Welcome TPrice
I've been using downriggers for over Thirty years. See previous post - lead line and downriggers
Is anyone have success using lead core line pull deep diving crankbaits for stripers? Thanks in advance.
wayneswords.net
Secret to downriggers are the adjustable releases, use the Blacks or Chamberlain releases. Throw the rubber bands and pinch clips away.
Speed 2-3 mph for stripers and trout. 1.5-2 mph for kokanee and walleye.
Fish a few feet higher than the where the fish finder shows them. Fish see upwards best.
20-50 feet behind the ball. Be careful not to hook the bottom with your ball. I use a deep diving rattling shad so I can keep my ball 12-15 feet off the bottom. You have to troll scary close to the bottom to catch walleye. Usually I catch spring stripers between 25 - 50 feet deep.
Snagging the bottom with your ball will scare the hell out of you. I've done it a couple times, was lucky not to lose a ball or downrigger.
If unknown, Best to pre troll your path before lowering a ball, just to make sure of the bottom contour. No surprises.......
We will be on Lake Powell March 28th - April 6th on the Far North End.
Good Luck ..........
Updated, More Downrigger information:
Striper Lures to use, use the same ones Wayne listed under “Striper Lures” Title:
Even on a Downrigger there is a place for deep divers and shallow runners.
Big Silver Spoons work great at Powell on a downrigger.
Several years ago I switched out my stainless steel cable to Power Braid Downrigger Line.
The cable has a noisy hum at 3 mph, I could tell by the hum if I was going the right speed.
With the Braid there is no noise, nice and quiet.
I also stopped using cannon balls and switched to a fish shaped 8 lb. weight. Torpedo weights.
Much less resistance, tracks truer, less angle / drag.
They Track so I can see them on my fish finder.
Next learn to Load your Pole. Bend it over in the holder. It will make a noise when a hit pops it out.
Learn to adjust the Blacks or Chamberlain release, so they release with the slightest hit.
I’ve seen fish dragged to death because the release didn’t release. Didn’t even know they had a fish.
Watch youtube on downrigger releases. Some great learning videos there.
Chamberlain releases are more expensive but work great. Blacks releases work good too.
But Chamberlain have two release mechanisms, one adjustable pinch and one magnetic release.
And when you get good at downriggers, you can start Stacking Releases.
Multiple poles on one downrigger.