Downriggers

[Walleye_GFA]

OK, I used downriggers a ton in Washington State, but what do you think about using them for conrolled depth for walleyes in big lakes... seems to reason if your going to use leadline or 150' of line out that it maybe better to use downriggers and oh say 20-80' behind ball...

Am I crazy ??? I was going to pop for at least one setup to ry it out here (Minnesota) but thought I would see if anyone else had local experience first...

Wally

[mistermom]

I don't have experience myself but I do know that on LOW and Mille Lacs and some of the other big lakes people are using them. So somebody ought to be able to tell you more Wally.

mm

[Fisher Dave]

I had a downrigger on my boat for years and had marginal success with the eyes. They are much better for larger water with less structure. I found them nearly impossible to run on smaller lakes, or any lake with heavy structure, and steep drops. I have lost many a weight to structure.

I get by with dipsy divers and planer boards.

I do however miss the rigger for Superior....

[Guest]

Walleye,

Some giudes use them in July and August on the deep gravel and mud on Lake-of-the-woods American side of the lake with Cranks.

It's about 33' consistant depth out there. As far as the rest of our better Walleye lakes, I agree there is too much structure to deal with and you'll go nuts with hang-ups and lost hardware.

Run Dipsy Divers, Snap Rigs, Bottom-Bouncers or 3-Way rigs.

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Chells

[Scott Steil]

I have downriggers and I use them quite a bit over the summer months. The Downrigger bite on LOW is terrific. Yes, there are other ways to fish but Downriggers are very effective.

I also like to use downriggers to troll shallow diving raps. There is something about shallow divers that walleye like. Even lead core can't get those plugs down deep enough.

So, to answer the question, yes, people use downriggers for walleye. I use them a lot on small lakes also. I just don't troll stucture with them. Usually I am in "no-mans" land, open water trolling, or fishing suspended fish.

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Mille Lacs Guide Service
www.millelacsguideservice.com

[Walleye_GFA]

Thanks I was trolling no mans land last night with super deep diving crank about 20' behind boat (3 guys and too lazy to use planer)....

Did well for larger northerns (biggest about 8 pounds)...

Wally

[98prosport]

Hey WalleyGFA,
If you are in the market for downriggers, I know where you can get a real nice set for a real nice price. They are complete w/ bases and there is an extra rig also.3 total
give me a shout
[email protected]

[fitzman]

pro
I'm looking for a deal on some downriggers.
Let me know what you got.
Fitzman

[Walleye_GFA]

I am still interested if your buddy is still selling them, but had not heard back from the email... so I figured he no longer wanted to sell...