Downrigger vs. Planers

[MSPilot]

Anyone have thoughts on pulling planers versus downriggers. Seems like with either you wind up with extra stuff in the water, and if you rig the planer with a release you have the same effect without the added expense/drilling holes in the boat.

Thoughts?

[Ice Cream Man]

Originally Posted by MSPilot

Anyone have thoughts on pulling planers versus downriggers. Seems like with either you wind up with extra stuff in the water, and if you rig the planer with a release you have the same effect without the added expense/drilling holes in the boat.

Thoughts?

Sound like you have experience pulling Planers ......

Downriggers (DR ) can be mount an adjustable swivel base, then to a fixed mount base that slips into any rod holder on any boat ......
So you don't have to drill holes & can be used on your buddies boat as well ........

http://www.tackledirect.com/penndownrigger.html

Many other reasons to consider a DR;

DR have more depth control are needed for live/dead bait slow trolling ....
I use my DR to pull Planers, a dredge, dasiy chain & sometimes as a Planer rod ....
Drop a bag of chum down when bottom fishing ......
Has an additional side mount rod holder ........
Swivel base swings in for resetting lines in rough seas ........
Prefer 250# braid instead of SS cable on my DR .....

Hope this helps ......... ICM

[vettnman]

I personally use a downrigger on my boat but have used both. I personally think that the downrigger is easier to use, and works better at live bait speeds. The planer works better at trolling speeds(6-8knots). Just my 0.02

[Joe Mc 44]

Originally Posted by vettnman

I persdonally use a downrigger on my boat but have used both. I personally think that the downrigger is easier to use, and works better at live bait speeds. The planer works better at trolling speeds(6-8knots). Just my 0.02

Z-wing

[vettnman]

Hey Joe, does the Z wing work better at higher speeds? I currently have the cannonball and it tends to come up in the slipstream if you know what I mean. If the Z wind does perform better, then I definitly need to check into one! Thx

[Joe Mc 44]

Originally Posted by vettnman

Hey Joe, does the Z wing work better at higher speeds? I currently have the cannonball and it tends to come up in the slipstream if you know what I mean. If the Z wind does perform better, then I definitly need to check into one! Thx

Yes they are definitely better at high speed. You just have to be careful it puts tremendous pressure on the boom. It's lightweight,easy to store and unlike the ball you don't have to carry more than one.

[marytime]

What would be the difference in using a Z-wing or a planner off of a downrigger?

[nautiduck]

I prefer a downrigger, I have cannon ball weights, and the fish shaped weights which are a little better at speed, and I also built some weights out of 2" rebar about 18 - 20 inches long for high speed trolling they stay down with out blowing back to far on braid. I also use roemer releases so you can stack multiples on the same line.

[Joe Mc 44]

Originally Posted by marytime

What would be the difference in using a Z-wing or a planner off of a downrigger?

You're not handling the cumbersome ball and the depth runs truer with the wing. No blowback so to speak.

[biposto]

heres my set up!



swivel mount



swivel mount with pole holder mount



works fine, yes blow back, but switch to braid and decrease the blow back and wire hum. You can tell better what depth your at too I believe, and easyier to change and make alterations on depth. Faster to bring up the ball and get it out of the way too! and when not in use...I just take it out and stow it away!

[biposto]

Originally Posted by nautiduck

I prefer a downrigger, I have cannon ball weights, and the fish shaped weights which are a little better at speed, and I also built some weights out of 2" rebar about 18 - 20 inches long for high speed trolling they stay down with out blowing back to far on braid. I also use roemer releases so you can stack multiples on the same line.

hwy! that sounds like a great Idea! can you post a few pic's of yours???

[Reel Draggin' Tackle]

I have gone back and forth from planers to downriggers and back. I like the control and ease the downrigger offers, but I also like a clear deck and gunnels when we have multiple big fish hooked. Sometimes it is a PIA to get the DR outa the way, doable, but when ya got more green folks than seasoned folks, its another thing you have to do. I have also used Z-Wings. As noted, light weight and easy to sto. Just make sure you are using the short Penn boom, keep it pointed AFT. I have spun more pegs from the rod holders than I care to count. They do get the line down with less blow back, no question about it.