COMMON DOWNRIGGER QUESTIONS

How much leader should I pull out between my downrigger release and my bait or lure?

This is probably the most common question new downrigger fishermen have. For most applications, a drop back leader length of ten to twenty feet will do. In some instances as we describe in the book, lengths of 50 feet or more are used in special circumstances.

I am bothered by the wire hum of my downrigger as it is trolled. How can I stop this noise?

This noise can be very bothersome. Try more or less weight on the downrigger. If this does not work, use a ring or pulley on a cord attached around the wire and to the boat to dampen the noise. See Chapter 9 in the Downrigger Secrets book for more discussion.

How do I know how much weight to use on my downrigger?

The faster you troll and the deeper you go, the more weight you need to keep the downrigger down. In fresh water trolling 20 to 40 feet down for trout, walleye or kokanee, five or six pounds on weight should do. Most saltwater trolling is done faster and you need more weight. Ten pounds is probably the best weight for average saltwater trolling.

What are the factors in deciding which downrigger I should purchase and install? Boom length, spool size manual or electric etc.

The main factors are the size of your boat, the mounting location and the type of fishing you will be doing. Generally small boats (under 15 feet) should have a short boom small downrigger. If you will often be fishing over 100 feet down you should consider a high speed spool manual downrigger or an electric. See Chapter 5 in the Downrigger Secrets book.

My fishing line frequently pops out of the release on the way down and I have to start over. How can I correct this?

A premature release is usually caused by too much tension on the reel drag. Try just enough tension to keep the reel from free spooling. If this does not work try setting the release heavier if it has this feature. You may need a heavier release.

How many separate lines can be hooked to one downrigger?

Some fishermen will stack three or four lines on one downrigger but you are risking big tangles. I prefer a maximum of two rods on one downrigger with a good separation between rod tips. One tip on each side of the downrigger wire.

What is the most effective downrigger release?

There are hundreds of downrigger releases on the market. In my opinion there are six or eight good ones. The release you need varies by the size and type of fish you are after. You need just enough tension to set the hook. If your release offers the tension you need most of the rest is personal preference. If you are used to one release and it works for you, stay with it.

While trolling, my fishing line balloons back way behind the boat. Is this a problem?

The drag of the water on your fishing line will always cause it to balloon back. It is not a problem as long as it is not excessive. After I set my downrigger at depth, I usually carefully snug up the line tension to take out the excess. Just be careful you don't trip the release.

Does the Black Box really work?

The Black Box works very well on some species. It has been proven time and again that certain fish are attracted to a slight positive charge or positive ions. There are other species that do not respond to this stimulus. Half of the trick is to see that your boat is not putting out a charge that repels fish.