View Full Version : dipsy divers
HELP,
Can some of you give me an idea on what size dipsy divers are nessary for walleye fishing on Lake Erie. I will be fishing the eastern basin this year and would like to be prepared. Luhr Jensen has different sizes and I don't know how they really work. Are there better ones then these out there? If so what are their names and where can I order them from. Also what are snubbers and do I need them? What is the best line for running dipsy's? All help would be greatly appreciated. THANKYOU to all who answer.
John, Dipsys take the lines down and away from the boat. In deeper water(like the central basin) you will likely be fishing in 70 plus feet of water, targeting a depth of +/- 55' (the avearage thermocline depth). To get that deep you may have as much as 185' of line to the dipsy. To trip the dipsy's release with that much line out you should use a spectra fiber line. These super braids have VERY little stretch and are the reason the snubbers are needed (they provide some shock absorbtion and keep the fish from ripping off). For the depths you'll be fishing the big dipsys will be the way to go. I would strongly reccommend you get a copy of Precision Trolling and read it before you start spending money. It will be the beat 25 bucks you can spend to help get off on the right foot. Dipsys are in there, as are most all the common trolling techniques and gear. Good luck. One other suggestion would be to consider taking a charter with a captain who likes to teach, and tell him in advance that you want to learn. The old picture is worth a thousand words deal.
Mr.Pike
03-10-2000, 07:39 PM
Excellent advice!
ETT,
Thanks for the advice.
John
Grey Beard
03-11-2000, 03:27 PM
In addition to the other good suggestions I would add this: Consider using downrigger weight rods if you use no stretch line rather than "Dipsy Rods" because the flex will also help you keep from tearing hooks out and more fun to reel in the fish. I have used 9' ML 1101 Ugly Sticks for a few years and handle 20#+ salmon so big eyes shouldn't be a problem. These rods can also be used for your Off Shore boards. I use the big Dipsy, Size 1 with the rigs off and use the "rings on" chart for depth approximation and it is pretty close. Okuma line counter reels are very good for this setup, considering the price. And finally, set your drag just this side of leaking so big fish don't tear off on initial strike plus the clicker noise is a great alarm clock. Good luck.
Strikeking
03-12-2000, 04:40 AM
Excellent advise from ETT. Good luck.