sparky1034 Posted May 26, 2015 Report Share Posted May 26, 2015 So when I got my boat about 7 years ago it came with a down rigger which I have used maybe 3 times trolling. I never really got into it. I was thinking of grabbing the Makerel out near the B buoy and south in 100 + feet of water and live lining the macks with the down rigger to get them on the bottom. Has any one had great luck live lining with a down rigger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluesCruiser Posted May 26, 2015 Report Share Posted May 26, 2015 I use mac's from the kayak and they seem to always head for the bottom by them selfs BluesCruiser~~<*)))><}I drive the left lane~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaddyCrabby Posted May 26, 2015 Report Share Posted May 26, 2015 I think you are asking for trouble with tangles using a downrigger. Use a bank sinker instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WickedStriper Posted May 26, 2015 Report Share Posted May 26, 2015 Downriggers are only used in really deep waters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NautiBuoys Posted May 27, 2015 Report Share Posted May 27, 2015 I have, and as PaddyCrabby mentioned, it's a royal PITA unless you are slow trolling the Mac. Lures for deep stripers or blues are also ok, but if anchored or drifting, the sinker method recommended. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angler #1 Posted May 27, 2015 Report Share Posted May 27, 2015 Getting mackerel down in the water column once you hook them should not be a problem You can place a hook over the vent area and simply let it go . On the other hand if you choose to use a three way swivel rig with a bank sinker, try placing the hook through the lower and upper jaw. If you do it without damaging the mackerel they will last a long time until Big momma get a bead on it. We have trolled with using lead core as the line in some cases and this also will get the mackerel down , especially when drifting. If you scope out some deeper pockets, you can adjust how deep you run the bait. We use the same when trolling , just place the hook between the upper and lower jaw, no weight. Do not be afraid to use a larger hook for this application. 8/0 to 10/0 Experiment and you just may find the right mixture that is successful Life member M.B.B.A #509 Life member Izaak Walton Fishing Association Life member Cape Cod Canal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shady grady Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 Ive been told to hook them under the chin. They will swim right to the bottom supposedly. The best part of trashing plugs is making more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alpha Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 (edited) I have to disagree with most of these comments. You can troll macs with a downrigger. They can make a mess but provided that you keep them moving you will be fine. You do not need to be fishing really deep waters to utilize the rigger. I wish that I had a pair on my boat. You can precisely drop a bait down to where the fish are. When I troll mackerel I hook them through the nostrils. Trolling macs in deep water for larger bass is more of a summer time technique. If you see some fish down there go for it. Mackerel live near the surface most of the year. I usually troll them about 1/3 of the way to the bottom out there. Edited May 29, 2015 by Alpha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sams Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 I've fished down riggers trolling and drifting. I'd you know what you are doing they can work very well. If you don't and aren't willing to suffer some growing pains it can suck. Sam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaddyCrabby Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 Slow trolling works. Live lining is disaster. They go round and round and round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to register here in order to participate.
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now