View Full Version : Downriggers for Musky ???'s
For those trolling for Muskys with downriggers I was wondering what rods and line are you using and how far are you running your baits behind the ball? Thanks
Marvin Radtke
10-06-2002, 12:01 AM
I fish downriggers all the time. I'm using light medium rods. You need the bend so when the quick release goes off the rod will set the hook for you. I use 17# line. Find with a lot of lures, you will lose action with heavier lines. But make sure that your drag is set light as to not break the line. But yet tight enough to keep a tight line when the fish strikes.
As far as distance back from the boat... I usually run about 60-70' back from the boat. But I'm fishing in very clear water and about 16' down. I have fished as deep as 25' and can still see my ball. That tells you how clear the water is. If you're fishing in waters without that kind of clarity, you don't need to fish as far back. 40-50' should be fine. I use this method when I'm fishing. I take the depth I'm fishing and multiply it by 6 and that's how far I let my line out.
Drewman
10-07-2002, 08:03 AM
This a technique used on on Lake St. Claire...especially when the floating weeds are really bad. It's also the method that led to my first muskie!
I usually run Terminators about 15'-20' behind a 12lbs pancake weight, and run the weight down anywhere from 4' to 9'. Keep in mind though that I am usually trolling in 16' to 19' of water.
I have found that it is necessary to use extra heavy duty releases in order to hold the hard pulling cranks at +5 mph. I used my standard king salmon setup. 8' Heavy Shimano TDR's and Diawa SG47LC reels with 65lbs Power Pro. Didn't feel like getting a whole new set of rods/reels just for this one presentation style as boards and down rods are more productive usually.