Rebel is a master of his craft and is 100% correct in not needing downriggers. I simply like them as it makes my boat versatile for other waters. I fish king salmon and steelhead in addition to walleye. Bar none-my favorite way to catch eyes is bait fishing by drift. Second is trolling crankbaits. Simple can be very effective. I have a friend across the pond that has a pattent on Torpedo Divers. It is a weight that just might replace downriggers. Look it up on torpedodiver.com This is the time of year the scramble is on to find actively feeding eyes. The best bite is North of the border or East right now but some are being caught near the usual areas.