when and where would i use one of these dont know nothing about downriggers

for trolling .... instead of wire line... you can use a downrigger... it is sort of like an "outrigger" but under water. Allows you to put your lure at a deep depth (exactly) without trolling wire or heavy drails.(uses a very heavy weight that is not attached to your fishing line) when the fish hits, the clip releases and you free of the downrigger. Just like an outrigger.

I would like to see someone automate it so it becomes a "smartrigger", it could connect to the depth sounder and then be able to automagicly adjust itself to maintain a specified distance from the bottom. (I am loaded with ideas....just not enough time to see them thru)

Thats the main problem using them in my area. the bottom changes so quickly, and you want to fish near structure its
nearly impossible.

I tried it once and found to safely use them I had to stay out where the bottom was flat.
it may work better in open water for blues (maybe bass), but again they are usually near some kind of structure.

Oh,,, didn't I mention the 40,000 lobster pots, they are also set near productive underwater structures.

That being said, I do see some people using them and more boats lately have them mounted, but I have not seen anyone catching with them.

Of course this is just MO..
If you can use them productively let us know !!!!!

I still have 2 cannons (manual) that I will probably sell, I used them in my fresh water boat, but we don't go fishing like
that anymore.


Good Luck

Downriggers work very well in trolling for Tuna in deeper water. You "see" the Tuna on the FF and set the baits at the depth they are in and troll by them and bingo! If you are lucky you got em!
As noted by the above posts the inshore use of down riggers is difficult due to the bottom structures in the coast line areas where the bass feed.
Good Luck

i agree with nor-easter and van about inshore use of them as being difficult. Offshore they are nice to set at different depths to try and locate the desired depth. nor-easter have you ever live baited off a down rigger? nothing like hearing your reel scream from a live mackeral dragged down in the depths.

Kav:

Hmmmmmm.,

You just got me thinking. ;)

Maybe I should try one of my riggers when the macks are in good.
Live lined and trolled slow down deep....

Could be some cows down there , Eh?????

Kav:
On another topic, I've been calling around to marina, cause i want to move, does your marina have smaller boat slips, from what I was they seem to cater to larger boats...your not at TRYC anymore right ???

Van, yes i am still there. there are smaller boats on the inside float but by water it looks as if it is all bigger boats. i was at bay point for three years but moved over to tryc about 3 years ago. huge different in price for a slip between the two although this was the first year i was out on a mooring. i think i will have a slip next year.
Now you have something else to try next season like trolling live macks or herrring on a downrigger, since you have now mastered chunking. you hads some great pictures this season van thanks for sharing them.

Kav, it seems you have to be a member of the TRYC to get in the water there. I hear it takes a looooong time...

What the story with that ?

yes there is certainly a long waiting list there. last i heard it was about 5 years. i have been there for about 6 years now.

Is the cost of a slip worth the wait ????

$/ft. ???

I am finding some very high rates as i call around..

I went from paying $2016 per season to $300. so it was quite a bit of savings. plus with everyone members people tend to look after your boat when you are not there which is nice. it is a very clicky type of place with allot of people in there own little groups though.

So if I wanted to start that process to eventually get in there,
how would i go about it???

i think you need a sponsor first to get your name in on the waiting list. i will look into that for you and let you know.

Excellent, Thank you.