08-02-2004, 03:47 PM
Getting Deep Cheap
You don't need downriggers to troll up the big ones.
by Ken Schultz
[url "http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/fishing/freshwater/article/0,13199,663260,00.html#"]![[Image: deepcheap.jpg?SSImageQuality=Full]](http://i.timeinc.net/fieldstream/images_small/deepcheap.jpg?SSImageQuality=Full)
[/url]
To most anglers, trolling deep means trolling with downriggers. But there are other equally viable (and less expensive) ways to present a lure or bait deep in both fresh- and saltwater.
In-line diving planers
Tied into the main fishing line ahead of the lure, these are trolled directly behind the boat and are most practical for reaching depths of 15 to 50 feet.
The main line is knotted directly to a pivoting trip arm on the forward end of the diving planer. A 3- to 5-foot leader attaches to a swivel on the planer’s back, and a lure that offers little resistance is tied to the tail end of the leader. When a fish strikes, the trip arm pulls forward, taking the planer out of diving mode for minimum resistance while you play the fish.
How far down the planer runs is directly related to the amount of line set out. You also must set the tension for the trip arm properly; it has to help hook a striking fish as well as pop free quickly so that you can fight the fish unencumbered. Planers pull hard—you need a stout rod 8 or more feet long and at least 14-pound-test line. Models include the Luhr-Jensen Dipsy Diver, Jet Diver, and Pink Lady (800-535-1711; www.luhrjensen.com) and the Davis Fish Seeker (510-732-9229; www.davisnet.com). Cost: $6–$14.
Tethered diving planers
Truly a “poor man’s downrigger,” a tethered diving planer is a large, vee-shaped polypropylene device that’s tied to a stern cleat or transom eyelet with 200-pound-test braided line. A release clip holds the fishing line so that when a fish strikes, it pops free.
Because they work especially well at the higher speeds needed to catch species such as marlin, sailfish, tuna, dolphin, and wahoo, tethered planers are primarily used in saltwater. They normally are run from 20 to 75 feet deep.
Diving planers accommodate any type and size of conventional, levelwind, or spinning outfit that’s appropriate for the circumstances, and they can also be used with live bait.
Nekton (800-421-5402; www.zwingdownrigger.com) makes two models of nearly indestructible polypropylene Z-Wing diving planers. Cost: $50.
Core-weighted and wire lines
Lead (and nontoxic lead-substitute) core-weighted lines have a small amount of stretch; wire has none. This characteristic—which makes hooksetting easier—combined with precise depth control makes these lines attractive to a small band of trout and salmon anglers and some saltwater striper trollers.
Core-weighted lines are color-coded for every 10 yards. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see what depth is attained at different intervals. Use baitcasting or conventional tackle, including a stout 6- or 61/2-foot rod and a levelwind reel with at least 300-yard capacity.
As a rule, wire lines take a nondiving lure down 10 feet for every 100 feet that’s let out. You need to mark sections with small pieces of tape to serve as length indicators. Fairly heavy conventional gear is required, including stout 6- or 61/2-foot rods with carbide roller guides and large-capacity (up to 4/0) non-levelwind reels with stainless steel (lighter reels may be used with Monel).
Manufacturers of core-weighted lines include Gudebrod (610-327-4050; www.gudebrod.com) and Cortland (607-756-2851; www.cortlandline.com). Cortland and American Fishing Wire (800-824-9473; www.americanfishingwire.com) make wire lines. Cost: $10–$25.
[url "http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/fishing/freshwater/article/0,13199,663260,00.html#"][/url] [url "http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/fishing/freshwater/article/0,13199,663260,00.html#"][/url] [url "http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/fishing/freshwater/article/0,13199,663260,00.html#top"][/url]
[signature]
You don't need downriggers to troll up the big ones.
by Ken Schultz
[url "http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/fishing/freshwater/article/0,13199,663260,00.html#"]
[/url] To most anglers, trolling deep means trolling with downriggers. But there are other equally viable (and less expensive) ways to present a lure or bait deep in both fresh- and saltwater.
In-line diving planers
Tied into the main fishing line ahead of the lure, these are trolled directly behind the boat and are most practical for reaching depths of 15 to 50 feet.
The main line is knotted directly to a pivoting trip arm on the forward end of the diving planer. A 3- to 5-foot leader attaches to a swivel on the planer’s back, and a lure that offers little resistance is tied to the tail end of the leader. When a fish strikes, the trip arm pulls forward, taking the planer out of diving mode for minimum resistance while you play the fish.
How far down the planer runs is directly related to the amount of line set out. You also must set the tension for the trip arm properly; it has to help hook a striking fish as well as pop free quickly so that you can fight the fish unencumbered. Planers pull hard—you need a stout rod 8 or more feet long and at least 14-pound-test line. Models include the Luhr-Jensen Dipsy Diver, Jet Diver, and Pink Lady (800-535-1711; www.luhrjensen.com) and the Davis Fish Seeker (510-732-9229; www.davisnet.com). Cost: $6–$14.
Tethered diving planers
Truly a “poor man’s downrigger,” a tethered diving planer is a large, vee-shaped polypropylene device that’s tied to a stern cleat or transom eyelet with 200-pound-test braided line. A release clip holds the fishing line so that when a fish strikes, it pops free.
Because they work especially well at the higher speeds needed to catch species such as marlin, sailfish, tuna, dolphin, and wahoo, tethered planers are primarily used in saltwater. They normally are run from 20 to 75 feet deep.
Diving planers accommodate any type and size of conventional, levelwind, or spinning outfit that’s appropriate for the circumstances, and they can also be used with live bait.
Nekton (800-421-5402; www.zwingdownrigger.com) makes two models of nearly indestructible polypropylene Z-Wing diving planers. Cost: $50.
Core-weighted and wire lines
Lead (and nontoxic lead-substitute) core-weighted lines have a small amount of stretch; wire has none. This characteristic—which makes hooksetting easier—combined with precise depth control makes these lines attractive to a small band of trout and salmon anglers and some saltwater striper trollers.
Core-weighted lines are color-coded for every 10 yards. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see what depth is attained at different intervals. Use baitcasting or conventional tackle, including a stout 6- or 61/2-foot rod and a levelwind reel with at least 300-yard capacity.
As a rule, wire lines take a nondiving lure down 10 feet for every 100 feet that’s let out. You need to mark sections with small pieces of tape to serve as length indicators. Fairly heavy conventional gear is required, including stout 6- or 61/2-foot rods with carbide roller guides and large-capacity (up to 4/0) non-levelwind reels with stainless steel (lighter reels may be used with Monel).
Manufacturers of core-weighted lines include Gudebrod (610-327-4050; www.gudebrod.com) and Cortland (607-756-2851; www.cortlandline.com). Cortland and American Fishing Wire (800-824-9473; www.americanfishingwire.com) make wire lines. Cost: $10–$25.
[url "http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/fishing/freshwater/article/0,13199,663260,00.html#"][/url] [url "http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/fishing/freshwater/article/0,13199,663260,00.html#"][/url] [url "http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/fishing/freshwater/article/0,13199,663260,00.html#top"][/url]
[signature]
