using a downrigger

[andyk]

Hi fellas I just set up a downrigger for trolling for trout
I had a go on the weekend but was bit unsure what I was
Doing . Can I run a fender off the rigged ? How much tension
Should I have on the rod some Times the line would come out
On the way down and sometimes would not come out any tips
Would be handy thanks .

[Wolly Bugger]

Hi fellas I just set up a downrigger for trolling for trout
I had a go on the weekend but was bit unsure what I was
Doing . Can I run a fender off the rigged ? How much tension
Should I have on the rod some Times the line would come out
On the way down and sometimes would not come out any tips
Would be handy thanks .

You can run what ever you like off of it, ford fenders, cowbells, dodgers.

I use to have the tension set to the point where if a fish took the lure, it would pop straight out. Of course if you run ford fenders, compared to cowbells, the ford fenders need more tension.

If the line can out on the way down, either the tension was too loose, a fish hit your lure, but didn't hook up or the line coming off the reel got caught.

Sometimes all it takes for the line to pop out, is too speed up a little bit, as speeding up creates a greater resistance.

There is a booklet that has advice on using downriggers, or go through old copies of Freshwater Fishing. AFN puts out a book and dvd on trolling for trout.

Downriggers are great to use until your down rigger bomb hits a snag at 50 or 60 feet. then life can be interesting.

[andyk]

Thanks for that will need to do more fishing and research , I did keep thinking about snags so I ke
pt the downrigger tension just enough to hold the bom up hoping I would have time to react if I got snagged .

[Wolly Bugger]

Thanks for that will need to do more fishing and research , I did keep thinking about snags so I ke
pt the downrigger tension just enough to hold the bom up hoping I would have time to react if I got snagged .

I use to point/tilt the depth sounder transducer forward so that the beam was pointing at an angle directly towards the bow of the boat.

It also helps to know the water you are fishing in, like were the snags are ect.

[andyk]

I mostly fish purrumbete and bullenmerri so I have a good idea about those lakes but would b bit more concerned elsewhere say like Eildon for example .