08-25-2003, 01:13 AM
Sorry, had to mow the lawn, work with the dogs, cook dinner, ect. Coot, if cost is an object go with the dipseys. As you know they can go deep, or off to the side. They are a very versitile way of presenting the bait. The one thing they do not do well is get to an exact depth. This will take a little trial an error. Remember, not only does line weight play into the drop factor, so does the lure, popgear, dodger, ect that your dragging behind it. Of all the downrigger alternatives I prefer Dipseys. I have them so I can run multiple rods at varying depth and distance laterally from the boat. With the one pole per person rule in effect at most lakes it makes sense to get a downrigger if you can afford it. Since I rarely fish anywhere but the Gorge in soft ice I use them to get more spread on the lines if 3 or more people are on the boat (providing everyone has a 2 pole permit). With one downrigger you can run 2 (or more) lines at an exact depth (stack) with just one rigger. It's easy to do and there is lots-o-info on how to. If you get a downrigger, please pay a little extra and get one with metal arms. The first time you hang a ten pound ball and can't get back you'll be glad you did. (Ask BLM) I had him worried when I was reefing on his. If they were composit or plastic he would have lost the ball and the rigger arm. It doesn't take many rigger balls to add up to the 40 bucks extra you pay for a Big John. Hope this helps.