Help a newbie out…Does anyone use downriggers for stripers ? If so live bait or plugs/jigs and what brand downrigger?
quote:
Originally posted by scoutHelp a newbie out…Does anyone use downriggers for stripers ?
Yes, a lot of people use them.If so live bait or plugs/jigs
Both. It depends on who you’re fishing with and the time of year. Some use live bait solely, some use umbrella rigs, some change it up.and what brand downrigger?
Does this really matter? I wouldn’t think so but I don’t fish with down riggers, so it may matter a lot.
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I run Cannon Easi-Troll HS downriggers with 5, 7, & 9 bait u-rigs. When the fish start to move down lake, past the gap, I switch it up with “redfins” flatlined and run back 125’ to 140’.
Sea Hunt
220 Triton
WP… would you mind to retype your post in english? 
quote:
Originally posted by TheWhippingPostI run Cannon Easi-Troll HS downriggers with 5, 7, & 9 bait u-rigs. When the fish start to move down lake, past the gap, I switch it up with “redfins” flatlined and run back 125’ to 140’.
Sea Hunt
220 Triton
I also use same downriggers and u-rigs. This year in the fall when the fish start hitting the surface I am going to try some clark spoons on the surface and see what happens.
Baysport 175
“Short Strike”
quote:Sorry PP...here is some plain english. I run Cannon Easi-Troll HS downriggers with Umbrella rigs with 5, 7, & 9 bucktail jigs. I use the downriggers because the rigs can not get to the depth the fish are holding during the summer months on its own (this you already know). When the water starts to cool and fish start to move down lake (towards the rivers), past the State Park and into more shallow water, I switch to Cotton Cordell 7" deep divers or "redfins" flatlined (trolled without downriggers or planer boards) and run back 125' to 140' which will give the lures a depth of around 20'-25' if trolled between 2.5-3.0 mph. Hope this was alittle easier to understand, sorry for the "secret codes". :wink:
Originally posted by phishinphanWP… would you mind to retype your post in english?
Sea Hunt
220 Triton
Thanks for the info…I used to troll with a lot of line out but I’m trying to figure out how NOT to lose line and baits because of inattentive or jackass boat captions who cut me off!
what are “redfins” ???
quote:Redfins ARE Cotton Cordell 7" deep diver lures. They call them redfins for the red markings on the side. Sorry for the confussion.
Originally posted by SanteeCarlwhat are “redfins” ???
Sea Hunt
220 Triton
“Whipping Post”
what size and number of umbrella jigs would you recommend for a newbie just starting to get into this action?
First…I am not an expert nor do I claim to be, but this is what works for me. I would start with the four arm rigs with (5) 3/4oz bucktails, Sportsman’s Crackhouse has a nice selection (I like the buck tails rigged with the shad bodies) These are cheaper than the 7 and 9 bait rigs and you will probably lose a couple learning (I did and still do every now and then). These rigs are very hard to fish and retrieve due to the tremendous amount of drag they create while pulling them through the water, and I have caught two fish at a time on these rigs and have heard of three at a time being caught. I use a Pflueger Contender with 30# test Berkley Big Game line and a 6’-6" Custom Power Stick 30#-60# rod to fish these rigs. When placing the rig in the water hold the entire rig horizontally above the water and drop it in and feed out the leader line as quickly as possible. DO NOT slowly let the line out this may cause the rig to come to the surface twist and become tangled. When a fish hits try to get him to the surface as soon as possible. Striper will run for cover when hooked and I have lost fish and rigs when the get into the brush piles at the bottom. Hope this helped a little.
Sea Hunt
220 Triton
“Whipping Post”
thanks for the help whippinpost…sounds like I need some heavier equip.
just a note…when the fish hits the rig…keep the motor/boat moving forward…do not go to neutral…moving forward will help pull the fish upward to the top…this will help with the fish wanting to get to the trees.
quote:
Originally posted by SanteeCarljust a note…when the fish hits the rig…keep the motor/boat moving forward…do not go to neutral…moving forward will help pull the fish upward to the top…this will help with the fish wanting to get to the trees.
good point Santee - Whipping Post describes what I do exactly…except I have 40# Berkeley line and a cabelas trolling combo with line counters.
Baysport 175
“Short Strike”
jpru reminded me about the line counters. It is a lot easier to judge how far back you are putting the rigs if you use a line counter. You can use a reel with a built in counter like jpru has or get a counter that clips on to your rod and the line runs through it like the one I use. After the rig is out you remove the line from the counter and swing it under and out of the way. The reel counter is by far the easier way to go, I didn’t want to buy new reels.
Thanks Santee for the great tip…I usually am fishing by myself so I have to stop the boat 
Sea Hunt
220 Triton
“Whipping Post”
Whipping Post…you need to invite me to go with you…then you can drive/manage the boat while I pull in the fish…
Sounds like a plan to me…
I used to use Rebel 2000s (I think that was the model #) at Thurmond during Jan and Feb. Its a long billed minnow bait about 5" long. I trolled on 14 lb test several hundred feet behind boat. Is that still a workable technique and bait?
Scout
I’m not familar with the Rebel 2000’s but it sounds like the deep diver Cotton Cordels I use during the winter months. These lures have a large bill and will reach 20’+ if trolled about 150’ back. I run them on Ambassador baitcasters rigged with 12# test and 7’ med action Ugly Sticks.
Sea Hunt
220 Triton
“Whipping Post”
quote:So I get to run the boat while you catch the fish hmmm...sounds a bit one sided to me. You bring the beer and we my be able to work something out.
Originally posted by SanteeCarlWhipping Post…you need to invite me to go with you…then you can drive/manage the boat while I pull in the fish…
Sounds like a plan to me…
Sea Hunt
220 Triton
“Whipping Post”