Jim_MI wrote:
Joey - Very nice looking system! Do you get many tangles when deploying your lines or playing a fish? I tried a homebrew downrigger system on Lk MI last year and found it a bit overwhelming. I was targeting lake trout 70 - 90 ft down. I could not just freespool the fishing line as the downrigger went down because it let out line too quickly and I ended up with a big loop between my reel and the downrigger clip. Had trouble adjusting the drag to prevent that and still let the lightweight "ball" down. Eventually it all seemed too complicated and I went to torpedo divers. This season I am trying lead core. I would definitely consider your system if you think it would be tangle free at those depths.
Jim –
Working with everything behind me, took a little practice. With time, it got much easier. When using the 2 downriggers with a rod on each, I don’t have any major issues.
BUT, when I go ahead and add a rod to each rail, things can get a little squirrely. I fish these rods with a planer float to get them out away from the Pro Angler…not difficult to set up, but can get crazy when a BIGGER fish decides to say hello. This system has been productive during the negative bite cycle, and I feel its well worth the trouble to get some bites during this time.
When the fish are active, I only use 2 rods.
Have used many different set ups/techniques for trolling and had success with them. But, this particular set up has been getting me a BIGGER bite and I feel pretty comfortable with it.
Also, the downriggers can be used as power poles/anchors…it works, but that all depends on the elements around you.
Before trying something like this system…check out this simplistic way to get your lure/bait deeper. Have caught fish using them.
http://www.redirig.com/pdfs/how_itworksr175.pdfRegards, JoeyB (PedalPirate)