 14-pound fluorocarbon leader to troll small, shallow crankbaits at depth far greater than they could possibly dive. “If you snag up on something, it is far better to break the leader and loose a crankbait than to lose lead core.”
