Dipsy Diver Diving Question / Big Water Trolling

[tomiller97]

This past weekend we were trolling out around Kelly's in about 32-34 foot of water. Two of the rods we ran had a size 1 dipsy(with ring) and each rod is spooled with 20lb fireline. We let out about 60' of line which should have put us around 25-30 feet deep(according to the generic chart) and we ended up snagging bottom and losing both setups. We were curious if anyone had any better experience and knowledge with the dipsies to know how much effect the smaller diamter line(fireline 20-8) and the slower trolling speed(1.5-1.8mph) have on the depth charts. The chart calls out 2.5-3.0 mph which is a little too fast for the walleye fishing we do and makes a general statement about 10% variation due to speed...

Or does anyone know if this is covered a little better in the new Big Water trolling bible? Did anyone buy the Big Water version, how good is it?
Thanks in advance for the help.

[Buckeye]

Before I finished reading your post I guessed your speed was one factor that contributed to your break offs. The other may be the diameter of the line. I am not sure what diameter 20# fireline is but I believe the Precision Trolling book dive curves for dipseys is based on either 17# or 20# test mono.

Dipseys are a weighted directional diver which means they will sink like a rock at slower speeds. ETT is the guru on trolling dipseys and I would imagine he and guys like Airwave and Freebyrd have more experience and better answers than I do. Chime in guys!

[FreeByrd]

Dipseys are VERY speed dependant. Not that practical to run much under 2mph. It can be done but know that you will definitely be deeper and have to compensate for it. Your thin diameter line also contributed to the increased depth. I won't say not to use dipseys this time of year - just that it wouldn't be my preferred method right now and most people that know me know that dipsey fishing is my favorite lake erie presentation once the temps warm up a bit more. If you want to add dipseys to your spread now and still go slower then now is a good time for the size 0 dipseys. Boards and Reef Runners are the main producers right now.
Good Luck,
Steve

[j9f]

I think that the dive curve is more sensitive to factors like speed at shallower depths. That is because the dive curve is much steeper in the shallower end of the chart. 10 feet of line makes a LOT more difference at 30 down than it does at 70 down.

You can usually tell when you are hitting bottom and adjust accordingly. I don't ever remember breaking off a dipsy or any type of diver on the bottom. The diver usually hits the bottom and bounces the rod. It almost seems like you may have run over a piece of structure to get broken off like that on two rods.

[tomiller97]

Thanks for the replies guys. We were running reef runners of the boards and just to vary things up we thought we'd run a couple dipsies off the back with spoons. I guess we didn't think that the speed would influence the depth by as much as it did.

After we perch fished for a while we only trolled for a little over an hour and we managed to catch 3 good size smallmouth (3-4lbs).
Thanks for all the tips guys, this is why us young guys like this site so much. It really helps to fully understand all the tricks of the sport!

Thanks,
Todd

[FreeByrd]

Todd,
If you would have pushed out a bit deeper you probally would have found the eyes...

[ETT]

These guys are right on. #1 Dipsys have a 2-1/2 oz piece of lead it that pocket on the bottom. Take speed off and they sink. Like trying to fly a kite without enough wind. We seldom fish them at under 2.4 mph. 30 pound Power Pro seems to be the line that moat use (and it's the superbraid in the Big Wate edition of Precision Trolling). Good luck.

[worm_waster]

I troll #1 Dipsys from about 35' and deeper, and and speeds down to 1.2 . My favorite setting for shallow water is 3.25-3.5. In shallow, I never use a ring. 30lb Stealth is my favorite mostly because it doesn't sing when going through the guides.w_w.

[Airwave(OH)]

Did I miss something on his post ? What setting did you have the dipsey set at (1,2,3,4) ? That would make a big difference on your depth. I could assume but hate to do that



If I agree with you, then we'd both be wrong.

ETT or Freebyrd, I just bought the new Big Water Precision Trolling Book. The test braid is 30/8 Power Pro, and I run 50/12 Power Pro. Any guess how much less depth I will achieve compared to the graphs?

I was suprised the tests used 30/8 since don't more anglers run the 50/12? Thanks in advance.