I have not used a downrigger before so any and all tips will help.
Bear in mind that you are talking to the worlds worst fisherman.
I've had friends offer me money NOT to go fishing with them.



Wouldn't I love to invite my friends for some striper on the barbie.
Thanks for you help.:cheers:

Wish I could help, but cannot due to little outrigger experience myself. I do want to say, however, that your humility should garner you a lot of assistance from the good folks on this board. Good luck and welcome to our board.

Dutch try this one over in the boating forum, someone there should be able to help you.

Down rigging is great.
I first used them on the Great Lakes and during the Winn durby.
You don't need wire or lead line to get your lures or tube and worm down to the fish depths.
Using your fish finder find where the fish are then set you down riggers at that depth.I zero the down rigger at the water line.
I use two manual Cannon's with 48" rods off the aft sides and 10 lb balls. Don't use the cheep plastic rod holders that come with the Cannon's, use your boats rod holders. When I set the down riggers at 10 feet I can see them on my fish finder at ten feet.
Let out around out 100 feet or so fishing line, use lite drag and use the clicker alarm then wait for the action. I rip off about 120 feet or so using my arms streched out finger tip to finger tips is about 5 to 6 feet long.
I also use 18 foot out riggers at the same time, out riggers are great for surface fishing, that's 4 rods at the same time.

Been away for awhile but I'm back.
Thanks for the tips on the downrigger.
Looking forward to some stripers.

How did ya make out? Are you fishing with some current? We bounce the balls on the bottom and take three cranks up. But don't turn down tide or the big monster will take your balls. I can give some hints if you still need them...