Fishing QuestionsCategory: Boat Fishing FAQWhat is a downrigger?
Umusacexe S asked 2 years ago
What are downriggers?
What is a downrigger on a boat?

6 Answers
Alex – ProFisherman Staff answered 2 years ago
A downrigger is a fishing tool that is used to hold the line at a set depth below the boat. This is done by attaching a weight (called a “ball”) to the end of the line and then lowering it into the water. The ball will then fall to the bottom, and the line will be held at that depth.

This is an important tool for fishermen because it allows them to fish in deeper water without having to reel in their line every time they want to check their bait or change their lure. It also helps them avoid getting snagged on rocks or other objects at the bottom of the lake or river.

Bernard answered 2 years ago
A downrigger is a device used by fishermen to troll for deep-sea fish. It consists of a housing unit that contains a spool of cable, a weight, and a release mechanism. The weight is typically in the form of a steel ball, which is connected to the end of the cable. The release mechanism allows the fisherman to control the distance between the weight and the bait at the surface. This enables him to keep his bait in the strike zone for extended periods of time.

The use of downriggers has become increasingly popular in recent years, as they allow fishermen to target fish that are deep down in the water column. Some of these species include lake trout, salmon, and walleye.

Carlos answered 2 years ago
A downrigger is a device that helps fishermen troll for fish at greater depths than they could otherwise reach. A weight is attached to the end of a cable, which is then lowered into the water.

The downrigger has a release mechanism that automatically lifts the weight off the cable when it reaches the desired depth, allowing the fisherman to continue trolling without having to manually reattach the weight to the cable.

David answered 2 years ago
A downrigger is a fishing device that helps fishermen to lower and safely maintain their baited lines and lures at specific depths while they troll. A downrigger consists of a large metal weighted “cannonball” on a heavy-duty pulley/line system, which is attached to the fisherman’s boat.

The downrigger allows the fisherman to carefully control the depth of their line, giving them a much better chance of attracting fish. Many serious fishermen use downriggers, as they are very effective in helping to catch fish.

Martin Staff answered 2 years ago
A downrigger is a device used to lower and raise baited hooks or lures in the water column without having to use much physical labor. It consists of a stainless steel wire, about 100–200 feet (30–61 m) long, attached to a mechanical windlass mounted on your boat. A ball-shaped weight, called a cannonball weighing anywhere from 4 to 16 pounds (1.8 to 7.3 kg), rides on the wire below your lure or bait.

As its name implies, a downrigger can be used with live bait or lures to fish “downstream” of your boat, allowing you to get your presentation closer to where the fish are holding in structures like ledges, drop-offs, or submerged brush piles. Used properly, a downrigger greatly increases your chances of success while fishing.

Wilson answered 2 years ago
Downriggers are devices used in fishing to help sink baits and lures deeper into the water column. They work by suspending the bait or lure from a weighted line, which is then attached to the boat. Downriggers can be manual or electric and are often used in conjunction with fish finders and other electronic devices to help locate fish.

Downriggers can be extremely helpful in catching fish, but they do have some drawbacks. The biggest downside is that they can be quite expensive, especially if you need multiple units. Additionally, downriggers require some setup and maintenance, which can be time-consuming. However, many anglers feel that the benefits of using downriggers far outweigh the negatives.