Trolling tactics

[Mdog1031]

As a newcomer to Lake Erie but wanting to learn I am just curious why no-one speaks about using downriggers. Seems to me that using a downrigger takes the complication out of what depth you lures are running at. also no need to put snap weights on. what am I missing here?

[wallybagger]

Basically downriggers are for deeper use. Lake Erie too shallow & fish spooked by boat that's why planer boards are used. You can catch occasional fish on downriggers but you'll catch more on planner boards, dipsey divers, tru trips etc