How much time do we have ?????

[butcherman]

That's great news this is my first year with my own boat , yea I'm a rookie but been doing pretty decent. I always fish RR will they keep hitting those through the end of September, that when my other passion comes in.

[Dr.Ed]

My experience in the fall is worm harnesses and spoons get the fish. On some days small cranks like the Yozuri minnow off the downrigger will get some eyes but meat works the best off dipseys.

[butcherman]

Thanks Dr. Ed looks like I might have to invest in some dipsey's

[butcherman]

Hey DR. Ed was wondering if I can use the rods I have for running dipsy's, they are cabellas troll master with dm30a line counter reels. And what dipsey would u recommend getting. Thx for any help

[Dr.Ed]

For years I only ran "0" Dipseys with and without the O ring. Lately I have been mixing the "0" and the "1" with and without the O ring. I tell people to use which ever presentation will get the lure or bait to the suspended fish. With the big fish these days you need medium-heavy rods with 20# mono or braided line. You'll be glad you have heavy tackle when a 12 lb steelhead hits. Early on I lost plenty of tackle and dipseys to steelhead by using 17 lb line and thinking it was strong enough. We all use trial and error every day to find what the fish want for breakfast. Good luck out there. I'll be on Ch. 68 the next three days. I'll be listening.....

[skinny5382]

With the big fish these days you need medium-heavy rods with 20# mono or braided line. ...

Yes, thanks you very much Doc, we haven't lost fish since making the change a few weeks ago.

BTW - How many Dipsey's do you run (or can be run) per side? Our setup is 1 downrigger and 2 Dispey's per side. I would like to get a couple more lines in the water but we have the occasional tangle which holds us back. Crew and I just not ready yet. That being said we really don't have a standard fish landing practice either. Guy on the pole backs up alittle and the net man will land either from the back or the side. Depending on the fishes reaction.

[Dr.Ed]

You are right. Running more than 2 dipseys on a side can cause problems. I run 2 on each side, outside poles are 8 1/2 ft with longer lead and 2 or 3 setting. Inside poles are 7 ft with 1 1/2 or 2 setting and shorter leads. I will usually run two downrigger rods but will switch to 3-4 oz bottom bouncers with SS line if the riggers are not producing. We use long handled nets and try to net every fish from in head on which is going with the flow for ease of handling. This is especially true with steelhead. They have no lateral mobility and will swim directly into the net. I have found thru the years that you will lose fewer fish with short leads off the dipseys. They should be no longer than the pole or the net you are using. Right now all my leads are 5 feet of 20 lb mono from dipsey to harness and I don't lose fish at the boat.