Leaders For Short-Line Trolling With Shad Baits

We often talk about how different leaders can affect the action of different lures. In most cases, we are talking about this in regard to casting, but it can also apply to trolling. Early in the year, short-line trolling can be very effective and is a lot of fun.

- John Bette

A thin, stranded wire leader is perfect for running shad baits close to the boat.

Short-line trolling, or “short-lining,” consists of running lures quite close to the boat on very short lines; hence the name. In a lot of cases, the most effective way to do this is to have nothing but a three-foot leader out with your rod tips buried in the water. This is often done in shallow areas where navigating may require sharp turning. Running planer boards or a wide trolling spread can be difficult in this type of situation.