Trolling vs. Mooching: Which Fishing Technique is Best for Puget Sound?
Puget Sound is known for its rich fishing grounds, teeming with salmon, lingcod, and other prized species. When it comes to reeling in these fish, two primary techniques dominate the scene: trolling and mooching. Both methods have their place, but one may be better suited for your fishing adventure than the other, depending on your goals. Let’s dive into the differences between trolling and mooching, and why Sasquatch Sport Fishing leans towards trolling for the best results.
What is Trolling?
Trolling involves dragging bait or lures behind a slowly moving boat, often at varying depths, to cover a larger area of water. The movement of the boat creates action in the lures, mimicking live prey and enticing fish to strike. This method allows you to cover a lot of water efficiently, targeting active fish spread across a wide range.
Benefits of Trolling:
Covers More Ground: Trolling lets you explore different depths and locations quickly, maximizing your chances of finding fish.
Constant Action: With multiple lines in the water and lures in motion, you’re always presenting bait to fish, making this method effective throughout the day.
Ideal for Beginners and Families: Trolling is relatively hands-off, making it perfect for groups with varying experience levels who want to relax and enjoy the day.
What is Mooching?
Mooching is a more traditional, hands-on approach where anglers drop a weighted bait overboard and drift with the tide, letting the bait float naturally. This technique mimics the movement of an injured fish or prey, which can attract nearby fish to bite.
Benefits of Mooching:
More Interactive: Mooching allows for more active participation, as you feel the bite directly and respond quickly.
Great for Seasoned Anglers: It requires more technique and finesse, making it a rewarding challenge for experienced fishers.
Why We Choose Trolling at Sasquatch Sport Fishing
While both techniques have their place, Sasquatch Sport Fishing favors trolling for our charters in Puget Sound. The reason? Trolling provides consistent action and the ability to cover more water, increasing the chances of success. Trolling is also ideal for the diverse range of fish in the Sound, and allows for a relaxing, enjoyable experience, especially for families or groups with different skill levels. While mooching has its appeal, we find trolling to be the most effective way to keep our guests engaged and maximize the catch.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned angler, both trolling and mooching offer unique experiences. However, for the waters of Puget Sound, trolling is often the best choice for a productive and enjoyable trip. At Sasquatch Sport Fishing, Captain Derek uses trolling to provide a smooth and action-packed day on the water, ensuring that everyone on board has a great time and leaves with an impressive catch.
