Fishing equipment

Downriggers

What is a downrigger, and how does it work?

A downrigger is a fishing device used in deepwater trolling to precisely position fishing baits or lures at specific depths. It´s a tool that anglers use to control the depth at which their fishing line and bait are presented in the water column. Downriggers are commonly employed in both saltwater and freshwater fishing, particularly for species that reside at varying depths.

Here´s how a downrigger typically works:
Structure: A downrigger consists of a main body or spool, a heavy weight known as the ball or weight, a length of stainless steel cable or wire, a release clip or mechanism, and a mount that attaches to the boat.
Installation: The downrigger is typically mounted to the boat´s gunwale or transom. The spool of the downrigger holds the cable or wire, which is connected to a weight ball at one end and a fishing line release clip at the other.
Operation: To use a downrigger, the fishing line is attached to the release clip. Anglers set the desired fishing depth by lowering the weighted ball to the desired depth using the spool and cable. The depth is monitored using a depth finder or by counting the number of feet of cable released.
Releasing the bait: Once the downrigger reaches the desired depth, the fishing line attached to the release clip is then clipped into the mechanism. When a fish strikes the bait, the fishing line pulls the clip free from the downrigger, allowing the angler to fight the fish without the weight of the ball.
Depth control: Downriggers offer precise depth control, allowing anglers to target specific depths in the water column, which can be crucial for catching certain fish species that inhabit specific depths.
Trolling technique: Downriggers are commonly used while trolling, where the boat moves at a slow and steady speed while dragging the bait or lures behind it at the desired depth.
Overall, downriggers are essential tools for anglers seeking to target fish at specific depths in deep water. They provide control and precision in presenting baits or lures to fish that may be located at varying depths in the water column. You can buy downriggers from Rhino, ZunZun, Stonfo, Kali, and Evia.