How to Fish With a Downrigger Set-Up

Fishermen using standard equipment often have difficulty trolling lures and reaching fish that are in water deeper than about 20 feet. Sometimes, fish such as trout and walleye are in water deeper than that, which requires a change in tactics. One of the best methods for reaching deep fish is to use a downrigger, which allows anglers to troll their lures at nearly any depth of water.

Things You'll Need

  • Boat
  • Fishing rod and reel
  • Fishing line
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a rod and reel to use while downrigging. A good option is a 6- to 7-foot bait-casting rod and reel loaded with 8- to 10-pound test fishing line. Use a Palomar knot to connect a crankbait or spoon to the end of the fishing line.

    • 2

      Cast the lure out from the boat and troll at a speed at which the lure runs straight through the water.

    • 3

      Place the fishing rod in the rod holder, which should be at or near the stern of the boat.

    • 4

      Clip the release of the downrigger's weight to the fishing line. In most instances, downrigger weights resemble cannonballs, and the release that holds the line to the weight is a clasp that releases when a fish hits.

    • 5

      Adjust the downrigger so the beam points off the side of the boat.

    • 6

      Grab the downrigger's crank handle and turn it counterclockwise to allow the weight and lure to drop to the desired depth of water.

    • 7

      Turn the handle of the fishing reel clockwise until the rod is bent slightly, which maintains tension on the line.

    • 8

      Troll through areas likely to hold fish, such as along drop-offs or in the open water away from drop-offs and other structures. Other good places to troll with downriggers is in areas that hold an abundance of prey fish.

    • 9

      Grab the rod when the tip starts jumping, which indicates a fish has hit. Downriggers set the hook when a fish bites, so you just need to turn the reel handle clockwise to reel in the fish.