Downriggers for Beginners

[@thecommenter6839]

I have tried the salmon run every year for the last 4 years, I caught 2 my entire 4 years. I went yesterday and I caught 4 Kokanee salmon and 3 steelheads. You changed my game brother💪💪💪

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Glad to hear it!

[@thecommenter6839]

@@FreeWhiteNorth you don't even want to know how today was man I just got back into town!!! When I say we slayed them I mean we had to decide what ones to keep between the 30 we tossed back😂 lines where screaming ever 5 minutes and we where only out 5 hours🤯. Anderson Dam, Idaho if anyone is wanting some action💪. And I respect the response consistency on your videos that are years old!

[@m3528i]

Steelhead! Yeah baby!! That will keep you coming back!

[@ChrisWilliams5605LS]

I have never seen a downrigger before. Thank so much for this lesson.

[@briangow6282]

*Was very surprised at the sensitivity of this rod **enjoyable.fishing** recommend Was very impressed. And the extendable handle really lets you get a great casting action.*

[@danielmcgarrah3669]

The best video on using a downrigger that I've seen!

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Thank you very much!

[@stephenvaldez328]

Good job! Best straight forward downrigger instruction video I've found so far. You've explained the process well. Regards, Stephen

[@kyledavey6870]

i appreciate the instructive video, i dont have aa boat of any kind but remembered family way back talking about downriggers now i have the knowledge to do so if the situation arises

[@fred_petersen]

I purchased a boat and big water equipment from a buddy a few years ago and have he has been to busy to take me out and show me how to use this equipment. I’m very happy and thankful for your video and how thorough it is since I have never done this type of fishing. I am super excited to hopefully give it a go this weekend. Thank you.

[@brendenherrmann9603]

Awesome video, I went out on Lake Huron with downriggers for the first time yesterday morning after watching your video and I caught 2 steelhead an a walleye. Your video helped a lot!

[@ruletocoll1790]

Really like the action and feel of this fishing rod. Feels well built and expects it to last a long time.

[@FaithisKey792]

One word, sick! You just made my day, thank you. Need two clips now. Waiting on the down rigger to arrive. Have a blessed day.

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Thanks, you too! Have a great time on the water, and good luck!

[@johnpatriot322]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and keep doing what you’re doing. There will ALWAYS be negative people commenting but they are the ones that will never do anything great.

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Thanks John, much appreciated!

[@Hungry_Tree_Ghost]

Awesome 👍 as far as people complaining about the music - my first thought was what music. I had to skip back a little to hear what they were talking about. I must've been paying too much attention to you giving excellent advice for me to even notice. Those types of people probably walk around with RBF all day.

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Thanks Chris!!

[@greentree5265]

Hearing aids in your future ?

[@meals24u]

Chris Baker ha same, didn’t bother me at all

[@Hungry_Tree_Ghost]

@@greentree5265 No. I don't have ADHD. I heard him giving instructions. Music wasn't important. Wasn't wearing hearing aids at that time, and still heard him speaking, so no.

[@meetoo50]

Great straight forward video!! Well done. One suggestion, scrap the background music or make it much lower. Was distracting.

[@danielmcgarrah3669]

I agree, the background "music" was very distracting! I found it to be more of a irritating noise than music.

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Yeah, I'm not including the background music in any of my future videos.

[@anthonysamuel859]

I wanted to punch the music

[@panikosantoniou9189]

Great video. I am a beginner with downrigger fishing, and I get some very important information. Many thanks.

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Glad to help, thanks!

[@bobcorrigan4378]

I am just learing to fish with a down rigger and the information on this film is going to be invaluable this spring fishing for walleye and salmon thank you bob

[@AlanHowellphotovideo]

Excellent and comprehensive tutorial. Beautiful location as well. Hope you caught some fish for your efforts!

[@shellyholland6763]

Thanks I love the lure advice and I’ve never done more than one line on a downrigger, but I’m gonna try it next weekend!

[@chrisclark9512]

Outstanding explanation of downriggers with additional practice advice for a true neophyte, like me. Thanks.

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Thanks Chris!

[@jasonmychasiw8155]

Great video - I keep coming back to it and I love the music don't change a thing you nailed it. Do you have other videos?

[@ericgarst7882]

Wow just seeing this out of the box kzbin.infoUgkxQr1yd4Zc6qJF-scTB6Zb9dQbVpviuRxB recommend I have yet to fish with this set up, but based on the first hands on appeal, I can tell this is going to change the way i pack and carry to a whole new level. If you fish like i do, you know the smaller and less stuff the better. I’ve added a photo of just some of my gear so you can see how serious i am about fishing.

[@parson8582]

Well done, informational, well articulated

[@philipross4347]

The background music is driving me nuts!

[@daveseddon9315]

yeah that music is super annoying

[@philc8360]

I turned off the sound, and turned the captions on. Good information, just terrible terrible music.

[@stevehenry9053]

YES this will be my first year fishing Superior, thank you for the info!!

[@daren9721]

Thanks for doing a detailed video for rookies like me. Just subscribed

[@jasonmyers3239]

Thank you so much..... who thumbs down such a helpful informative video. Much appreciated!

[@peterneufeld2522]

Thanks for the video, i'm new to fishing and this really helped me understand how to use my downrigger!

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

peter neufeld thank you so much! I’m glad you found it helpful!!

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Thanks for the great feedback Peter! I hope you enjoy fishing as much as I do!!!

[@thedwightway1087]

Great video - that was really informative, I'm just looking at outfitting my bowrider with a downrigger. Thanks!

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Glad it was helpful!

[@littlenormy]

Thanks! I like the 2 on one downreger set up.;

[@michaelbartnicki9464]

Very informative, Thank you for making this video i would like to get into this type of fishing so this is a good start thanks again!

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

I'm glad you like it, thanks for watching

[@landonklemme]

Very informative video! I have been getting ready for the fishing season coming up, and I will be fishing mostly where a downrigger is needed. I wasn't sure how they worked, but this video helped a ton! Great Job!

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Landon Klemme thank you very much! I’m glad it was helpful.

[@Henny007ME]

Fishing season to Northern Maine is somewhere around 4 to 5 weeks out. Can't wait till open water.

[@jackhoang8654]

simple and easy to follow up, thanks for the tips, best, jackh

[@steveg2509]

Very informative video, i think he got the message on music.

[@jackofalltrades5199]

I realize you put this video out sometime ago. However I was hoping you could give us a link to these three or four spoons you referred to. I can’t seem to locate them. Or an updated version of what you’re currently using. Thank you so much for a very good tutorial.

[@lucst-michel]

Well done... However, I agree that the background music get annoying after a while. Still it is excellent. Thanks

[@ringaono]

100%

[@adamjones4949]

Great video, thanks for the very useful information. Did anyone else notice the clip flying off in the water when he was reeling up the down rigger??? 😀

[@govsux1]

No I think you just saw the clip bounce up into view it was still connected to the down rigger line with the big clip.

[@lukegrunert7658]

19:00 He for sure had the second clip fly off in to the water. Good eye.

[@guyh.4553]

Very good information. Well laid out. Thx!

[@aboston5740]

Thanks for that. Never see anyone doing s but it’s consistent with animal behaviour. If u watch a cat it strikes when the motion stops or changes. On the west coast a ft long flasher is used in the murky water.

[@steveg2509]

Very good video, well explained. Subscribed

[@brenterwin99611]

Good Vid, I would suggest that you use the clicker function, it keeps the line from backlashing, and you do not have to thumb both reels at once. The other thing would be to try to get one rod tip on either side of your downrigger cable, this will reduce tangles between the rod.

[@Birdman5961]

Awesome video!!

[@tehpanuychikon168]

Now I know! Great informative video.Thank You 👍 Greetings from Mexico

[@trevorclapham5571]

Good video. Very helpful for a newbie like myself. Only caught lakers so far, I live on the north shore of superior.

[@johndries6743]

Good down-to-earth presentation! I've been downrigging for a few years now and stilled learned a few tips. I like the new Scotty clips you used. I've used the Roemer's from the start and they are easy once you get used to them but not the best for a beginner. Thanks

[@raveljames2532]

Learnt heaps. Thanks

[@FaithisKey792]

Brother do you know where I can get an electric and affordable down rigger. Great video thank you.

[@ralphwhittaker3766]

Gteat vidoe buying my first downriggger..do u have videos on gear to set it up with..like line to use on it and rods to use

[@sdichampion]

Nice tutorial. Thanks

[@lucianocorvelo7374]

Very good video. Thanks.

[@rexmorgan72]

Thanks for the info. Very informative.

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Thank you!

[@JohnScime]

Yes, terrific video. I haven't done this in 40 yrs and this was a great refresher. Well done. MUSIC , however, is unnecessary, and TOO LOUD. If it was such an informative video, I would ha e bailed after a minute! Something to think about ...

[@markmayo2273]

Nice one. Endless guitar not needed I reckon though 🙂 very educational.

[@jonathanbetenbender307]

So I picked on up from the thrift store and fixed the motor. It's momentary on on side and latching on the other. Is the latching supposed to be on the way down. Momentary just means it only goes that way while actively pressing the button, latch holds itself in place. I assume latch switch for down momentary for up?

[@garypeterson824]

What do you do when you're fishing alone, have two lines on one down rigger and a fish strikes? I have never used a down rigger but am going to do so next season. Great instructional video I learned a lot. Thanks!

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

I've done that before, and it's tough, but doable. I'd go in this order. 1) Put the motor into neutral, grab the rod to make sure the hook is set, release the tension on the reel enough that the fish can make a few runs, reel in a bit after the first dive, then put the rod in the holder 2) Immediately get the other rod out of the downrigger clip and reel as fast as you can, and get as much of the line in in 5 seconds or so 3) Hit the up button on your downrigger so that it comes back to the boat 4) Reel in your fish Some combination/order of this will help keep your other lines out of the water and help prevent tangling

[@typeterson6947]

If the fish is on your lower set up just pop the one on top. I dont shut my motor off the top rig will come to the surface and its not very hard to keep out of your other line. If the toprig gets hit just bring in the fish and keep rolling

[@anthonymurphy2540]

Great info!!

[@ianlamme]

thanks for this video

[@wilsondumas4532]

great video. my only comment would be to lower your music volume so that it doesn't overpower your voice. I find the music more distracting than it needs to be. I learned a lot from the video though so thank you!

[@guyh.4553]

I started off with the single, to learn how to DR. I'm now going to move towards the clip for the release. 1) To hook a flasher directly to the ball, and 2) be able to double stack to the line. I'm going after landlocked chinook/coho salmon at the bottom and rainbows & Kokanee above. And just a personal preference, I like to load my rod more. So, the "top rod" is ahead/towards the bow? One point about DR fishing, and I probably missed it but at least you dont have to fight additional drag & weight on the line when using a downrigger

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Yeah, that's what I have found works best for me and my setup. I did it the other way around where the top rod was the closest to the ball, and it got tangled a few times when I had strikes on that lure. It made a mess so I played around with it until I found what worked for me. Feel free to experiment, that's for sure!

[@sttrattcatt1703]

B

[@stevewuthrich]

Very informative! Thanks for some great information!

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Thanks!

[@bluegoose6913]

For those of you who don’t like background noise download the app called “Volume Control” it works great and easy to use.

[@mikefinch157]

Maybe before you go

[@YakJones]

Thanks great video what size line and is braided line ok? Thanks

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Thanks Josh, and yes, braided line is fine for both use on the downrigger line and the rod. Two point of note: 1) the downrigger line must be rated for high test, something like 150# or 200# is good. This way you won't lose your downrigger ball if it catches a rock or branch/stump. Lots of guys run braided line vs steel cable because of less "blowback" on the downrigger ball. 2) I use braided line on my rod/reels because it cuts through the water nicer, but there is a good argument to be made against it due to line twist. I did notice that the braided line twists easier under the tension, but I've never had any major tangles or issues so take it for what it's worth!

[@YakJones]

Thanks sooo much I can’t wait!!! I’m on a kayak but I will let ya know how I do!!

[@otis.endsley5667]

Good advice thank you very much

[@NA-sq1qs]

Thanks very easy to follow and great instruction. you dont use flashers?

[@tinaswarehouse7919]

where did you get that flatter ball

[@ginettecarter2164]

Thank you for the info! What is the name of the downrigger? Do they have a manual version?

[@ginettecarter2164]

Actually I just heard it! the name is Big Jon... Thanks

[@NghiaPham-xi5so]

Do you use flashers on top of those lures too? Thanks

[@kkay8209]

How do you set the tension on the Scotty Grip Clip? Or can you? If you can't is there a way to adjust how hard a fish needs to hit it for it to release? Thank you.

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Yes, the Scotty clip is designed so that the further back you set the line in the clip the more tension it requires to release it (ie. bigger fish or more aggressive strike). I usually put it a bit more forward but not too far so that it releases too easily when trolling.

[@enesarar]

perfect demonstration.

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Thanks Emr!

[@willierichardson5364]

Great video!

[@billdegasperis5947]

What is the brand of downrigger in this video?

[@christophersage66]

great!!!!! thank you!! just getting started with this type of fishing, perfect video

[@darrellschaffner5102]

Great video, never really understood how to properly use a downrigger. I have a new pontoon boat with a Lowrance fish finder. Any suggestions on a good down rigger?

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Big Jon or Cannon, can’t go wrong with either one. Depends if you want a manual or electric one too

[@darrellschaffner5102]

Was thinking about an electric that syncs up to the fish finder.

[@scottjondahl]

Great video, thank you. 🐟🦈

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

you're very welcome!

[@andyb1056]

Question I've never seen addressed in any of these videos. Obviously you can use the saltwater style downrigger Rods and reels but I've been told you can also use spinning reels. So I went out and I kept flipping the bail and letting the weight down and my line would always get all crazy tangled and there'll be major issues. What I've discovered is you need to loosen your dragged and that is the way to let line out of your rod if you flip the bale it's never gonna work and everything's gonna get all tangled. Is that not a critical part of this?

[@michaelbrin9984]

Excellent, I learned much from thy instructions

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Thanks for watching the video!

[@tommoyer4697]

Good job, I learned alot.

[@moobslikejabba9830]

Very informative cheers mate!

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Thanks!!

[@dennykitchens3985]

You want the heavier lure on the inside going straight back deep the top is the outside one the bottom one you run a blacks clip so the bottom line runns straight back too one you run 12 -16" clip sow it swings 12-16" away from the boat that's double stacking you can go all the way up to 4 rods on one down rigger

[@nautidawg5203]

Nice vid. What size test line do you recommend? I'm just getting started with downriggers

[@volitanttitan8127]

Awesome video/info ...thanks again

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

You're very welcome

[@dostacos1]

How does one measure how much line has gone out from the downrigger? How do you know you're at depth?

[@philandjana]

Looks like he has a line counter on his reel that counts as the line gets pulled out.

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

My reel has a line counter indicator

[@jumpjasper5276]

Great video I have a kayak I mounted the fishfinder on it what would you think about a downrigger and also do you think that is a waste of time for a kayak?

[@JimmyGambles-t5u]

so your trolling right below the boat?

[@ervrussell6283]

Excellent

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Thanks!

[@neillee3793]

Question: Would it be better to have the second line on the down rigger at a shorter distance out from there down rigger line in the event you get a strike on the upper line, therefore the fish would have a tougher time getting tangled with the first line at lower depth?

[@FTATF]

I feel like you want it shorter at the top line. There are problems with stacking that are just tough to avoid. I reccomend one downrigger per rod for the least amount of headaches. When you hook a fish you then start to circle it with the boat, this keeps it off the side and and pulls the gear away from it. You still get tangles though.

[@seagull41]

Do you use leader between your main line and spoon, or is the spoon tied on to the main line? If you use a leader, what length and connection method to the main line? Thanks!

[@nicholasjames.s2453]

How is Lake Superior northern Ontario?

[@steveharter3445]

How do I choose a weight size?

[@shawnnaylor482]

Thank you!

[@derekboehninganderson5209]

What rod length, strength, and action do you recommend?

[@corwin2007]

Hey there, Going to start fishing the bays on my side of superior here soon. One question for you, what do you do if you get your downrigger ball snagged? I understand you should be watching the graph and adjusting as needed, but sometimes things happen. If you could maybe do a short vid on downrigger safty that would be great! Really enjoyed this one, thank you!

[@J.WannaFish]

Does the metal clip that you attach to you downrigger line slip at all?

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Hey, thanks for the question! No, it's held in place by friction via a clamping effect so it's always in the same spot that you placed it in initially.

[@FTATF]

I've seen them slip before, but it doesnt usually happen while you are actively trolling. One thing to watch for is line or cable chafing from the clips, if you are fishing alot it will happen, and you need to maintain your cables or you will lose a ball.

[@funfishing1267]

How i can buy it

[@oldmanpower]

RE: Your favorite Scotty release? What is the name of that? I want to order a few.

[@Hardcore2432]

Great video! You ever use flashers when they’re deeper? And when fish on, do you pull up second downrigger or just try to keep on that side of boat?

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Yeah we use flashers, most of the time, when fishing in the Great Lakes or on the West coast. And yeah for sure, I find that it’s usually a very good practice to get any other lines in the water out as it has a good tendency to tangle up with a fighting salmon

[@hogheadjeremy]

That’s a great video, thank you and god bless👍👍👍🙏✝️😇

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Thanks Jeremy!

[@janmhl3250]

What type of downrigger are you using...

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

It’s a Big Jon Electric downrigger

[@janmhl3250]

Thansk...

[@dukeitsk9624]

Awesome video

[@FreeWhiteNorth]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback!

[@tommyliu4683]

Excellent 👌 video

[@oldsoldier141]

Great basic information