Dipsy Diver Rods

[Cranky_Troller]

My Father and i are heading out to lake erie and really want to try to use dipsy divers with spoons and spinners. The only problem is that we have never used dipsys before and were wondering if are planner board rods would work or not. Also what kind of line works best to use for dipsys.

Thanks
Cranky

[Stormsearch]

Quickly off the top of my head, the only rigger or planar rod that may work as a dipsey are Ugly Sticks.

You are much better off getting a dedicated dipsey rod, there is alot of pull from these divers not to mention the fish strike. Power Pro 30/8 is very popular for dipsey line for walleye.

I wouldn't trust my trolling rods holding up very well used in a dipsey application.

[FreeByrd]

Cranky,
Good advice on the 30/8 Power Pro. A braided non stretch line is what you want for dipsyes.

Will your planar board rods handle dipseys for a weekend trip to Erie?? Maybe and Probally - depending on what rods they are. If you can let us know the specific rods you are talking about someone may have good info for you on them. For example the Cabelas Depthmaster telescoping "planar board" rods actually make a decent dipsey rod for walleye. One of the most popular Lake Erie dipsey rods is the Okuma CPDR 8-0 M which is actually an 8 foot medium Down Rigger rod.

Let us know some more specifics about what you have.
The good news is there is no reason to spend much on a dipsey rod. Several good choices for less than $30. The Okuma CPDR and Shimano TDR (also a Down Rigger rod) are both great choices.

Where are you headed on Erie? Give Denny Braun at the Sportsman's Outpost in Vermilion Ohio a call at 888 855 9032 to discuss any equipment specifics. Den is one of the best trollers on Erie and will set you up with a good equipment package if needed without breaking the bank and can also give good advice on using what you may already have.

Steve Carlson

[perchjerker]

great tips

if it was me I would be more concerned that you have strong enough rod holders and they are fastened down securley.

[trolling rods]

In a pinch I have used my Cabelas Planner board rods Salmon fishing with size 1 dipsys dodgers and spoons. They work, but I like my dipsy rods better because they are longer and heavier. If you don't want to buy speical rods for one trip just respool your line counters and go.

[bountyhunters]

med/heavy rods work good for big dips. but make sure your rod holders can stand the strain ,I use 8ft and 10ft.

[cxtx]

I echo the previous posts. We use Shimano Extra Heavy downrigger rods in the 8' length. Tried using the medium action shimanos one time in a pinch and there was A LOT Of strain on them and they looked like a horseshoe... I was not comfortable running that set-up. I think if we would have had a hard steelie strike, that rod may have gotten toasted. And do make sure you have quality rod holders for the dipsies. Last thing you want is a big hit and the rod holder letting loose. I use the #50/12 Powerpro for the dipsy rods and don't have a problem. Buy a 300 yard spool of the #30 or #50 P.P. and put it over top of mono backing. 150 yards of P.P is all you need on the spool so with one 300 yard spool, you can do 2 reels. One 300 yard spool is usually a little cheaper than 2 150 yard spools.
Just remove enough mono to fit the P.P. on. You can attach the P.P to the mono with either a back to back uni knot or an improved albright knot. I use the albright because I can make the knot smaller with it and it is plenty strong. Good luck.

[CarpetBagger]

9'6'' Heartlands are awesome rods for dipsys...i have 4 of these and 4 more of the lighter versions...strictly for big and smaller dipsys

CB
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[woodsdweller]

I routinely run two dipseys per side on Lake Michigan for heavy duty salmon action. I use 30# Power Pro for line. Plenty heavy, but I also use an Opti-Tackle clear stealth snubber to add some forgiveness, and have my drags set just this side of slipping (very important!). Have yet to have the Power Pro break. For rods, I use Shimano TDR's in med. action and find them plenty stout enough. For my inside dipseys I use the 8' rods and for the outside I use the 9' rods. Any longer and it makes landing more difficult, especially if you ever fish alone or with newbies. Any heavier and you take some of the fun out of the fight. By the way, Daiwa Heartlands are also excellent rods and priced similarly. I actually prefer them to mine, but mine were on sale when I bought.

Just my two cents for what its worth, but I have had salmon hit like a freight train and rip off 300' of line before taking a rest, and this gear takes it just fine. I think you will regret fishing walleyes, even Erie walleyes, with heavier gear. Lighter is much more enjoyable. Good luck.

Woodsdweller

[Sportdog]

I use my Gander Mtn "Guide Series" planner board rods with #1 dipseys, 30/8 lb. Power Pro line and use Cabelas Quick Draw 360 rod holders. I have used the rods and rod holders for two years and this year added the Power Pro line. 0 failures for salmon, steelhead, and walleyes. Now I hope that I didn't just jinx myself!!! The tip about using a no stretch line is right on target. I didn't do that last year and found it impossible to trip my dipseys. Good luck with the Erie trip.

[Den]

You may be able to use the planer rods if they are not of the light action variety, AND if you do, use the power pro line, or a good braided brand. REMEMBER when doing this, be Sure to use a loose drag setting. Just set the drag so when you (or a fish hits) pull the rod with a short tug the dipsy will release. good luck and good fishin.
Den

[Spanky]

Where are you fishing?
We fish out of Luna Pier & would be willing to help u.
We run mini's & use 7' ugly sticks