mini downriggers

I've been thinking of buying some clamp on downriggers for when the walleyes are a bit deeper. I've read much about using segmented leadcore, dipsy divers, snap weights, etc, but that seems complicated and less precise compared to downrigging. Would appreciate any advice before I invest any money in gear. Thanks.
-Mike

Absolutely! If you fish deeper than 50 feet, a down rigger is a perfect technique to get the bait in the "Deep Zone"!

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking about depths from 25-40'. How sturdy are these little downriggers? They are rated for canon balls from two to four pounds so I'm guessing they'll be less useful after a certain depth?

From my experience with downriggers, the clamp on models won't support the weight of a good cannonball to get down at an average trolling speed. I run fixed mounts on my boat with 10lb weights and still see a bit of swing at trolling speed.I would assume that with a 4 lb ball trolling at 1.5-2.0 your ball would be at such an angle you wouldn't reach the depth desired.I may be way off on my reasoning and if i am hope someone corrects me.Good luck on a decision.The riggers will produce fish for you.

[mudpuppy]

My first set of riggers were clamp-ons , 4# weights . Used them one season . Next year I went out & got some "real" downriggers . If it's depth precission you're after the 4#'ers aren't the way to go . I used mine as deep as 70' (I think) & they'll work , but the "blow back" is such that it's a guessing game , kind of like leadcore etc.. Personally I think 25' - 40'is too deep for them . I've got 4,6,8 & 10# weights & 90% of the time I'll go with the 10's . Occasionally if I think the weight is spooking the fish I'll go to a lighter weight , but thats an option I have with a bigger rigger (sorry , couldn't resist) . The reason I went with the c/o's was , of course , budget & I was disappointed in their performance . I got some used ones (e-bay) second time around , thats an option . Now I've got some new one's . Love 'em , wouldn't be without 'em .

[Terroreyes]

I agree with everyone else. The 4# route isn't the way to go. Pick up a few weeds and you'll be on a 45 degree angle. The Easy-Troll isn't that much more money. Think I got mine on sale for $120. I've got one with a swivel base, 6 & 8# weights, and it's perfect for what I do, 45 FOW max.. If the $60-70 doesn't turn your stomach, definitely get the swivel base. Much safer to set and retrieve!!!!
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[retire55]

MJS:

I frequent northern Quebec outfitters for trout and walleye. Although most fishing trips are drive-in trips, distances and road conditions warrant using outfitter boats and motors rather than hauling our own equipment. Consequently, I have used a compact portable downrigger for years whether it be for walleye or more typically for lake trout. I use a Scotty 1050 MP Masterpack that comes with a portable 1021 mount (see http://www.scotty.com/compact_downriggers.htm). I found that adding a piece of 1/4" plywood on either side of the boat gunnel and the mount clamps added tremendous stability. I have always used a 7 lb ball without difficulty.

According to a Scotty document, using a 7 lb ball and a trolling speed of 1 mph, when the counter reads 80 feet, the wire angle is about 7 degrees and the actual depth is approx 79 feet. One could easily get by with less ball weight if exclusively fishing walleye. Indeed, Scotty recommends a 4 lb ball up to 60 feet. I can not comment on other brand name compact downriggers. However, I can easily recommend the Scotty 1050 MP Masterpack. Jay

Thanks everyone.I appreciate your taking the time to share your experience so that I can make a better educated choice in this. I'm leaning toward buying them at this point since price, portability, and the amount they'll be used are all factors. So far I've found the Scotty's were 80$ can new, and the Cannons about 100$ can. Those prices are, I think, for the bare bones rigger without rod holder, weights... Still have homework to do.