Downriggers

[michael]

I am thinking about adding a downrigger this year.I want to get a lure down deep while trolling for tuna.I have not had much luck with planers but I still have to experiment some more to get it right.Anyone use downriggers and if so what type.I want to use a manual type with braid instead of the steel cable. I am also thinking about using the Z-WING instead of a ball. Thanks Michael 33SF

[dealerschoice]

Mike, I would mount a Penn downrigger on one of the rod holder mounts. This allows you to remove the downrigger very easily without having to drill any holes to install a permanent mount. I like to use 200# mono only because you will catch more fish if one manages to run forward of the ball then loops back around it before someone can bring it up. The little line will always cut the bigger line. You may lose a few downrigger balls but you usually catch the fish. Scott 1987 B33 SF Dealer's Choice V

[Captain Dan McClarren]

Michael, I have been using the Penn Fathom Master Electric 805NW with a swivel master base that is attached to a rod holder insert. I presently use two one on each side of the boat. One is for trolling a deep bait and the other is for trolling a large dredge teaser in the prop wash. Over the years I have had very good results with this set up and would recommend it. They do catch a lot of fish. I like the idea of using mono instead of the wire and may give is a try this season. I use 1 ½ feet of 300 lbs leader between the 12 lb ball and the dredge so that when the ball is up the teaser is just out of the water. On the bait side I put out a bait anywhere from 50 to 100 feet of line the attached it to the quick release at the ball and troll this from 10 feet to 50 feet below the boat.