Trolling/fishing with dipsy divers

[Saltwater60]

I bought a few dispy divers to troll with because my son has some larger spinners and Muskie lures that only go down a few feet. We fish in 15-20 feet of water a lot of times and the beam on the boat is only 6’ so we cross lines here and there. This will be my first time using them and I know the basics but any pointers? We use braided line so I did get snubbers since I lost that huge Muskie(assuming it was a Muskie) last weekend. There’s some deeper holes that are 25-30’ I’d like to hit up as well for walleye and bass in the heat and this will allow us to get there. I bought size 0 and size 1 to get down 20-30 feet.

 

[GOYABEAN]

I bought a few dispy divers to troll with because my son has some larger spinners and Muskie lures that only go down a few feet. We fish in 15-20 feet of water a lot of times and the beam on the boat is only 6’ so we cross lines here and there. This will be my first time using them and I know the basics but any pointers? We use braided line so I did get snubbers since I lost that huge Muskie(assuming it was a Muskie) last weekend. There’s some deeper holes that are 25-30’ I’d like to hit up as well for walleye and bass in the heat and this will allow us to get there. I bought size 0 and size 1 to get down 20-30 feet.

Install some small outrigger

 

[Saltwater60]

Install some small outrigger

I have them and a great video. I added the dips divers in so that various lures can be fished at various depths. Also where I fish there is a lot of floating seaweed and I’m hoping the dipsy will catch it and keep the lure running true longer to have more lure in the water contact time and that equals catching more fish. Adding in k es that move off to the side is a bonus and will get the lures out of the prop wash and hopefully lead to more fish as well. There are shipping channels that are 30’ deep and I’m hoping to get some late summer bass and possibly walleye out of there.
I feel like the dipsy divers will add tons of versatility to my set up and what lures can be used. I also feel like the dipsys will allow me to fish 4 rods instead of the two I can fish now and increase my spread, deaths, and lure colors used. My son was excited because he can use his big buck tail spinner down 15-20’ deep now and he’s right he can. I know lots of guys use them for walleye and trout/salmon but not sure how many use them for bass, pike, and Muskie but I’m going to try it. I figure if salmon and trout hit set ups like that then my target species will as trout and salmon have great eyesight.

 

[pjzwtl]

I use them often along with my down riggers. You should be able to set them to track off to the sides a little and take wide gradual turns to prevent crossing lines.

 

[Saltwater60]

I use them often along with my down riggers. You should be able to set them to track off to the sides a little and take wide gradual turns to prevent crossing lines.

Thanks and that’s what I was hoping for. Do you find things like line weight, speed and current have a large impact on depth? I’m fishing the Niagara river and the st Lawrence river that has good current.

 

[OwnTheRide]

I came in here expecting some stories about fishing with drunk scuba divers.

I leave here disappointed.

 

[pjzwtl]

Line distance from the boat will be a large factor in overall depth. The further out the deeper it will go but farther out requires wider turns.
Species and lure type will determine speed and depth. I would also put a fluorocarbon leader between the diver and the lure if running braid.
Faster speed when trolling with the current slower when against it. For instance depending on the water temp using spoons for lakers and salmon on Champlain I average about 2-2.5mph. Also pick up an occasional smallmouth as well.
When I troll for walleye w generally just drift harness rigs down low.

 

[Saltwater60]

Line distance from the boat will be a large factor in overall depth. The further out the deeper it will go but farther out requires wider turns.
Species and lure type will determine dept. I would also put a fluorocarbon leader between the diver and the lure if running braid.
Faster speed when trolling with the current slower when against it. For instance depending on the water temp using spoons for lakers and salmon on Champlain I average about 2-2.5mph. Also pick up an occasional smallmouth as well.
When I troll for walleye w generally just drift harness rigs down low.

Thanks and I know distance will be the biggest factor or at least that’s what the chart says. Good to know about the wider turns the farther out because we do turn and at times the turns need to be tight. For a while I will only run two lines until I get used to them and then go with four rods.
I was wondering how much speed impacts the depths because we troll about 3 miles per hour and the chart is rated for 2.5 mph. I also don’t really expect a straight forward answer to this question but figured I would ask. Glad to know you catch some small mouth on dipsys because that will be my main target with pike and Muskie a bonus. Although my son wants to target Muskie more so that has been his target this fall.
Surprisingly I will catch walleye at this speed as well on crankbaits in about 20 feet of water in May. My boat doesn’t gear down too slow but we do alright for what I have and trolling produces much more fish than casting for me but I’d like to get into drifting crayfish as well. Thanks!!

 

[pjzwtl]

M

Thanks and I know distance will be the biggest factor or at least that’s what the chart says. Good to know about the wider turns the farther out because we do turn and at times the turns need to be tight. For a while I will only run two lines until I get used to them and then go with four rods.
I was wondering how much speed impacts the depths because we troll about 3 miles per hour and the chart is rated for 2.5 mph. I also don’t really expect a straight forward answer to this question but figured I would ask. Glad to know you catch some small mouth on dipsys because that will be my main target with pike and Muskie a bonus. Although my son wants to target Muskie more so that has been his target this fall.
Surprisingly I will catch walleye at this speed as well on crankbaits in about 20 feet of water in May. My boat doesn’t gear down too slow but we do alright for what I have and trolling produces much more fish than casting for me but I’d like to get into drifting crayfish as well. Thanks!!

If you need help running slower toss out a 5 gallon pail and tie it off to a stern cleat. I do this when the wind is at my back. It just needs to be back a safe distance from the prop. Speed will also cause a deeper or shallow dive respectively.
It will really be trial and error till you get dialed in with your gear.

 

[GOYABEAN]

I came in here expecting some stories about fishing with drunk scuba divers.

I leave here disappointed.

You need to contact @Darth for those types of adventures bunny costume and handcuffs not included

 

[Saltwater60]

M

If you need help running slower toss out a 5 gallon pail and tie it off to a stern cleat. I do this when the wind is at my back. It just needs to be back a safe distance from the prop. Speed will also cause a deeper or shallow dive respectively.
It will really be trial and error till you get dialed in with your gear.

Great idea. Thanks. It’s like one of those drifting socks. I should do this and I have plenty of 5 gallon pails.

 

[Saltwater60]

I received the dispy divers and read the directions and it said every increase in one MPH the depth increases by 10% and the thinner the line the deeper it will go. I also use 10-15 divers so they won’t get too much depth on a 6’ leader but I think I’ll cut off 5-10 foot of length and assume I’m hitting the same depth as stated on the chart. So essentially I’ll move the chart up one level.
I didn’t make it out today because other things and it’s pretty cold but maybe tomorrow, possibly during the week or next weekend for sure. Next weekend looks nice.

 

[holdover]

How did ya make out? Im going to be useing dipsy's this spring for the first time , how ever I dont have a proper trolling motor and can only go down to 2MPH, Im going to try a bucket , From what Ive heard, the fish are still slow in the cold spring water So I dont know if 2 mph will be to fast. Im first going to try some deep diving stick/crank baits , Im fishing the inner break wall at Gallagher beach where the average depth in the shipping canal is 28 to 35 feet. I have a few Rapala shallow diving baits Id like to try with the dipsey too. But Im wondering if I need to with the deep divers

 

[pjzwtl]

How did ya make out? Im going to be useing dipsy's this spring for the first time , how ever I dont have a proper trolling motor and can only go down to 2MPH, Im going to try a bucket , From what Ive heard, the fish are still slow in the cold spring water So I dont know if 2 mph will be to fast. Im first going to try some deep diving stick/crank baits , Im fishing the inner break wall at Gallagher beach where the average depth in the shipping canal is 28 to 35 feet. I have a few Rapala shallow diving baits Id like to try with the dipsey too. But Im wondering if I need to with the deep divers

A bucket works great I use one on Champlain when trolling for spring salmon and lakers I generally stay around 1.5-2mph

 

[holdover]

Nice! do ya poke any holes at the bottom or just run it ? can ya run it off the bow ? say maybe 5-8 feet rope?

 

[pjzwtl]

Nice! do ya poke any holes at the bottom or just run it ? can ya run it off the bow ? say maybe 5-8 feet rope?

I run it no holes about 8-10’ back off of the port side rear cleat. Just remember it’s back there when making turns

 

[Saltwater60]

We tried it once but there was a lot of floating weeds and it didn’t well. You will not have that issue. We did it in the fall after a rainy and windy day and kept getting weeded up so we gave up. I had mine going fairly well but my son was getting frustrated so I said let’s try something else. No point in ruining the kids day. I was fishing on the deeper side at that time so that’s why I had better luck. He also never lets out enough line for trolling and wonders why I catch three times more fish than he does. I like to have 50’ of line out for trolling. I will try again in the spring.
Are you going for walleye? If so your strategy will probably work fairly well. I also have no trolling or kicker motor so I think I was going too fast and they went deeper than I wanted them to. I need to try them in about 30’ of water this spring as well.
You’re right around the corner from me if you’re fishing there. A buddy of mine fishes there and does well on bass and walleye. He told me he uses those steel shad baits and jigs them for walleye and does well in spring and fall. Purple and green are his go to color. There are also Muskie in there. Also don’t neglect the drop off by the old cement elevators by Gallagher beach/pier. Depth chart is attached below for it.

 

[MuttCat]

I built a rig from a Lamiglass standup tuna rod and put a Penn Mariner reel on it spooled with monel. Using divers I would troll for lakers...used to kill them at Racquet Lake. This was before cannon balls and all that stuff. My rig would get down very deep, so I'm a fan. Used it for stripers down on the island too. Rig past the diver any way you want...droppers in the mix. Many guys of course would tell me I wouldn't catch shit...mostly because I didn't fish THEIR way. Should sell this stuff, those days are over.

 

[holdover]

I found these on ol You tube, they're pretty neat, they work like a 3 way swivel But they are spring clamps you can take them on and off quickly , no tying, so you can let out say 50 feet clamp one on and drop it. reeling in just pop it off , no knots . gets your lures deep

Bluewater Angler Mini Trolling Release

Bluewater Angler Mini Trolling Release features an aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum alloy pin, eliminating pin wear and failure even with heavy use. The planer board release clip is perfect for anglers who want to secure snap weights or side planers.

www.fishusa.com

 

[holdover]

We tried it once but there was a lot of floating weeds and it didn’t well. You will not have that issue. We did it in the fall after a rainy and windy day and kept getting weeded up so we gave up. I had mine going fairly well but my son was getting frustrated so I said let’s try something else. No point in ruining the kids day. I was fishing on the deeper side at that time so that’s why I had better luck. He also never lets out enough line for trolling and wonders why I catch three times more fish than he does. I like to have 50’ of line out for trolling. I will try again in the spring.
Are you going for walleye? If so your strategy will probably work fairly well. I also have no trolling or kicker motor so I think I was going too fast and they went deeper than I wanted them to. I need to try them in about 30’ of water this spring as well.
You’re right around the corner from me if you’re fishing there. A buddy of mine fishes there and does well on bass and walleye. He told me he uses those steel shad baits and jigs them for walleye and does well in spring and fall. Purple and green are his go to color. There are also Muskie in there. Also don’t neglect the drop off by the old cement elevators by Gallagher beach/pier. Depth chart is attached below for it.

That whole bay part by the mills is pretty shallow , I stay in the shipping lane myself . the south entrance end of the canal where the light house is can go down to 40 ft in spots averageing in the 30's , I talked to a guy that fished there a lot he told me the far wall stepped down very quickly to 30 ft or more, He said he use to toss lures at the wall and pop them down and caught a lot of eaters . I noticed on a map that the entire canal is very similar haveing steep walls down to deeper water . from the brain elevators across to the entrance to the light house, in that entire area its in the 30's with a spot in the 40's in the center between the two. Most of the time there are always boats there

Im a new boater so, im just trying to figure things out a bit ,My first plan of attack is to go from the launch to the shipping lane , make a right toward downtown, stay about 25 to 40 yards off shore because there is some kind of trench that runs along the bottom a few feet deeper than the rest , the average depth is around 23-26 feet , I plan on flat running Rapala husky deep jerks that go down to 20 feet . and pay attention to my fish finder to see where the fish are , I may run another at 15 . Im not sure there is much for walleye at that depth

 

[Saltwater60]

I

That whole bay part by the mills is pretty shallow , I stay in the shipping lane myself . the south entrance end of the canal where the light house is can go down to 40 ft in spots averageing in the 30's , I talked to a guy that fished there a lot he told me the far wall stepped down very quickly to 30 ft or more, He said he use to toss lures at the wall and pop them down and caught a lot of eaters . I noticed on a map that the entire canal is very similar haveing steep walls down to deeper water . from the brain elevators across to the entrance to the light house, in that entire area its in the 30's with a spot in the 40's in the center between the two. Most of the time there are always boats there

Im a new boater so, im just trying to figure things out a bit ,My first plan of attack is to go from the launch to the shipping lane , make a right toward downtown, stay about 25 to 40 yards off shore because there is some kind of trench that runs along the bottom a few feet deeper than the rest , the average depth is around 23-26 feet , I plan on flat running Rapala husky deep jerks that go down to 20 feet . and pay attention to my fish finder to see where the fish are , I may run another at 15 . Im not sure there is much for walleye at that depth

In spring and fall there are tons of walleye in there. Also in the very early mornings there are as well. A buddy of mine fishes there. I have caught walleye in the Niagara river in 18’ of water at dusk and more than one it was a 20-24” so they are everywhere.
As for that shipping canal there is that one deep spot and my buddy fishes there for spawning bass in spring. If you’re planning on walleye then yes the deeper shipping canal is better. I have the iboat nautical app and it’s $25 for all depth charts available in the USA. You can track your runs, spots, and put markers in where you are catching fish. For $25 it’s the cheapest tool in your box.
I like the snap weights for trolling in shallower spots or for my situation where I troll the river for bass because if there is a spot that suddenly hits 25-30’ I can snap on a half ounce weight and kick 25’ of line out. In the lake when you’re 50-60’ deep you’ll need diapers and that’s all anyone uses out there. They also make these torpedo weights. torpedofishingproducts
Jet divers may also be another option for you.

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/luhr-jensen-jet-diver?ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=Cabelas%7CShopping%7CPMax%7CFishing%7CGeneral%7CNAud%7CGoogle%7CNMT&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiArKW-BhAzEiwAZhWsIKRQq0tfZTtywOo5MCyIouaAnkzloB2j7gNy021N6HIu6QvgtBpahxoCkf4QAvD_BwE

I mainly fish the Niagara river and plenty of walleye can be found there before Memorial Day and we’re trolling for bass going faster than we should be so I’ll bet if you slow it down you’d catch plenty more and it’s about 12-15 of water.

 

[Saltwater60]

BTW here is the depth chart I have for that area. If you need anything else let me know. That area to the far left in the picture looks nice. A bit deep and lots of structure around.

 

[Brawny71]

I bought a few dispy divers to troll with because my son has some larger spinners and Muskie lures that only go down a few feet. We fish in 15-20 feet of water a lot of times and the beam on the boat is only 6’ so we cross lines here and there. This will be my first time using them and I know the basics but any pointers? We use braided line so I did get snubbers since I lost that huge Muskie(assuming it was a Muskie) last weekend. There’s some deeper holes that are 25-30’ I’d like to hit up as well for walleye and bass in the heat and this will allow us to get there. I bought size 0 and size 1 to get down 20-30 feet.

I liked mine. You can get several depths according to size of lip and amount of line. Great supplement to my down/out riggers.

 

[holdover]

In the lake when you’re 50-60’ deep you’ll need diapers and that’s all anyone uses out there.

Jeeeez ,Ill just hold it in thanks, what are those?

 

[Saltwater60]

Jeeeez ,Ill just hold it in thanks, what are those?

Of course it’s stupid autocorrect and it was supposed to be dispy divers for 50-60’. I don’t use diapers.

 

[holdover]

I figured it was Dipsey divers , just breaking your chops

 

[holdover]

​

Are those Jenson jet divers , snap on ,or do you have to use a leader with a snap hook??

 

[Saltwater60]

​

Are those Jenson jet divers , snap on ,or do you have to use a leader with a snap hook??

I’ve never used them but I think I might get a few of them since they don’t sink at rest and the depths aren’t dependent of so many factors like a dispy. Here is this guys set up. Is it good? I have no clue.