Using Downriggers for Successful Fishing: A Guide and Personal Story
Downriggers are invaluable tools for anglers, particularly when fishing in deeper waters. They enable precise depth control for fishing lures and baits, increasing your chances of a successful catch. In this guide, I’ll explain how to use a downrigger and share a personal story of my experience using one while fishing.
Using a Downrigger:
- Mounting the Downrigger: Start by attaching the downrigger to the side of your boat, ensuring it’s securely fixed. Position it in a rear rod holder for optimal use.
- Attaching the Weight: The downrigger uses a heavy weight (cannonball) to lower your bait or lure to the desired depth. Secure the weight to the downrigger cable’s end. There have been cannonballs lost so if fishing a tournament, it is advisable to have a back up weight in tow.
- Setting the Depth: Decide the depth you want to fish at and lower the weight accordingly. Most downriggers have depth counters to help you precisely control the depth.
- Attaching the Bait or Lure: Secure your preferred bait or lure to a release clip on the downrigger’s cable. Make sure it’s positioned just above the weight.
- Deploying the Downrigger: Slowly lower the weight and bait into the water until you reach the desired depth. Use the downrigger’s depth counter to monitor the position. Using the Garmin bottom machine always helps determine the depth of where to position the downrigger.
- Trolling: Start moving the boat at a slow, consistent speed, known as trolling. The downrigger cable will keep your bait or lure at the chosen depth as you move.
- Reeling in the Catch: When you get a strike, release the line from the downrigger clip, allowing you to reel in the fish. For example, take your fishing pole and break it loose from the downrigger set up.
Personal Experience:
Last summer, on a fishing adventure in the Gulf, I had the thrill of a lifetime using a downrigger to land a colossal 55 lb kingfish in just 45 feet of water dropping the line to 35 foot . We knew the kingfish were lurking at that depth, but catching one of this size was a rare feat and with the downrigger we were able to hit that depth.
We deployed the downrigger with a hefty cannonball weight and attached a vibrant, wiggling baitfish to the line. Slowly lowering the rig to precisely 35 feet. Suddenly, the line zipped out, and the reel screamed as the kingfish took the bait. The downrigger’s depth control was crucial to target the right fishing zone.
It was a testament to the downrigger’s precision and our team’s strategy, proving that even in relatively shallow waters, this tool can lead to incredible catches of trophy fish like the 50 lb kingfish that will be a story told for years to come.
