04-29-2006, 01:45 AM
From what I just read, you don't have a fishfinder. I would say that's your first step. It's kinda hard to optimize your Downriggers without knowing what's going on below you. Fishfinders will tell you depth, identify structure and bait fish, show surface temps and some show the thermocline(which normally hold bait fish), And more importantly help keep you from tearing something up on your boat incase you find a shallow spot.
Next, lure selection should match what ever type of local forage is in that particular lake. Size and color should match, or be similar.
As far as speed, it would depend on the species you're targeting and the water temp. The color the water, the slower you troll. The warmer that water, the larger of a strike zone a fish has and the faster most preditory fish like the bait moving. Using those basic rules of thumb should alone bring up your catch rate.
DON'T FORGET A GOOD FISH FINDER. Don't be cheap, get a good one. It's worth the money.
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Next, lure selection should match what ever type of local forage is in that particular lake. Size and color should match, or be similar.
As far as speed, it would depend on the species you're targeting and the water temp. The color the water, the slower you troll. The warmer that water, the larger of a strike zone a fish has and the faster most preditory fish like the bait moving. Using those basic rules of thumb should alone bring up your catch rate.
DON'T FORGET A GOOD FISH FINDER. Don't be cheap, get a good one. It's worth the money.
[signature]