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 Fresh Water Tactics
 
 2/9/2006 8:16:16 AM
Saltman
1 posts


Fresh Water Tactics
 (N/A)

Howdy Michigan anglers,

I have recently moved from a saltwater invironment to the beautiful state of Michigan. I was an avid saltwater angler and would like to get into freshwater fishing in Lake Michigan.

I have a boat with downriggers and a planer board set-up but have never fished with either. If anyone on this board could supply some basic rigs, to get me up and running, I would appreciate it.

Possibly a diagram on downrigger set-up and free and fixed sliders. I have heard about Dipsey Divers and could use some extra info on them also.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks to Y'all in advance,

Saltman

 2/10/2006 4:59:42 PM
Lion Den
2 posts


Re: Fresh Water Tactics
 (United States)

Saltman,

The best advice that I could give you is to jump on an experienced fisherman's boat and watch and ask.  As you get comfortable help where you can.  This will save a ton of frustration and lost tackle.  Watch how to set rods, how the stuff lays out in the water, and how it tracks as you troll.  If done incorrectly, you could create a large expensive knot.

When you get on your own boat, start simple and add setups as you get more comfortable.  I will give you some simple setups.

Riggers:  Let your lure out 10' to 100' behind the boat.  Spoons can usually be run 30' to 50'.  Plugs and dodger/fly combos usually will be run closer to the ball.  Attach the line to the cannonball with your preferred release.  (I use #32 rubber bands)  Lower the cannonball to the desired depth.  Tighten the rod down by reeling line in.

Divers:  Run your Dipsey Diver rods forward of your riggers.  Run them as close to parallell as you can.  You will want 9' to 10' med heavy to heavy action rod and a line counter reel that will hold at least 300 yards of line.  I prefer 50# hi vis power pro for the main line.  Attach the dipsey diver to the power pro with a good snap swivel.  Attach a snubber to the lure side of the diver, attach a mono leader between the snubber and the lure.  Attach the lure with a good snap swivel.  Set your dipsey diver to track to the side of the boat.  You will see number settings on the diver.  By rule the higher the number set, the farther to the side the rig will track.  #2 is a  good place to start.   MAKE SURE THAT THE DIVER IS SET ON THE CORRECT SIDE OF THE BOAT.  The weight will be closest to the boat as you set it.  Use the chart supplied with the diver to determine how deep the diver is running versus distance behind the boat.  Set the drag on this rig just tight enough so that it doesn't slip at trolling speed.  Wire divers are the same, except wire is used rather than power pro for the main line.

This will get you started.  When you get comfortable, lead core will add even more to the spread.  I usually run these setups on inline planer boards, although your board setup will work too.

But I stand by my opening paragraph.  Hitch  a ride first.

 2/11/2006 5:32:20 AM
tforge
40 posts




Re: Fresh Water Tactics
 (N/A)

Saltman,

I agree with everything Lion Den said. There is no substitute for watching someone doing it and then setting lines yourself.

If you would like to drop me an e-mail at tforge1943@yahoo.com I will send you some diagrams that will give you a general idea on how to start.

Some of the club members have been talking about setting up a seminar on basic salmon fishing in lake Michigan. If this comes together I will be sure to let you know.

When it gets closer to spring give me a call and we could get together and take a trip on my boat or yours.

I would like to learn more about salt water tactics.

Terry

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