Downrigger substitute?

bcodkind · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 10:58 am Post subject: Downrigger substitute?

Ok, so I just got the weekly NH fishing report and apparently the lake I'm going to is HOT right now for rainbows. Most are being caught at 25-35 feet on a downrigger. I don't have the time or money for a downrigger. I have access to a canoe, a 1 person and a 2 person kayak. What's the best way to fish downrigger style...without a downrigger!!!!!

thorn168 · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 12:38 pm Post subject:

Try lead core line.

Here is a link for it:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Lead-Core-Fishing-Line/1096947.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dlead%2Bcore%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=lead+core&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

Keep in mind that using this type of line may mean you end up keeping the fish you catch because the weight of the line will really stress them out.

bcodkind · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 1:10 pm Post subject:

I'm definitely digging that idea. What # test should I use? Do I need to tie on a leader?

thorn168 · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 2:10 pm Post subject:

That is a good question...I have not personally used lead core...so I would suggest perhaps a trip to bass pro or another sporting goods store to get some advice on how to spool it and rig it.

I know that bass pro has on-line chat people who might be able to help you with this question.

skoda · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 3:18 pm Post subject:

trout is in the summer alwyas between 20 - 30 deep

park the canu

normal line setup take a nice small trout hook - go back up the line ruffly 12 inch from the hook and tie in a marble sized weight

most important for trout is that the bait is floating a foot over bottom
also hook as small as possible and bait not bigger than a marble

that catches me tons of the yummy suckers and no extra money spent

weldinghank · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 3:27 pm Post subject:

+1 To the above method.

Thats how I normally catch trout in the summer on walden pond in the deep hole out back.

also see if you can find a "worm puffer" and use night-crawlers with a couple air bubbles under the skin to float them. I usually catch a ton of brown trout that way as they love a nice stinky crawler!

fishlander · Baitfish Rank Joined: 01 Sep 2011 Posts: 4 Total Points: 4

There are some very good low priced downriggers. Cannon makes one that I used before I upgraded to a bigger boat. Caught many salmon and lakers on Quabbin with a rented boat and trusty cannon riggers.

shawneramone · Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 6:40 am Post subject:

They make trolling weights too that will bring your lures deeper.
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-reg-Trolling-Weights/product/10200705/-1564081