A few downrigging questions

[Hoffer]

So my first question is line. Do you guys prefer mono or no stretch? I used Mono last summer and it seemed to work fine. But I am wondering how no stretch would work with say a 20 foot mono leader?

Also, about lures. We only trolled some smaller spoons. We had plenty of action so didnt switch up lures - but probably should have. I wanted to try some bigger lures - and therefore heavier. Will the line "false trip" more with a bigger lure? I also wanted to try one with a bigger lip - like maybe something that dives. Is it best to stick with a lure without a lip like a shallow diving rapala?

Last, I have seen these machines they sell to put out an electric signal and you can adjust the signal output to match the species you are after. They are about 120 bucks and just didnt know if it would be worth it.

Any other tips for downrigging would be appreciated - I just started last year and it was fun and we got things dialed in pretty well - but would like to improve if possible.

Thanks!

Hoffer

[tunrevir]

I typically run mono on my rigger rods when fishing for trout and salmon but braids would work fine. The braid tends to slip a bit more from the releases which you can easily fix by looping a rubber band around the line and then inserting the band into the release clip. On a hit the rubber band breaks and you fight the fish to the boat.

You should be able to set the tension on the DR release to encompass larger baits without flase trips, depends on the type of releases you are using whether they are adjustable or not.

I personally think the "blackboxes" are just a waste of money but others may tell you different. If you want to really dial in your spread then buy a probe system that hooks onto the rigger line which will relay the speed at the ball and the water temps at the ball. Most trout and salmon like cooler water temps in the 50 degree range and temperature breaks can be the key to finding fish.

Experiment with your leads off the riggers, I'll work mine anywhere from 15' back to 75' back when using 2 segments of leadcore and a 15' mono leader(secret weapon rig or swr). Thw swr gets your lure back away from the ball and below the turbulence of the ball which can help trigger fish that are finicky or "ball shy".

Tunrevir~

[traveler]

you might want to post this in the Duluth forum, or the new great lakes trout, salmon forum:)

[chris63]

Practice,practice,practice...........there is a book called the trollers bible.There is A LOT of information you can use in the book.Check out used on line book stores.Most fish (esspecially trout and salmon)will stay at or just above the thermocline almost all their lifes.c63