How to Use a Downrigger to Troll for Fish
Using a downrigger is an excellent way to catch fish while trolling in deeper water. A downrigger will help you control the depth at which you fish, whether it is really deep, or just a few feet below the surface. Here's how to use a downrigger to fish at almost any depth.
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Instructions
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How to Use a Downrigger to Troll for Fish
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Cast your lure into the water and begin trolling at the speed you want the lure to be fished.
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Set your rod in the rod holder and then clip your fishing line into the release on the weight of the downrigger. This release is the small clasp that holds the line in the downrigger weight. It will pop open and release your line when a fish strikes.
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Position your downrigger so the beam is pointing over the side of the boat in the direction you want it to face.
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Crank down on the downrigger to lower the weight into the water until it sinks the lure to the depth you want to fish.
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Crank the fishing reel until there is a slight bend in the rod. This ensures there is enough tension on the line so you can easily hook a fish when it strikes your lure.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the lure depth using measurements on the downrigger. This will give you an exact idea of where the lure is. Use the wide angle feature of your fish finder to view your downrigger weight and lures. Troll at different depths and speeds to find a combination that works.
Downrigger fishing is more fun when you use sharp hooks. You need them to hook fish and keep them hooked. Make sure you raise your downrigger weight when going over structures or into shallow water.
