Deeper trolling Poll.

[Chode2235]

I think this could be a good thread for those of us starting to get into trolling and are overwhelmed with the options.

How do most of you get your lures a bit deeper when needed, and why do you use this method over the alternatives?

*Downriggers

*Snap Weights

* 3 - ways

*Leadcore

*???

And why?

[solbes]

Good topic!

I've used a mini downrigger and snap weights. If I'm fishing deeper water exclusively and can guarantee I won't hit bottom, I like to take the time to setup the 'rigger. 6 lb ball usually targeting suspended fish 20-30 feet down over 40-80 FOW.

I use snap weights more often, but they are less precise. I use this mainly for contour trolling in 20-30 FOW. Easy to use and setup. I bought a set of heavy Offshore releases and added some bell sinkers. Cost me $10.

Moderate success on the two methods above. I've been reading some of the leadcore threads, and may give that a try next year. I watch some people in my boat try and try again with the 3 way rigging. Usually a mess of tangled lines is the product. Bottom bouncers would be a fifth option, but I don't think my 2 oz model is heavy enough.

[tacklejunkie]

I think this could be a good thread for those of us starting to get into trolling and are overwhelmed with the options.

How do most of you get your lures a bit deeper when needed, and why do you use this method over the alternatives?

*Downriggers

*Snap Weights

* 3 - ways

*Leadcore

*???

And why?

I use downriggers but have been using dipsey divers more and more. Of course, this is on Lake Superior were I have to get deep. I seem to catch more fish on the dipseys, though.

For inland walleye fishing, to get deep I use snap weights. Why? because I can adjust the length from the lure to the weight better than with bottom bouncers

[tacklejunkie]

Bottom bouncers would be a fifth option, but I don't think my 2 oz model is heavy enough.

It should be if your fishing 20-30 feet deep. Unless you're fishing suspended fish then a 2oz snap weight would be plenty.

I agree with the three way. Big mess

[JohnMickish]

I use lead, three ways, snap weights and bottom bouncers, each depending on what I am doing and where I am doing it. If I can run 2+ lines per person and we are using cranks, lead will for sure be used at least on the rear rods. Maybe moving up with snap weights or three ways, depending on current. If it's a relatively large featurless flat it dosen't matter, but if it's contours I'm following then lead and more lead.

Bottom bouncers for under 2.0MPH and under about 25' or fishing in the flooded trees.

If it's a snaggy bottom I will use three ways since they are the easiest to replace.

Snap weights make it nice if your running planer boards and multiple rods, they are easy to adjust to give you a presentation that will fall between your other lures to help keep tangles to a minimum.

Hope that helps.

[jwmiller33]

leadcore and 3-ways for this guy

[PerchJerker]

My first two options will be deep running crankbaits on superline, or any crankbait on leadcore. I feel these options give you the most control and versatility.

I'll also use 3-way rigs, if I wait my bait very close to the bottom. 3-ways are the best way to ensure that your bait is near the bottom. Bottom bouncers would work too, but I like the rigging versatility you get with a 3-way rig.

I have used snap weights, dipsys and downriggers, but I really prefer the other methods I mentioned for walleye fishing.

[LoonASea]

I started using torpedo divers on Superior ,,,easy to deploy and retrieve ,,,one more tool for the arsenal

Dipsy's are another stable on the big lake

LAS

[Northlander]

Mostly snap weights and leadcore but I have been known to 3 way rig when I want to contour troll and stay near bottom. Another thing I want to try is hand lining but thats a whole nother ball game.

[JohnMickish]

And lets not forget about handlining. I've never done it but it appears to be a killer method on the river.

[Mike Walerak]

I pretty much use all of the above.

Leadcore most often for trolling. THere always dead with Lead!

Snap weights if I am running planer boards. Barely ever.

3-ways if I am fishing flats on the river for scattered fish.

Handline if I am fishing breaklines in the river and precision is a must. Very small window of oppertunity.

mw

[tacklejunkie]

I started using torpedo divers on Superior ,,,easy to deploy and retrieve ,,,one more tool for the arsenal

Dipsy's are another stable on the big lake

LAS

By torpedo divers, are you talking jet divers?

[TruthWalleyes]

I use leadcore, but trying to get used to 3-way...and struggeling!

[LoonASea]

TJ google "torpedo divers" or check Marine General as they have had them before too

LAS

[Fish Head]

Snap weights, 3-way, and bottom bouncers. I've never used lead core, but that may change next year.

[tunrevir]

I pretty much use all the above except haven't handlined. Depends on the depths I'm trying to reach as to what technique I will run. I haven't fished the dypsies or jet divers for walleyes but have used those presentations on the great lakes along with the riggers. Most of the time snap weights and leadcore can get me into the depths that I generally target for walleyes but on occassion I'll work three way rigs as well. Sometimes it comes down to what stuff I have on hand when I decide to target deeper water, be it bottom bouncers, snap weights or three way rigs. I don't always carry my leadcore rods with me each outing but usually will have a few snap weights or bell sinkers in my box that I can rig up.

Tunrevir~