Riggn Help

[flydunker]

YAhoooo,
just purchased my first boat (thank you Caotain Jay) 16 ft Sylvan and now I am trying to set it up to fish for some steel along the shore line and in Manistee, and Pentwater lake. I have never fished with down riggers so I am asking for some help in this area form all the experts. What size rods, line, set ups bait and so on. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Just to let you know the name of the boat is "No Dept" if you see it on the water give me a haller.

[knockoff64]

Flydunker, lets not revisit the "Expert Thing"!;)

Your in for some fun and good eats, if you like fish that is.

I think I have learned a few useful lessons rigging 2 boats (so far) for Great Lakes fishing.

1) Buy good rod holders, I had lots of problems with the "Tite Lock" swivel base rod holders, the disc that locks into the base strips out easily. I use "Berts Custom Tackle" rod holders now, and wouldn't trade them for anything. But they are very pricey! The "big Jon" holders also look pretty well made.

2) You don't have to pay big bucks for 'rigger rods, I use "Ugly Stick" BWD1103, 8'3" rods for riggers and boards, they run about $40 each (less on sale), and they stand up to a lot of abuse. I also have 6 "Fishmaster" 8'6" rigger rods that are about 20 years old, I love these rods, but I don't think they're made anymore. "Diawa heartland" dipsy rods are affordable and work pretty well so far(one season). Still working on the lead core set up.

P.S. I would not buy graphite rods for riggers or boards, fiberglass will hold up longer and won't "snap" on a big fish.

3) Quality reels are a good investment, Diawa level winds are all I own 27H, 47H for riggers, SG27LC, SG47LC for boards and dipsies. Line counters make getting your baits back to the exact depth quick and easy.

4) In-line boards catch fish! I use "Off-Shore" boards. Take out the lead weight and cut an equal amount off each end to lighten the board by about a 1/3. Take the Release off the back and replace it with a snap swivel, use a barrel swivel and a bead 6-8ft above your lure to stop the board after it releases and slides down the line.

Okay so theres a lot more for me to learn, but its a start! :D

Some other preferences: Trilene Big Game, 20lb for riggers, 15lb for boards. 30lb fireline for dipsies.

I own 4 Walker electrics with ball retrievers(love em'), But most of the people I know that own Big Jon's swear by them, Including the manuals.

[knockoff64]

Trolling in the shallows is gonna take more than downriggers, but shallow set riggers with long leads can take a lot of fish!

Planer board or in line boards will take the the most fish in the spring along the shoreline.

Body baits, Floating Rapalas, Shad Raps, Husky Jerks, Thunder sticks, Bombers,Thin Fins and many more (help me out guys). All take fish.
Natural colors blk/silver, blk/gold, blue/silver, gold/silver, Chrome, are my best baits day in day out(especially for browns). But sometimes flouresent Green or blue, or reds and oranges are the ticket( Steelies).

I also run some spoons Early in the year off the riggers or boards. Chromes and oranges are my best.

There are a lot of folks here that can give you good advice. Take it in, kick it around, see what fits your budget and your fancy and go have fun!

P.S. if you have have specific questions throw 'em out and I'm sure you'll get lots of help!

[flydunker]

thanks for the information Knockoff. I will put some of your help to work this spring. As far as rod/reels I am getting some Penn reela with I believeeagle claw rods.

Maybe I will see you on the water look for "No Dept."

[knockoff64]

Flydunker, there is a new Boat/Rigging forum.

I'm gonna move this up and P.M. ESOX(moderator) to move it there!