A downrigger is a device used while fishing using the trolling method, which places a lure at the desired depth. A downrigger consists of a three to six-foot horizontal pole which supports a cannonball (large weight) by a steel cable (generally stainless steel). A clip, also known as a “release” attaches a fishing line to the cannonball weight. The bait or lure is attached to the release.
The speed at which the lure is pulled through the water has a great impact on success or failure. For this reason fishermen use devices that accurately track speed. Typically, trolling from one to five knots is the range that allows for fish to be caught. This varies from species to species as Chinook Salmon may prefer higher speeds while the more docile Lake Trout may prefer a much slower-moving lure.
The size of the downrigger is dependent on the size of the boat. If you have a smaller boat of less than 15 feet you should use a short armed downrigger which are mainly operated while sitting down, however if you have a large boat of over 21 feet you should use a large armed downrigger which is operated while standing up. If you have an intermediate sized boat then you can choose between a short or long armed downrigger depending on where you will mount the downriggers and the number of downriggers you want to run on your boat.
There is also the choice between manual and electric downriggers. For convenience it is nice to have an electric one that will bring up the downrigger with the push of one button, however these are more expensive. Better downriggers are equipped with a counter so you know exactly how deep you are. Using a downrigger in combination with a fish finder can be great as you can head directly towards the fish.