Crawler harness depths

[sib]

I have precision trolling IV(great resource for cranks), but was curious at what type of depth my spinners are getting with various weight.

My typical spinners/crawler harnesses are about 40" 2 hooks a #3 colorado blade, 3-6 4mm or 5mm beads on 10lb xt. My reels are spooled with 8 lb test(not super line).

What depths would these be getting with 1, 1 1/2 and 2 Oz. weights.

I expect there would be lots of variables, but what are some ball park depths.

My goal is to effectively skim the top of weeds without too many foul ups. I've not been using my bottom bouncers because the weeds extend as much as 8 feet off the bottom. I've been using snap weights and lindy rigs for trolling just above the weeds. I've been guessing my depth by the foul ups in the weeds, too much weight and I collect weeds.

Sure would be nice to know with some degree of accuracy what depths I'd be getting before the line gets wet.

Thank you for any help, sorry bout the lenght of the post, wanted to give as much info as possible.

"go outside and play"
sib

[Stormsearch]

Sib, you are right regarding there a lot of variables. Most important of which speed and size of weight. I can give one set of numbers that I have been using on Erie using 2 oz bottom bouncers trolling at 1.7mph GPS speed. I am using an almost identical setup of crawler harness except for a size #4 blade.

I must also add that have been fishing within noticeable current, so these numbers are affected probably %10 either way.

20 ft - 12 ft
35 ft - 17 ft
50 ft - 22 ft

Good luck.

[Tomr]

A typical rule of thumb is 10 feet for every 1 oz. of weight, depending on speed and current.

[chrism]

I use spinners and bbcers alot - there are a huge amount of variables as previously stated - here are some suggestions:
Put on a superline of your choice. 20 or 30lb should be fine - that accomplishes two very important things - First, you will feel your bouncer or weight hit the weeds, and you can adjust as necessary taking the guesswork out of it. Second, if you do snag up, you will break your spinner line and only lose the spinner, not the weight.
Also, watch your sonar so you can "see" the weeds as you feel them.
As for weight, the standard rule is 1oz per 10ft.

Good Luck

[JB]

Sib,

Try running in-line keel sinkers, the kind with a small chain on one end, and a snap on the other. Put this on the end of the line before the harness. They come in weights like 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 1 oz.,etc., this is a great way to run harnesses over the tops of weeds. When the boat s-turns with the boards, the rigs do not descend as quickly as snap weights. Another solution is to add a few split shots ahead of the harness. Experiment with the number of split shots and remember to keep the deeper running rigs on the inside boards. Still another technique I've used is to leave 8-12" of tag line on the end of the harness after you tie it to a barrel swivel. Now pinch some split shot to the 8-12" of tag end and this will allow the split shot to hang up while keeping the rig above the weeds. This is a good way to determine running depth without snagging up your harness.

Hope this helps,

JB

[Cangl]

Its definitely tough to keep large blades down and with two blades its that much tougher. Its amazing how much those rigs pull. Old school method I use is line angle and distance of the line entry into water behind boat. I suppose line angle and a line counter would be more accurate but bulky. Its rather unfortunate that weeds crash and burn a good troll but like its been said to me, son if your not getting hung, stuff or bottom your not fishing where the fish are.

[Walleye Jason]

Try using Bullet weights for the weeds.

I rig my spinners with 3/8 - 1/2 brass bullet weights with a glass bead, just like I would Carolina Rig for Bass. With about 30-34" leaders. I rig my worm weedless, this eleminates a majority of the snags. This is a great weed combination.

As for finding the depth, I find how deep the weeds are, and use that for a guide.


Good luck
WJ

[scott5019]

Sib, not sure if the Precision Trolling VI has this or not, but in PT V, it has the depth and speed for snap weights. Maybe a friend has this copy and would let you use it. Hope this helps you out. Good luck with the spinners.

Scott

[Roscoe]

There is a good article on winnebagowalleyes.com about snap weight depth control. Check it out. It is a nice system to get pretty accurate. I believe the article is called "ultimate depth control".

[jerry]

Sib,

Go to www.winnebagowalleyes.com. You will find a chart known as "Ultimate Depth Control". It's exactly what you'll need to determine the depths your fish are hitting at and how to get you bait to exactly where your spotting fish on the locator.