The basics of using downriggers
Are you familiar with using downriggers? This tool, which places a lure at the desired depth, is ideal when fishing the Great Lakes as it allows for controlled-depth fishing and targeting species suspended in the water column.
Three things to keep in mind if you’re considering using a downrigger:
- Manual vs. electric
Making a choice between manual and electric depends on how much you want to spend, how often you fish and how big your boat is. Manual downriggers are less expensive than electric but require more work on the part of the angler. - Cannonballs
This is the weight lowered by the downrigger that is attached to your lure. These weights usually range from 4 to 14 pounds, so make your selection based on how deep you intend to fish (the deeper you go, the more weight you need). - Leads
This is the amount of line between your cannonball and your lure. It also determines how your lure acts in the water. The deeper you fish, the shorter the lead needs to be.
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