Downrigger techniques or tips

[Billy Bones]

Just added a downrigger to my boat. Does anyone have any tips or techniques that have worked for them? My main reason for adding it is lakers. Have had moderate success over the last few weeks. Have tried many different methods, different speeds, zig zagging, 15 feet above the fish to right in amongst them. Mainly fishing inland lakes, boat too small for Lake Ontario.

Thanks
Billy Bones

[DropShotr]

I fish shiners exclusively for lakers. I use a #1 or 1/0 Gamakatsu dropshot hook attached with a Polomar knot. On the tag end I attach a #4 or #2 Gamakatsu treble as a stinger hook. I hook the minnow up through the bottom lip out through the top lip. the stinger is hooked a bit behind and off center of the dorsal fin. A little dab of quick dry super glue helps keep the stinger in place. I use a Sutton 88 flutter spoon about a foot ahead of the minnow as an attractor. Before you drop the line down toss it in along side the boat and watch the action. Adjust your speed accordingly. I try to stay 5ft above the depth of the trout. If I use one of my "bass" rods (because I forgot my downrigger rod). I do not "load up" graphite bass rods in the rod holder like I would if I had a regular fiberglass downrigger rod. I hope this helps.

DropShot'r

[muskymatt]

I find the fish and then run my lures right thru them or 2-4' above them.

I like sindewinders and flashking 3" spoons.

I usually run the hooks 40-60' behind the balls.

1.6-2.2 mph has produced well for me.

I don't zig zag I usually will run the same trolling route back and forth as many times as I need to or until the fish move.

[almontefisher]

What is the depth of the lake you fish...I usually fish in 30-90ft of water for lakers on my lake. I use a 7lbs weight and always use a 8ft downrigger rod loaded pretty good...I use a silver Williams wobbler a silver black ripplin red fin or a live minnow on 6-8lbs mono leader with a medium gangtroll and leadcore or 25lbs mono as the main...Troll about 1-1.3mph and I try both straight paths along structure and dropoffs or I do the drunk fisherman...Also look for the thermocline and fish either just above it or right through it.

Good Luck.

[Waterguy]

What I do is add an 18 inch leader between my cannonball and release. This allows the release to move up and down more freely. If you watch your rod tip a small laker will cause the rod to bounce irratically. This way you don't end up dragging the small ones to death.

[almontefisher]

Yeah I have dragged a few in my time...Go to leave after an unevntful evening fish and low and behold there is one on but not big enough to set the rig off.

[SALMON]

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