How to Use a Downrigger Setup
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Downriggers are an essential tool for deep-water trolling and can significantly enhance your fishing experience. They allow you to precisely control the depth of your lures, making it easier to target specific species or fish at varying depths. This article will walk you through the process of setting up and using a downrigger in five simple steps.
1. Choose the right downrigger:
The first step is selecting the appropriate downrigger for your boat and fishing needs. Several factors should be considered while choosing a downrigger, such as its weight capacity, mounting options, line retrieval speed, and counter features that display the amount of line released. Take into account your boat’s size, preferred fishing style, and targeted species when making your choice.
2. Install the downrigger:
Once you’ve purchased the right downrigger for your needs, it’s time to install it on your boat. Select a location on your boat that provides easy access and leaves room to mount additional fishing gear if needed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mounting the downrigger securely to the boat. It may involve using bolts, clamps, or brackets.
3. Rig the downrigger:
Start by attaching the weight to the downrigger cable using a snap swivel or weight release. Make sure it’s secure and won’t accidentally slip off during use. Next, spool out enough downrigger cable so that it reaches your desired fishing depth. For every 10 feet of depth you want to reach, let out approximately 1 foot of extra cable to account for blowback.
4. Attach your lure setup:
To use a downrigger effectively, you’ll need to attach your lure setup and a release clip to the main line running from your reel to the weight on the downrigger cable. Hold onto the mainline above where you’ll attach the clip, and let out some slack line so that your lure is about 15 to 30 feet behind the boat. Attach the release clip to the mainline and then connect it to the downrigger cable.
5. Start trolling:
Once your downrigger and lure setup are secured, you can start moving the boat slowly through your desired fishing area. Watch your depth finder to get a sense of where the fish are congregating and adjust your downrigger depth accordingly. Keep an eye on the downrigger’s line counter to ensure you’re fishing at the proper depth.
In conclusion, using a downrigger setup can help you target specific depths and fish species more effectively. By properly choosing, installing, rigging, and attaching your lures to your downrigger setup, you’ll be well on your way to a successful day of deep-water trolling.