sinker size

[KDW]

What size of sinker is best for trolling spinners in around 20ft to 25ft of water ?And what is the best style ? I know there will be many different answers.

[powerdive]

Rule of thumb is 1 oz. for every 10 feet of depth. However, your speed will determine how much you actually need. We like to go pretty slow with spinners--about 0.7 mph-- so we'd likely use 1-1/2 or possibly 2 oz. pencil weight bouncers. Keep your line as short as possible and still maintain occasional bottom contact. At that depth, the closer you can get to vertical the better.

[powerdive]

Also, your spinner blade size may impact this. Keep in mind that a #6 blade has significantly more "lift" (rides higher) than a #3 blade.

[KDW]

powerdive, do you use your big moter or your trolling moter when you troll ? I allways am woried I am spooking fish when I use the outboard.

[powerdive]

We use gas motors. On my partner's boat, we use a 25hp kicker with two drift bags. On my boat, I use my 40hp main motor. We've caught fish at 11-12 feet on Stockton this way, fishing almost right under the boat with the motor chugging and the bags flared wide open. Hint: the longer your rods, the better; put them in holders and set them out perpendicular to the sides for maximum spread and distance from the motor--although these fish seem to be used to the commotion.

Many guys on this board, though, use their bowmount electrics for this.

[lcostley]

I chug along with a 200 and 2 bags out. I like to troll between a bit faster than most (1.5 - 2+ mph), but can slow down to about 0.5 mph.

Never had a problem back on the clear lakes in MN with the big motor and the bags out. But then again, fishing pressure is a bit lighter than it is here.

[reelxtc]

Hi,

You'll want to adjust the bottom bouncer weight to keep about a 45 degree angle of your line to the water. PD had a good rule of thumb to start with 1 oz for each 10' of water. You should be able to use less weight with fireline. I normally run fireline on the front rods and mono on the back to keep them apart. I troll with a bowmount PTSv to control the depth and a Yamaha T8 kicker to control speed. Haven't spooked fish with the kicker in a little as 12' of water.

[coyotewhacker]

The new Precision Trolling book has two sections devoted to depths that can be reached by spinner rigs using the Snap On weight system. I think Bill Ackermann uses them because he can afford the thirty bucks or so for the set. CW is not in that lofty financial district, so I have figured out that pretty much the same results can be achieved by modifying planer board release clips and attaching our home made bouncers in varying weights from 3/4 oz up to 2 oz.
The book outlines two systems....the 50/50 system, and the 20 foot system.Be at the wing thing tomorrow evening and you might get further enlightenment.
CW

[reelxtc]

CW,

Speaking of the Snap On weight system, I use rubber bands, yes that's right, rubber bands for a poor man's release clip. Attach to the line with a half-hitch and use the line to run the rubber band through the weight and attach with another half hitch. I got tired of losing $5 Off Shore release clips. When you have a fish on just break off the rubber band when you get it to the boat. Works best if you leave the rubber bands on your boat dash so they get a little brittle.

BTW: I also use rubber bands for my downrigger and Big Board releases.

[lcostley]

ReelXTC I did not think you guys used downriggers down here. It is a staple where I am from. I like the Roemer release for my downriggers.

Snap weights are a new concept for me. It is amazing how people in different parts of the country fish differently for the same species.