Deep water trolling

[grandx]

Ok, guys I've done quite a bit of trolling, mostly surface or slightly subsurface in the Gulf of Mexico. Am interested in getting some baits down to the big fish on my finder 60-150 ft if possible. Problem is I want to continue trolling the surface at the same time at 4-7 Knots. Have bought two Scotty electric downriggers with 10lb weights and tried them last weekend. They sure don't stay down too deep when trolling at these speeds, I bet 60 foot of cable blows back and is only 20 foot deep at 5knts. What are my options, whats the most efficient way to accomplish this? Any and all replies appreciated.

 

[Rea Cycled]

Re: Deep water trolling

hi there grandx,<br />i'm currently making a downrigger for my boat now, and have been reading posts for them, 2 things come to mind, try gelspun line instead of cable, it doesn't vibrate and being thinner less drag, the other is to look at the downrigger bomb, not knowing what your useing, look at some of the new types out now, they have fins/wings ect and are lighter to tow and slide thru the water better<br />cheers ReaCycled

 

[grandx]

Re: Deep water trolling

Thanks, <br />Any Idea where to find some of this stuff? I am currently using steel cable with 10 lb lead cannon ball.

 

[Backlash]

Re: Deep water trolling

Hey Grandx,<br />I don't troll that fast myself but you might check out www.zwingdownrigger.com/index.htm. I can't vouch for their product but it looks like it might be what you're looking for. <br />Backlash

 

[Backlash]

Re: Deep water trolling

Sorry, make that www.zwingdownrigger.com and it should work.

 

[Rea Cycled]

Re: Deep water trolling

hi again that link shows a good one, the gell spun line "fireline" is available in tackle shops, i'm going to use 150lbs on mine<br />cheers Reacycled

 

[Rea Cycled]

Re: Deep water trolling

also have a look at this artical http://www.demonjigs.com/downrigging.html <br />cheers ReaCycled

 

[grandx]

Re: Deep water trolling

Thanks everyone for the ideas, thin line and planer boards sounds like a good idea to me. Will give it a try.

 

[SeaRay245]

Re: Deep water trolling

i dont troll in to deep of water 60ft max but i have no problem keepin my stuff down but we on lake erie only troll at 2mph

 

[seajay]

Re: Deep water trolling

we use hi speed planers with 300 mono with great results on the eastcoast of Fla. use showercurtainrings and #64 rubberbands ceaper than double swivels .

 

[RWA]

Re: Deep water trolling

We fish between 150 and 200 feet here for halibut and use the same downriggers. We simply use 15 or 20lb cannon balls. The Scotty downrigger handles the weight no problem