I have not used wire before, any tips on how to load the reel? What Lb. Test? Brand? Color? ...<br /><br />Fishing for Lake Trout, Hybrid Stripers, Landlocked Salmon on Downrigger between 25 & 50 ft.
Try this,<br /> http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/fishing_articles/wired_for_success.htm <br /><br />I don't think the wire was intended fo downrigger use but you can give it a try. Personally I would use a snap weight to get down deeper rather than the rigger. There is something used called the SWR (secret weapon rig) 2 colors of led core on your downrigger setup. The lets the 20 yards of led plus the 15' of mono run farther back and below your ball about another 10' It works great when stacking lines.
If you use a wire line You will have to start with buying a rod that has carbide or carboloid guides because the wire will cut right through the regular ones.You will also have to use a bronze spool in order to neutralize the electrolysis oxidation.That said,you will want to use monell line(nickle steel alloy)because it is the softest and densest(heavy)line for stripers. You want 300 feet of 40 pound wire with 80 pound line for backing in order to be able to fill your spool.For lake trout you have to think about going under the thermocline which often means 90 foot down.There you need 25 pound copper line (600feet)+backing.For landlocked salmon you can use the laker setup and even that is a bit heavy.<br />Good luck.
Just so we all grasp the fact that WIRE IS WIRE. It permantly kinks, It will NOT break if tied to a big strong lure. It scratches almost anything if a big fish drags the line over it. Human flesh included. It a last ditch effort by great fish guides to get you a fish when other easier setups poop out. It IS $$$.
