Source for the North
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MICHIGAN FISHING
Basic Downrigging
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Michigan Fishing Tips Basic Downrigging
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Downrigging is a method of trolling that uses a manually powered or electric
winch and weight (cannonball) to carry your fishing line and lure to a specific
depth, where feeding fish are to be found. While downrigging is commonly
thought of as a deep water fishing technique, it is more accurately
understood as a method of "controlled depth fishing".
By using downriggers to control the depth of your lure presentation, you can
place your lures at any depth from just below the surface to 200 feet deep and
keep them running consistently at that depth. So once you've determined which
depth the fish are feeding at, you can keep your lures in that "feeding zone".
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Downrigging procedures are very straight forward and easy to follow:
First; After bringing your boat to trolling speed, let your lure out to the
desired distance behind the boat.
Second; Place the fishing line into the line release, which is designed to
let go of the line when a fish strikes your lure. The line release is commonly
located on or just above the cannonball.
Third; Lower the cannonball to the depth that will keep your lure in the
"feeding zone". Next, set the clicker and drag on your fishing reel and place
your rod in the rod holder.
There are many variations of lure presentations that can be used when
downrigging. One very useful technique is to tie a
Mini Diver Disk approximately four feet ahead of you lure. Let your line out until the diver
disk is running about 30 feet deep. Then place your fishing line into the
line release and lower the cannonball to a depth about 30 feet above the
"feeding zone". This technique will allow you to fish right on the bottom,
while keeping the cannonball 30 feet above the bottom and eliminate having
to constantly adjust your cannonball depth.
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