Author Topic: Nice Laker Today. (Read 4000 times)

walleyes · « **Reply #20 on:** June 22, 2013, 09:38:14 PM »

Hmm funny I have ran nothing but high end graphite rods for the last 10 years or so and sure don't seem to have any issues.. Like I said I do stay away from the stiff power poles,, it's all in the feel and the fight for me.. I am even looking for the right fly rod set up to make up a small mooching set up to enhance the feel even more.

I have been running high end graphite mooching rods out on the chuck for numerous years now with no issues either,, not sure where the deal is that you can't run them on downriggers,, first I have heard of it..

More than the stiffness you need the stored energy,, that comes from the length and keeping a good bend in the rod..

To answer your question Tuc,, I have never heard of drifting with downriggers, I actually wouldn't suggest it, good chance it will just tangle up on you around the cannon ball and clip release. Most spots I fish for them out on Cold Lake anchoring is not really an option as I am in 120 - 140 sometimes 200 feet of water.

Wish you had a chance in the next couple days to come out this way and do a day out there with me. You would get a good chance to see what down rigging entails and see if its something you want to pursue.. I will still be home for the next couple days if you are interested.

Tuc · « **Reply #21 on:** June 22, 2013, 10:20:49 PM »

Thanx Walleyes, but I got to take a break....too many long trips recently. The older I get the more I hate the long drives. We were also in Calgary a couple of weeks ago for my son's wedding and a buddy wants be to go up north again next weekend. Not sure I'll even go anywhere for awhile, the work and grass around the acreage is getting away on me. Tried cutting some grass today after the rain stopped and my zero turn mower quit. Talk about choked, the damn thing is brand new.

Would like to get out a trip with you though so maybe plan it for next year. Where do you live? I'll have to look on goggle earth and see whats east of Cold Lake for deep lakes. Would you be interested in a fishing trip in Sask. Have you ever fished Hunter Bay on Lac La Ronge. There are house keeping cabins on the Bay that are priced right. I think its a hour drive across the lake by boat into the Bay. Take a look on Google Earth and see what you think.

Did you get my PM last week?

walleyes · « **Reply #22 on:** June 22, 2013, 10:26:26 PM »

Yes I did get your pm Tuc and thx..

We will look at doing something next summer for sure,, we will come up with a plan by then..

Tuc · « **Reply #23 on:** June 22, 2013, 10:28:05 PM »

Sounds good!

Glove · « **Reply #24 on:** June 25, 2013, 02:32:47 PM »

Quote from: Tuc on June 22, 2013, 05:29:28 PM

Well, I will be headed to S'toon in the next couple of weeks and I will keep all this info in mind. (Another question) when you find a good trout hole is it best to anchor before putting out your downrigger or can you drift with these things. If so, do the electric ones' make dept adjustment while drifting?

As Walleye's said never seen a downrigger used drifting as you need a positive speed over water before you let it down. I suppose theoretically you could use it in a river if the river had a reasonable flow and you were anchored, but I have never hear of it being used that way as riggers are usually used to fish deep waters.

Glove · « **Reply #25 on:** June 25, 2013, 02:56:04 PM »

Quote from: walleyes on June 22, 2013, 09:38:14 PM

Hmm funny I have ran nothing but high end graphite rods for the last 10 years or so and sure don't seem to have any issues.. Like I said I do stay away from the stiff power poles,, it's all in the feel and the fight for me.. I am even looking for the right fly rod set up to make up a small mooching set up to enhance the feel even more.

I have been running high end graphite mooching rods out on the chuck for numerous years now with no issues either,, not sure where the deal is that you can't run them on downriggers,, first I have heard of it..

When I first started to consider downriggers I did a fair bit of research into it. At the time I was looking for a high end graphite rod that I could use for downriggers and big pike. I spoke with Fenwick, St. Croix, G Loomis, Shimano, Daiwa, Scotty, and Walker reps and they all said the same thing to me at the time. They are two completely different techniques that require two completely different rods. They said the high end graphite rods were not made to handle to constant bend and load of downrigger use and that one needed glass or composite rods for the down riggers. This makes sense to me now, I have a garage full of high end graphite hockey sticks that look pristine except for the fact that my boys say they have "Whipped out" or to put it another way, while the high end graphite stick started out with a 100 flex they were now only 75 flex sticks. Just to make sure things have not changed in the last couple of years I called Fenwick and spoke to Sterling there. He said they do not recommend their rods for downrigger use the one exception being the Canadian Methods downrigger rod (CMT902DR) which is a composite rod. He did say that one could use their rods anyway one wanted but they would definably not recommend it.

Tuc · « **Reply #26 on:** June 25, 2013, 04:30:03 PM »

Quote

As Walleye's said never seen a downrigger used drifting as you need a positive speed over water before you let it down.

I meant to say trolling....my bad.

walleyes · « **Reply #27 on:** June 25, 2013, 06:54:50 PM »

Quote from: Glove on June 25, 2013, 02:56:04 PM

When I first started to consider downriggers I did a fair bit of research into it. At the time I was looking for a high end graphite rod that I could use for downriggers and big pike. I spoke with Fenwick, St. Croix, G Loomis, Shimano, Daiwa, Scotty, and Walker reps and they all said the same thing to me at the time. They are two completely different techniques that require two completely different rods. They said the high end graphite rods were not made to handle to constant bend and load of downrigger use and that one needed glass or composite rods for the down riggers. This makes sense to me now, I have a garage full of high end graphite hockey sticks that look pristine except for the fact that my boys say they have "Whipped out" or to put it another way, while the high end graphite stick started out with a 100 flex they were now only 75 flex sticks. Just to make sure things have not changed in the last couple of years I called Fenwick and spoke to Sterling there. He said they do not recommend their rods for downrigger use the one exception being the Canadian Methods downrigger rod (CMT902DR) which is a composite rod. He did say that one could use their rods anyway one wanted but they would definably not recommend it.

Interesting,, I will have to keep an eye on my HMX's and see if I notice a difference over the coming years,, so far there doesn't seem to be any issues. Unless of course the HMX is a composite not sure. All it says on the rod is IM7 graphite..

Uh oh,, you mean I may have to buy some new rods over the comin years,, lol momma not going to like that lol..

Tuc · « **Reply #28 on:** June 30, 2013, 11:14:06 AM »

Quote

you can get into the smaller electrics like I have for around $500.00 a unit

Walleyes, headed for Cabelas next Sat. What model is your Scotty, what comes with it, rodholders? Do I need a swivel base, is it better than a solid mount. What size weight should I use, my boat is a 16' Princecraft.
My fishing buddy might buy one too for himself. (he better if he wants to fish lakers in the middle of summer) I suppose these rigs should be mounted as far stern as possible ? Your picture looks like it's about a foot or so from the back,yes?

walleyes · « **Reply #29 on:** June 30, 2013, 04:59:51 PM »

I run the 1099 model, nice compact units. I can actualy store both of my downriggers, weights, and swivel bases down in my rod holder with plenty room to spare in my Lund.

http://www.scotty.com/fishing-gear-equipment/electronic-downriggers/1099-compact.htm

As far as mounts go,, not sure what kind of side gunnels you have but if its a flat gunnel you should at least go with the tilt up mount. These can be bolted right to your gunnel and gives you the option of tilting up you rigger. I have both the swivel combined with the tilt makes it very nice. One does not want to just have a solid base and not have the easy option of either removal or tilting it up out of the way.

http://www.scotty.com/fishing-gear-equipment/downrigger-mounting-systems/1023-tilt-up-mounting-bracket.htm

Or you can add this as a base then put the tilt on top of it. The swivel feature is very nice when battling large fish as you can swivel the rigger out of the way and keep line and cable tangles to a min.

http://www.scotty.com/fishing-gear-equipment/downrigger-mounting-systems/1026-pedestal-swivel-mount.htm

Don't forget some plug in's,, flush mount them or get a 90deg mount so they are turned down out of the way and don't be cheap on the wire,, put good heavy gauged wire,, the more power to your rigger motors and they wont lag in speed. Too many people put under gauge wire then complain there riggers are slow..

http://www.scotty.com/fishing-gear-equipment/downrigger-accessories/downrigger-plug-replacement.htm

As far as weights go. For lake trolling I would go with #10 weight. This will give you a nice pull to bottom and keep your cable at a decent angle over a larger spectrum of speeds. But again depends on what kind of gunnels you have you may want to keep it lighter. If you have flat gunnels be sure to put extra backing under your bolts,, like large washers or even a piece of flat plate wouldn't hurt. My Lund is built with 3/4" Fur under the gunnel and I still backed it up with extra large washers combined with the washers issued with the mounts. Keep in mind what ever you do use stainless steel on all mounting equipment,, always !! Also, go with the pancake weights round weights can have the ability to swivel and spin on your wound cable and will take away from your line life. Just a hint,, put a slight opposing bend,, just a slight one on each fin on the weight and keep one for each side depending on the bend, this will act as a rudder and pull the weights away from each other and your boat giving you more relief for turns for tangling both line to line and or line to prop..

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boating/Trolling-Gear/Downrigger-Weights%7C/pc/104794380/c/104784480/sc/104305680/Pancake-Downrigger-Weights/737250.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fboating-trolling-gear-downrigger-weights%2F_%2FN-1100553%3FWT.srch%3D1%26WT.tsrc%3DPPC%26WT.mc_id%3Dgoogle%7Cboa_Trolling%2BGear_Downrigger%2BAccessories%7CUSA%26rid%3D20%26WT.z_mc_id1%3DsrbstN2mU%26pcrid%3D12987183138%26gclid%3DCMGNiIH0jLgCFac7MgodlxMA3g%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds&WTz_l=PPC%3Bcat104305680

As far as where to mount,, thats a personel choice. Go with where ever they are easiest for you to get to and fish with, dont worry about where on the boat they are in praportion to the motor,, you will have to watch your turns regardless of where you put them.. Unless ou can get them right to the back and still access them easily. Quick and easy access takes presidence.. Shoot mine are probably a good 3 feet from the stern,, some people put them in the middle they say the closer to the pivot point of the vessel the better

I dont know. I have fished many, many different configertions and the only ones that sucked were the ones you couldnt get to easily.

Lastly,, get yourself some extra parts, like atleast 2 belts, extra stoppers and clips like the 1154 package below and the 1008 beads. The beads are put on your line and kicks your rigger out before you pile the ball into the rigger pole and break off the clip and loose your $ 50.00 weight in the water..

Damn so much to show you I sure wish we could do an afternoon together,, it can be some expensive lessons to learn but so easy if you are just shown..

http://www.scotty.com/fishing-gear-equipment/downrigger-accessories/terminal-kits-stopper-beads.htm

Tuc · « **Reply #30 on:** July 01, 2013, 11:05:07 AM »

Walleyes thanx for all your help, this is the one (1099 model) I will buy along with the swivel and tip up mount. I have a med action rod and might pic up a light one just for using the downrigger. I love the taste of lakers and rainbows and would rather catch them than any other lake fish. Wallys are good but trout has always been my favourite fish dish.

Do you think I need to change my line, currently using 20lb test braided nylon.
Do you find the bite to be slower in July and August or does it matter with the lakers because they are down deep in their comfort zone. I have yet to hit them right after the ice is out but plan to make that a prioriety next spring. We were lucky to catch a few this year at 20/30 ft without any heavy gear.

Thanx again walleyes you are a GREAT resource on here and I appreciate your feedback. Will look forward to that trip next year.

walleyes · « **Reply #31 on:** July 01, 2013, 06:41:16 PM »

Your line should be fine Tuc,, personally I hate braid but that's your choice,, as long as its thick enough to hold in the release clip,, that will be a trial and error thing to try.

For me they seem to bite rite through the summer with July and Aug being just fine. But I will say this, they seem to almost shut it down by noon especially later in the summer. I find most days that between 8 and about 11 to be the best. These are early riser fish..

Glove · « **Reply #32 on:** July 03, 2013, 08:58:45 AM »

Quote from: Tuc on July 01, 2013, 11:05:07 AM

Walleyes thanx for all your help, this is the one (1099 model) I will buy along with the swivel and tip up mount. I have a med action rod and might pic up a light one just for using the downrigger. I love the taste of lakers and rainbows and would rather catch them than any other lake fish. Wallys are good but trout has always been my favourite fish dish.

Do you think I need to change my line, currently using 20lb test braided nylon.
Do you find the bite to be slower in July and August or does it matter with the lakers because they are down deep in their comfort zone. I have yet to hit them right after the ice is out but plan to make that a prioriety next spring. We were lucky to catch a few this year at 20/30 ft without any heavy gear.

Thanx again walleyes you are a GREAT resource on here and I appreciate your feedback. Will look forward to that trip next year.

Walleyes has given you some good info there. You may also want to get a hold of a copy of

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Downrigger-Fishing-Techniques-Book/737227.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Ddownrigger%2Bbooks%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=downrigger+books&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

Does not have to be purchased through Cabelas as others also have this book. It covers the basics and answers most of one’s questions.

By the way I find Lakers easier to catch in July and August as they are more concentrated. In the spring they are everywhere later in the summer they are primarily over the deeper water.

One last point, just in case, you said light action rod above just remember you need a rod heavy enough to handle a 25 lb. Laker ( so not a light action walleye rod). It's a heavy enough rod with a slow action i.e. parabolic flex curve you want. Another way to put it get a slow action rod rated for 12-30 pound test line or so. You need the thicker line to stand up the release clips.

Good Luck to you

Tuc · « **Reply #33 on:** July 03, 2013, 05:49:15 PM »

Thanx again guys, you fellows are a GREAT resource for beginners and I'm glad you made your home on AS.

Tuc · « **Reply #34 on:** July 07, 2013, 11:26:50 AM »

Hey Walleyes, I'm now the proud owner of a Scotty 1099 downrigger. They talked me into a few other toys for the ball which I'm sure I'll have a few questions about later on. The 1099 comes with the flip-up base. I bought the swivel base too, not really knowing if I can use both of them. (have 30 days to return it) The guys at Cabelas in S'toon where not very helpfull and couldn't answer all of my questions because they have never owned or used a downrigger. I bought another rod to, but will have to look at the name and model when I go to the garage. It's one that a customer standing beside me (who was looking at rods too) suggested for a downrigger. He seemed to know more about them then the salesman. Man, where do they find these morons that don't have a clue about the product they are trying to sell. My slaesman had to go ask one of the other guys or look on the computer to answer some of my questions.

deerman · « **Reply #35 on:** July 08, 2013, 12:47:25 AM »

While out on the west coast I like "drift fishing" for salmon. Using BUZZ BOMBS and Sting zildads and Perkin and rip tides.

I have caught walleye and burbot working BUZZ BOMBS and I always thought that type of fishing should work for lake trout. Anybody use that method for lake trout?

When I was in Australia I ordered some drift fishing lures on line and was casting a buzz bomb of a "jetty" and talking to a fellow. I caught a couple of "Trevally" and he wanted to know what I was using. I showed him a buzz bomb and he scratched his head and wanted to buy it off me.

Glove · « **Reply #36 on:** July 08, 2013, 11:24:54 AM »

Quote from: Tuc on July 07, 2013, 11:26:50 AM

Hey Walleyes, I'm now the proud owner of a Scotty 1099 downrigger. They talked me into a few other toys for the ball which I'm sure I'll have a few questions about later on. The 1099 comes with the flip-up base. I bought the swivel base too, not really knowing if I can use both of them. (have 30 days to return it) The guys at Cabelas in S'toon where not very helpfull and couldn't answer all of my questions because they have never owned or used a downrigger. I bought another rod to, but will have to look at the name and model when I go to the garage. It's one that a customer standing beside me (who was looking at rods too) suggested for a downrigger. He seemed to know more about them then the salesman. Man, where do they find these morons that don't have a clue about the product they are trying to sell. My slaesman had to go ask one of the other guys or look on the computer to answer some of my questions.

Congratulations, I'm sure you'll have lots of fun with your new toys. Please leave a couple of fish in the lake for the rest of us

Tuc · « **Reply #37 on:** July 08, 2013, 05:00:44 PM »

Thanx Glove and that I will.....lol

walleyes · « **Reply #38 on:** July 08, 2013, 06:25:11 PM »

Good stuff Tuc,, have fun with the new toy..

Tuc · « **Reply #39 on:** July 09, 2013, 05:54:52 PM »

Walleyes can I still mount ther swivel base along with the tip-up that came with it?