blackdog_2

Well the Cuda xducer is pooched also. I tried the cuda on the x50 xducer and the x50 on the cuda xducer. All resulted in loosing bottom as I went deeper. Decided to reset the x50 to see if it would magically fix the problem. Now it only comes on in sim mode. Manual says it's a problem with the xducer. Atleast it would work some of the time before the reset. Of course I did all this the first day at the cottage. Really sucked flyin blind for 2 weeks. 2 pooched eagle/lowrance xducers. Think I'm gonna try humminbird and remove the xducer for the winter.

The Cabela's 360HT is a Scotty PowerLock rod holder branded as Cabela's. I have a PowerLock mounted on my boat that I use for trolling without a diver. I started using divers this year and was concerned about the strength of the PowerLock. I contacted Scotty's and they said it would be no problem as long as you use it with the "lock-down" mount (post has a tendency to ride up). I tried using it with a 107mm diver, I'm sure it will hold up but I didn't want to take the chance. I looked at the tube/track systems that most guys here use, but was way too much money for me. I ended up mounting a couple of Salty S-10. Great rod holders. If you need to walk around, the rod butts will likely get in the way. I only got a small 16' boat and they are mounted at the back, so it's not an issue for me.

Thanks GAMBLER. At first, that's what I thought too. When I googled the problem, most guys complained about the FF reading say 1.x feet in any depth of water. Not really the issue I'm having, so that's why I thought the unit may not be powerful enough. Mine reads fine upto around 80-100FOW, looses bottom and flashes. Once I troll back into 80-100FOW it regains bottom and is fine. Anyhow you probably right. I have an old Eagle Cuda with a compatable 200kHz transducer that I'm going to swap out. Whatever the problem is, the X50 is getting moved to the bow and I'll get a new unit for the console. Anyone have comments/opinions on the Eagle SeaFinder 480DF and the Humminbird 718 and 728.

I'm looking to upgrade my current FF (Lowrance X50 DS - 83/200 kHz, 1500w peak to peak, 240v pixels). The lake I fish (lake trout/smallmouth) is upto 200' deep and I loose bottom at around 80FOW on 200kHz. Then I switch over to 83kHz, get vertical lines for a minute or so until it recalibrates. Basically a PITA piece of crap FF. Anyhow, the plan is to move the X50 to the bow for when I'm fishin the shoreline and use the new FF at the console for trolling. From what I've read on this site, some important features are high power output, dual frequency and colour. I would think high vertical pixel count would also be a good thing. I would like a FF that would not loose bottom on 200kHz, pick up the lakers sitting on bottom and show the thermocline. I'm looking at the Eagle SeaFinder 480DF and the Humminbird 718 and 728. Any comments on these units or other comparable units would be appreciated. I don't want to make the jump to GPS or colour as it doubles the cost. Will a 4000w PtP finder on 200kHz keep bottom (200FOW)? What about 2400w PtP (Humminbird 718)?

Went to my local fishing and boat show today and picked up some new equipment for dipsy fishing. I have never fished dipsy's before, but my plan was to get an Accudepth+ / Heartland combo as it seems to be a decent combo and it was at my price point. No vendors had the AD+. Only Sealines, Okuma's and Shimano's. As for rods, I looked at the Heartland (9'6") and the Blue Diamond (8') heavy power dispy rods. Man they felt like broom sticks. I wanted something a little lighter but still be able to handle a diver. I tried an Okuma Classic Pro GLT 9' medium power dispy rod and really liked it. It should have enough backbone for a dispy yet still let me have some fun with the fish (FLX sized). Here's what I ended up getting... 1) 2 Okuma Convector size 20 reels 2) 2 Okuma Classic Pro GLT 9' medium power dispy rods 3) 3 Spin Doctors - The Innovator, Live Wire and Hammer Time 4) 5 flies - #T10, #T22, #T23, #T102 and #T126 5) 2 Deeper Divers size 107mm 6) poop from the wife Just need some braid and terminal tackle and I should be good to go.

I think I got a good handle on the rod/reel I need for dispy's. You guys have been great. I appreciate it. Now I'm on to what attractor/fly combos to start with. I fish a small clear spring fed lake. Fleas aren't a problem. Main bait fish is rainbow smelt. Target fish is lake trout. In an earlier post, chowder suggested to keep it simple - whites/greens. I read over this site, A-TOM-MIK and Dreamweaver sites and there are hundreds of different colour combos. 4 attractors and a 1/2 dozen flies should be enough to get me going. Here's the combos I'm thinking... 1) #70350 lite green crush glow SD / #T23 Crinkle Green 2) #70202 chartreuse mtn dew crush glow SD / #T106 B Fly 3) #70001 white double crush glow SD / #T22 powder blue 4) trash can / #T80 crinkle green/silver 5) #T10 White Halo 6) #T102 Hammer Fly What do you guys think of these combos? Also, would 12# Big Game be OK for the dipsy to flasher leader or should I go upto 15#?

Lots of great info guys. Thanks, I really appreciate it!! Sounds like the Accudepth Plus reel is the best bang for your buck. I'm a big fan of Shimano (I have an old BassOne Mag baitcaster that close to 20 years old and still going strong), but I can't justify the Tekota as it's close to $220 CDN here in Canada. For that price I can get 2 AD+/Heartland combos and still have money left over for a case of beer. I also like the Okuma Convector based on the fact it's comes in a left handed model. Seems the jury is split 50/50 on long vs short rods. However, it looks like a heavy power rod is a must for dipsies. Looking at some of your guys pics, the dispy puts a huge bend/strain in the rod. As far as Power Pro vs wire, it seems the wire is better for fleas and may get you a little deeper. Since there are no fleas in the lake I fish, I likely go with PP for now until I get some experience. Only 2 more weeks until the fishin show comes to town!!

Thanks for the advice guys. chowder, I don't see an 8'2" rod on Okuma's website. Are you referring to the 8' model BD-C-802H-1?

I'm new to dipsy fishing and I've pretty well decided on the Daiwa Heartland/Accudepth Plus combo spooled with Power Pro. I think that the 9'6" Heartland dipsy rods may be too much for my boat (16' Crestliner). That and the fact that I fish alone quite often. Besides the length, the only real difference I can see between the Heartland 'downrigger' and 'dipsy' rods is the power. I do not fish Lake O, only a small inland lake trout lake. Do the experts see a problem with using the medium power downrigger rods (8' or 8'6") for dipsy's?

Ya I thought of that Miss em. Except, I don't have an identical empty reel.

Hey guys. If a reel holds say 200yds of 20# mono and I want to spool it with some mono backing plus 300yds of 30# Power Pro, is there any way to figure out how much backing is required so the PP fills the reel?

Thanks for the responses guys. I did a little light reading on the weekend and think I got a pretty good handle on it. Speed is one factor why I can't get down deep with my current 3-way setup. That and the fact that my tackle is to light to be adding a bunch more weight. I troll at idle on the big motor and run around 3mph +/-. I also use the bow mount electric to slow down and get better results. But a PITA when its windy. I got a couple of drift socks to try this year to see if it helps. As far as rod holders go, I have some Scotty Power Lock's side mounted on the gunwales. I doubt these will stand upto the stress of a dipsy. I like the idea of track mount, but the gunwales on my Crestliner are only 2 1/2" wide. Looks like the Big Jon Heavy-Duty Diver Rod Holder w/ Slim-Line Base may be my only option. I guess I could bite the bullet now and add a 12" pedestal to my rear casting deck and set up a track system. I'll have to do this anyway when I add downriggers. Anyhow, does anyone know of any other rod holder out there with a 2 1/2" base?

Hi all. I found this site while surfing for diver/downrigger fishing info and I must say - great site. Loaded with tons of info. Sometimes a little overwhelming. I have a place on a Northern Ontario lake. The lake is about half the size of Honeoye Lake. Lakers and smallies only. For the last few years I have been targeting lakers with limited success. Avg size is 5lbs with my largest just under 11lbs. I flatline in the spring and fall and use the 3-way swivel method in the summer. Most 3-way hits came on the inside turn which tells me I'm not getting deep enough. So I figure it's time to get some diver or downrigger gear. I'm going to go the diver route as it is the smallest initial investment. I'm looking at the Heartland 9'6" dipsey rod with a Accudepth Plus ADP17LC loaded with 300 yds of 30# Power Pro (fleas aren't a problem in my lake). A couple Deeper Divers and I should be good to go. I already have a good assortment of spoons - Williams/Mooselook/Sutton. Anyhow, I have a few questions... 1) Will the size 17 reel be unbalanced with the rod? Should I move up to the size 27? I figure 300 yds is plenty of line, so why go to a bigger reel and have to add backer. 2) Most of the time I fish alone so there is only one line in the water. If I get a downrigger in the future, can I use the diver setup for downrigging? Should I initially buy an 8'6" Heartland DR rod instead? Is using braid as a downrigger mainline OK? I'd like to get a setup I can use for both divers and downrigging. 3) Typically, are flies used with flashers and spoons with dodgers? Thanks guys!!