Trolling open, deep water is a lethal tactic for a number of different species of fish, but problems develop in trying to place a bait at a specified depth on line that ultimately ends up in the hands of the angler at the surface.
Heavy weights can be used to anchor the fishing line, but they also provide a hindrance and requires heavy tackle that removes much of the “sporting” qualities of sportfishing.
Downriggers work by suspending a heavy, hydrodynamic ball from the stern of the boat. A heavy boom allows the ball and cable to hang over the boat’s gunwale or transom, while the length of cable and subsequently the depth of the ball are controlled by a metal spool. The spool is equipped with a depth counter to give the angler precise control over the ball’s depth.
The final piece is a sturdy line clip attached to the cable just above the ball. The release has rubber pads that hold the fishing line tight enough to troll the bait but release when a fish takes the bait. This allows the angler direct access to the fish without having to hassle with the added weight of the ball.
High-speed retrieve rates, clutch brakes for safer weight descent and telescopic booms are also a few recent innovations available on the market.
Dan Bennett, product manager for Cannon Downriggers, said that many first-time downrigger users often opt for less-expensive, manual models that work well for beginners.
“Once they’ve used the manual models and begin to master the use of the downrigger and see the potential of this kind of fishing, most users come back and take a serious look at the electric models” he said.
Additional features that anglers look for in downriggers include a gearing and braking system that allow ease of use in lowering or raising the downrigger as well as a way of securing the 8- to 10-pound downrigger when the ball is not in use.
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