Slide Diver depth chart

[TonyH]

Just purchased a slide diver size 1 and added an O ring from a dipsy diver. How close to the dipsy diver depth chart will this rig be?

[j9f]

Shallower than a dipsy.

Precision trolling bigwater edition has some decent data although they don't include braided line.

Do a web search for slide diver. The manufacturers web site has a depth chart.

[TonyH]

The manufacturers website depth chart shows for the slide diver on it's own (No dipsy O ring added). Since I added the O ring, it is the exact same diameter as a dipsy, and almost identical weight. I would think it would have the same dive characteristics. Does any one use the slide diver with a dipsy O ring added?

[j9f]

I use them with both standard and magnum rings. I've always been led to believe that divers get an extra 10% with a ring and another 10% with a mag ring. Sounds reasonable.

Slide divers are different. The keels adjust differently and the numbers go up to six. Look at the location of six on a slide diver, it isn't in the same position as three on a dipsy. Slide divers don't have fins behind the arm pivot either like a dipsy. I believe this makes them pull differently to the side and not as deep. It certainly makes a difference.

I think they tried to get them a bit deeper this year because you can actually buy heavier weights to put in them.

Precision trolling did a pretty good job mapping them out with a standard ring and mono. Nothing for a mag ring and/or braid which is how I run them sometimes. Its all really just speculation until you hit bottom.

[Papascot]

J9f, do you run a long mono leader for the diver or are you actually putting the diver on the braid? I had alot more hook ups last year with 8-10 ft leaders on my dipseys but it was tough when we would get a 4 year old chinook to the boat, if you know what I am saying.

Scott

[mudpuppy]

I run slide divers on Lake Michigan for salmon alot. Some have the standard O-ring & some the super-ring. They do run a little shallower than a dipsey with everything being equal. The only difference physically between the two is the dipsey has the keel on the top, but not on the slider. Must make a difference.
I got a depth chart from Slide diver & it didn't match up with what I was getting when running 50# (12#dia.) power pro. Just from on the water experience bumping bottom I compared the Precision Trolling chart for 20# mono #1 dipsey with the o-ring. For instance, I found that with my slide diver set on 2 1/2 I was getting almost exactly the same depth as the dipsey chart for #3 setting (example: 100 feet back = 38 down). So I've just been using that chart & seems to be pretty close for me.

Also found the big super ring was running about 5 feet deeper at 100 feet back than the regular ring.

So you might have to do a little testing to check with your set up. Good Luck

[mudpuppy]

wow, left for a few minutes & a bunch of replys before I could hit post. Yeah, picked up a couple packs of the new weights. 1 4 oz. & 1 2 oz. The standard is 3 oz. so supposedly the 4 for more depth (of course) & 2 oz. for more side planing & eratic action, too. Can't wait to try 'em.
I use a long mono leader (uni to uni knot)on mine rather than clip to the braid (although you can), mostly because:
1. I like the way it holds on mono better.
2. I like the stretch of the mono leader when a big King hits.

[j9f]

50# braid
uni knot to 30 - 50' of 25# Ande mono
Speed bead or swivel with a regular bead in front of it to stop the diver
5' 25# hard leader material (not needed with speed bead)
Ball bearing swivel

I always clip the diver on the mono

They work great when kings are high. If they are deeper than 50' down, I don't think they are any better than regular dipsies.

[Fishingthrills]

I use them for salmon/trout on the Lk. Michigan and also found them a great tool for Lk.Erie walleye when they go deep, They have a depth chart for their divers on their web-site or call. Scott Hill

[TonyH]

Thanks for all the input. I added the O ring from my dipsy diver and it sounds like if I set the slide diver to the # 2 setting, I can use the #3 setting dipsy diver chart. I will be fishing down 30 feet, so I will let out 67 feet of line and see how that fishes.

One last question, what is the average length of lead you use with the slide diver? I was thinking about using a 20 ft. lead.

[mudpuppy]

Sounds like you'll be pretty close, depthwise. I mostly run a 30' leader in the summer months. In the spring, when the fish are generally shallower, I'll usually run a longer lead, 60' or so. Good Luck