Best diver?

[MOeyez]

Would like to try some "dipsey trolling" this season. Looking to run cranks or spoons in the 40-50 foot range. Which brand/type would you recommend? Any other tips you could pass along would be appreciated. Thanks much!

Mike

[Western Walleye Editor]

I gotta vote for the Reef Runner. With Fireline you can get close to 30 feet without any added weight... Check the precision trolling manual to see how much weight will get you to 40 or 50 feet.

Good Luck,

[MOeyez]

Oops, sorry. I should phrase my question better! :) Wondering which style or brand of diving planer has worked out best for other trollers. The only one I've seen locally is the Fish Seeker, but I know there are others out there, in various sizes. My target depth is 40-50 feet. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Mike

[FreeByrd]

By far, the most popular is the original Dipsey Diver. Size 1 - the largest one. For serious Dipsey trolling one of the Spectra Superlines are the way to go. Power Pro is becoming one of the most popular lines on Erie. 30 pound test with 8 pound diameter is very popular. It will also help you get deeper with less line out. I think the dive curves in PT and from Luhr Jensen are based on either 17 or 20 pound test mono. 40-50 feet deep is no problem with dipseys.
As a side note - if you run cranks behind the dipseys you don't want to run a crank that has a deep diving bill on it. Stickbaits are the rule if you want to run cranks behind dipseys.
Good Luck,
Steve

[ETT]

Steve is right on, but I would add, always use the ring, (in fact glue them on with a vinyl adhesive like "Shoe-Goo"), use the Power Pro line, it makes learning Dipsys much easier. All your Dipsy rods should be identical, and the rod holders should be about 8" apart (if you're going to run more than 1 on each side of the boat). Set the trip tension at around 3#s for calm water and up it to 5#s for 4-5' waves. With any superbraid a snubber or shock absorber is a big help(fewer rip-offs). Dipsys can be tricky to learn, but they are the fastest in and out of any trolling presentation, and great fish producers, once you've mastered them. Good luck and go get em.

[RD]

Where do you attach these snubbers??

[punch1]

RD

Attach the snubbers behind the Dispsy to your leader. Remember to keep your leader and lure combined length no longer than your rod. Or you can try a 15' leader like I did my first time and you will soon find out the importance of keeping your set up behind the dipsy at 7-10 feet!

[Inlander]

I just bought some Luhr-Jensen Jet Divers. They seem to bee the way to go if you fish alone because they will float to the top instead of dropping to the bottom and snagging. The design is vey simple and a size variations are offered for 10,20,30,40 and I believe even deeper. They claim it is an extra fish attractent due to the different colors available. The deeper the size the bigger the body of the diver which allows for larger baits to be pulled. I bought the 10 and 20 for crawler harnesses and little rippers. Good Luck!

[ginamaria]

For the 40-50 ft range the size 0 dipsy on 14 lbs fireline works well. The big advantage of dipsies if their side planing ability. I've been able to run 6 of the back of my boat with 2 down riggers in between. (to be honest I'm giving up on this. its do-able but too much of a pain.)

[Billy]

How about Greg lougainous?

[MOeyez]

Uh, I think he took his last dive some time back. Seriously, thanks everyone! Looks like the Dipsy size 0 (with snubber) will be the right choice for me!

Mike