Deep water trolling

grandx	Ok, guys I've done quite a bit of trolling, mostly surface or slightly subsurface in the Gulf of Mexico. Am interested in getting some baits down to the big fish on my finder 60-150 ft if possible. Problem is I want to continue trolling the surface at the same time at 4-7 Knots. Have bought two Scotty electric downriggers with 10lb weights and tried them last weekend. They sure don't stay down too deep when trolling at these speeds, I bet 60 foot of cable blows back and is only 20 foot deep at 5knts. What are my options, what's the most efficient way to accomplish this? Any and all replies appreciated.	2001-10-26
Rea Cycled	hi there grandx, I'm currently making a downrigger for my boat now, and have been reading posts for them, 2 things come to mind, try gelspun line instead of cable, it doesn't vibrate and being thinner less drag, the other is to look at the downrigger bomb, not knowing what your using, look at some of the new types out now, they have fins/wings etc and are lighter to tow and slide thru the water better cheers ReaCycled	2001-10-30
grandx	Thanks, Any Idea where to find some of this stuff? I am currently using steel cable with 10 lb lead cannon ball.	2001-10-31
Backlash	Hey Grandx, I don't troll that fast myself but you might check out http://www.zwingdownrigger.com/index.htm. I can't vouch for their product but it looks like it might be what you're looking for. Backlash	2001-11-01
Backlash	Sorry, make that http://www.zwingdownrigger.com and it should work.	2001-11-01
Rea Cycled	hi again that link shows a good one, the gell spun line "fireline" is available in tackle shops, I'm going to use 150lbs on mine cheers Reacycled	2001-11-01
Rea Cycled	also have a look at this article http://www.demonjigs.com/downrigging.html cheers ReaCycled	2001-11-01
grandx	Thanks everyone for the ideas, thin line and planer boards sounds like a good idea to me. Will give it a try.	2001-11-05
SeaRay245	I don't troll in to deep of water 60ft max but I have no problem keeping my stuff down but we on lake Erie only troll at 2mph	2001-11-06
seajay	we use hi speed planers with 300 mono with great results on the east coast of Fla. use shower curtain rings and #64 rubber bands cheaper than double swivels .	2001-12-01
RWA	We fish between 150 and 200 feet here for halibut and use the same downriggers. We simply use 15 or 20lb cannon balls. The Scotty downrigger handles the weight no problem	2002-01-03

If you would like to post your own question for the experts just click on
the Boating Forums tab at the top of the page or click here!

Disclaimer: iboats.com provides this content for the education and benefit of all boating enthusiasts.
We cannot, however, take responsibility for individual postings, nor can we verify the accuracy of any posting.
Please use any information provided from individuals with great care and read any applicable manuals or safety instructions.
Also, if you determine that a posting is inaccurate or offensive in any manner, please email us.