Downrigger VS Dipsy VS Planner boards

[skinny5382]

I've been using 6' leads off the back of #1 Dipsy's. I would let out anywhere from 100 - 200 feet of line.

[fishboat]

Either one works on different days, but don't bother with using mono on a dipsy. 30-40 pound power pro would be a good choice.

[skinny5382]

Ok, correct me or make recommedations if you will.

Current state: Dipsy setup is 9' Erie series rod with line counter reel. Mono on reel and Mono leader off back of Dipsy.

Future state: 9' rod, line counter reel. Braid line on reel with 6' mono leader off back.

Will the Future state be an improvment? Thanks guys I really need the help. I was about to give up on Dipsy's.

[fishboat]

If you use braid as the mainline I think you'll find it MUCH easier to pop the dipsy set when you try to bring it in. All you need is a sharp lean back & it'll pop. You'll also get multiple years out of braided line.

I assume you're fishing walleye, so 30# braid is plenty(actually it's plenty for the occasional salmon run also). A palomar knot from the braid to the dipsy works well. I use fluoro line from the dipsy to the lure. For walleye, 15-20# is probably fine. For salmon, then 40# fluoro leader material is what I use. I use a snubber also, but I fish salmon most of the time, not sure if it's needed for walleye.

[Bowhuntnsteve]

riggers are not even an option for me, I stopped putting them on till the steelhead or lakers are around.
there been plenty of days my boards reeled more in than my dipseys and days my dipseys were hot and boards were a waste.
All summer we have been in all different depths of water but the eyes been in the 40 fow avg +/- feet. But with setting on 3.5 on the dipsey on braid, I let it out 150', I am down about 50', the ratio is 3:1. My best setting and go to has been 112' but fluctuates pending depth I am in. But I am running shallow divers and meat off the dipseys.
Now my boards, I am running 5 color lead core and deep divers.
The past week and a half and yesterday, I have been picking the eyes off in 46-52 fow. Ever since the lake flipped and cooled down about 2 weeks ago, they haven't been as deep and forget schooling up.
I am still running the boards and LC and dipseys, but riggers, nope, only picked up sheephead and steelies off it. For some reason I just think they are ball shy to me. Don't get me wrong, I have caught eyes off the rigger, but not even a percentage to justify putting them on my Lund.

[skinny5382]

Originally Posted by Bowhuntnsteve

forget schooling up.

I hear ya Steve, fish are very scattered.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with boards and Dipsy’s. Very common theme among boats that are filling the cooler. I’m going to take a look at the gear we have been using. I think an investment is near. The 2 Dipsy rods I have will be switched over to braid this week, get them wet Saturday. Boards – I will have to get a set and outfit with rods for them.
Steve could you share what size braid and leadcore you use? Thanks

[Bowhuntnsteve]

Originally Posted by skinny5382

Steve could you share what size braid and leadcore you use? Thanks

I don't know what size the braid is, I get it spooled on right at the bait shop, Poor Richards, but its Cortland Master braid & its 35lb. Then I buy a 10 color leadcore thats 18lb and cut it in half to make my 5 colors. I put a Cortland Greenspot dacron backing on those. Then all my leaders are Seaguar fluorocarbon 20lb. I put 50 foot leader at the end of my leadcore and I use a 10 to 12 foot leader off my dipseys.

[Steeleyes]

Something you might want to try with your riggers if looking for a different approach is something i see a lot of salmon fishermen swear by, a secret weapon rig (SWR). Basically you have your main line down to the ball & release, followed by 2-3 colors of leadcore, and then your leader. This has your bait running 60+ feet bhind the ball and 10+ feet below the ball. There is some debate as to why it works so well, but is considered a stealthier setup, plus the snaking action of the leadcore. It's something I'll consider running if/when I get some downriggers.

[Lundexp]

Originally Posted by Steeleyes

Something you might want to try with your riggers if looking for a different approach is something i see a lot of salmon fishermen swear by, a secret weapon rig (SWR). Basically you have your main line down to the ball & release, followed by 2-3 colors of leadcore, and then your leader. This has your bait running 60+ feet bhind the ball and 10+ feet below the ball. There is some debate as to why it works so well, but is considered a stealthier setup, plus the snaking action of the leadcore. It's something I'll consider running if/when I get some downriggers.

I never thought of this but I definitely will try this as I have noticed the further away or down from the ball the better I did. Which I assume is why I do better with leadcore way out there. Then again I use riggers, snap weights, leadcore, planer boards and they always prefer one over the other every other day it seems.

[Bowhuntnsteve]

Originally Posted by skinny5382

I've been using 6' leads off the back of #1 Dipsy's. I would let out anywhere from 100 - 200 feet of line.

My leaders off my dipseys are anywhere between 10-12 feet of 20# Seaguar flurocarbon. Perosnally I won't go shorter than 10'.