Walleye-Dipsy Diver Or Wire Line?

[Lawdwaz]

What dictates when or where you'd use either one?

 

Is a Dipsy Diver ever used with a wire line set up?

 

I'm interested in getting a two rod set up for my little boat and not too interested in down riggers for now.

 

Thanks!

[wdswtr]

I personaly skip the dipsy and running wire and go with inline planer boards and use pinch weights to get to the depth Im after. 

[adkbuck]

For walleyes at moderate depth (10 to 50 feet) from a small boat:   

 

Easiest:  I would recommend sticking with dipsy divers on monofilament line at least 15 or 20 pound test up to 30 pound test depending on the size of the dipsy.  I use 30 pound  for size 1 dipsys.  For large dipsys which go deeper you will need a fairly stiff rod since the rig will put a pretty good load on the rod at trolling speed.

 

Second Easiest:  Lead core.  You can run them on in line planer boards, on port and one starboard.  One color of line will usually get you down 5 feet, 10 colors 50 feet.  Also a I oz. keel sinker will add 5 feet of depth.  I have caught lots of walleyes on lead core.

 

I use wire to get deep beyond 50 feet in conjunction with size 1 dipsies but I don't recommend it on a boat smaller than 16 feet.  Wire line should be stranded.  It can be difficult and a little dangerous to use until you get the hang of it.  Unless you are going after deep salmon or lake trout it is probably not needed. 

[Lawdwaz]

Good stuff guys.  Keep it coming............

[adkbuck]

On Oneida Lake I usually anywhere from 1 - 5 colors of lead core.  I usually remove the center core from a few inches from the end and tie the Dacron sheath to a short length 30# mono with a blood knot then  blood knot to short lengths 20, 15, 12 mono then a longer length of 8# fluorocarbon for a leader.  Alternatively you can use a very small swivel to tie your lead core line to your leader.  Just be aware of the small svivel when you are really in fish as it goes through the tip top.   Here is a nice little summary on lead core by Cortland line:  http://www.straitlineanglers.com/Articles/Leadcore_How-to.htm  

 

There are days (especially mid to late season) when the jigging & bottom bouncer bite is very slow but trolling swimmer plugs and small spoons lead core will put some very nice fish in your boat. 

 

  In-line planer boards will help you keep the lines away from the boat for boat shy fish and will help you avoid crossing lines.  A good setup would be to run port and starboard lead cores with in-line planers the run a dipsy set on zero degrees directly behind the boat set for deeper depth.  There are also straight running divers that are very easy to use and work well.  Their are lots of combinations as you can imagine.

 

 

You really don't need to use in-line planer boards as long as you can keep your boat on a straight course and don't make any tight turns as long you use long rods and only fish a port and starboard lead core line. 

 

 

  

Edited June 28, 2014 by adkbuck

[Lawdwaz]

On Oneida Lake I usually anywhere from 1 - 5 colors of lead core.  I usually remove the center core from a few inches from the end and tie the Dacron sheath to a short length 30# mono with a blood knot then blood knot to  then blood knot to short lengths 20, 15, 12 mono then a longer length of 8# fluorocarbon for a leader.  Alternatively you can use a very small swivel to tie your lead core line to you leader.    Here is a nice little summary on lead core by Cortland line:  http://www.straitlineanglers.com/Articles/Leadcore_How-to.htm  

 

Sounds like it'd be a bit of a learning curve for me as much of what you have said appears Greek.

 

The Dipsy Divers seem to be a bit simpler (?) for a starter rig? 

 

I'll read your link tomorrow, I do appreciate the tips.

[Lawdwaz]

I read guys saying that 30lb braid is great for the Dipsy Divers as there is no stretch when setting the hook.  A mono leader with a "snubber" helps to give a little forgiveness?

 

What about a "double bait", ever use that type of rig?  IIRC that is a diving plug under the DD and a light spoon straight back from the DD.  Is that correct?

[adkbuck]

We use snubbers only for big salmon when fishing Lake Ontario when using big size 1dipsys on wire lines.  Hook-ups with  big salmon really put a jerk load on the knots and snubbers reduce it quite a bit.  They are not really required for walleye.    

 

We use 30 pound braided wire for dipsys. Those double lure rigs will work but are best done with down riggers and "cheater" clips as they are prone to severe tangling. 

[hunter49]

    Lawdwaz,  check out web site  "Walleye.com"  the Eastern end lake Erie. All the local guys from WNY are on there & very willing to share lots/ all the info. you are looking for.   Most use dipsy's on braided line, go with wire line & dipsy's around middle of August to get deeper & different color lengths of lead core line all the time on Erie  for the walleyes. Many also use Jet divers  for different depths.

Edited June 28, 2014 by hunter49

[wdswtr]

Easiest by far and gets your stuff away from the boat and out of the prop wash is inline planers, they also keep boats out of your troll with the tell tale bright boards running along side the boat.  Learn what depths your lures are running at, use pinch weights to get down deeper if need be. This is a simple and fast setup, my kids can even setup and run them while Im steering the boat.  If you have ever fished the pro side or amatuer side of walleye tournaments you will find that lead core, dipsy and wire is used just about never anymore.  You dont need the 30 lb line, the big stiff poles to run dipsy that take away from the fish fighting experience and large expensive reals that can hold the lead core or heavy mono.  Inline planers is where its at, I will never ever use anything else unless running downriggers and they are second on my list. 

Edited June 28, 2014 by wdswtr

[wooly]

Take into consideration the water color as well if you're still torn between the two choices.

Clear water- run the dipsies.

Stained water - take your pick... or run one of each off opposite sides of the boat and let the fish choose.

Of course that's much easier to do if you already have a secondary set of rods in the boat all set up for both options.

[wdswtr]

23 walleye hit the net on Oneida this morning.  Rough out there but fishing was hot.  All came on Sonars and worm harness.   There are may ways to skin a cat when it comes to technique and style of fishing.

[Lawdwaz]

Easiest by far and gets your stuff away from the boat and out of the prop wash is inline planers, they also keep boats out of your troll with the tell tale bright boards running along side the boat.  Learn what depths your lures are running at, use pinch weights to get down deeper if need be. This is a simple and fast setup, my kids can even setup and run them while Im steering the boat.  If you have ever fished the pro side or amatuer side of walleye tournaments you will find that lead core, dipsy and wire is used just about never anymore.  You dont need the 30 lb line, the big stiff poles to run dipsy that take away from the fish fighting experience and large expensive reals that can hold the lead core or heavy mono.  Inline planers is where its at, I will never ever use anything else unless running downriggers and they are second on my list. 

 

What rod/reel combo do you use with the inline planer boards?

 

Are those like the Church Mini Planer Boards?

 

https://www.churchtackle.com/product%20pages/Planer_Boards/Walleye_ProPack.html

[Lawdwaz]

Oh and what is a Sonar?

[adkbuck]

 Years ago I purchased the mold from "Do It" molds and have caught worlds of walleye on them.  Description by Heddon and photo below.

 

 

Heddon Sonar

 

Key Features

• Depth and action adjust to match your situation
• Front hole for shallow running and high vibration
• Rear hole runs deep with a wide, slower action
• Center hole is perfect for jigging
• Equipped with extra-strong, extra-sharp hooks
• Heddon Sonar Great Forgotten Lure For Walleye / How To Catch Walleye
• Saturday, July 21st, 2012 at 10:45 pm

 

• How to catch walleye using the Heddon Sonar. An excellent deadly lure for walleyes Is called a Heddon Sonar . This lure has been around since the 1960-1970′s and was a very popular lure for fishing rivers. Today the Heddon Sonar is forgotten by many walleye fisherman and kept as a secret bait by other walleye fisherman. For those

 

 

 

not familar with this lure. It gets its name from sonar from the extreme vibration that this lure gives out when fishing it. Picture a flat metal lure shaped like a minnow with The 3 holes in the middle of the back of the lure for line attachment. The three line tie holes allow adjustment of the lure’s running depth and action. The front hole is for shallow running and high vibration. The rear hole produces deep running and a wide, slower, wobbling action. The center hole is can be used for jigging. It can be fished verticaly over schools of walleye like an ice fishing jig. Try casting and fishing the sonar like you would a crank bait. Cast the sonar on shallow rock beds or sandbars. Also try casting the sonar parallel to a the deep weed line (like you would a crankbait). The sonar is an excellent muti-specie bait. When you spot a school of walleye that is reluctant to bite using live bait rigs or other methods. Try using a marker bouy then vertically jig the sonar over them. Drop the sonar to the bottom (if the school of walleyes is on the bottom) and lift up with the rod about a foot. You will feel the strong vobration this lure gives out. Let the lure fall back to the bottom and repeat. Vary how fast you jig the sonar up to match the mood of the walleyes. If the walleye are in a nuetral feeding attitude you will jig the sonar slower then if they were in a positive feeding mood. Do not forget to try the Heddon Sonar for trolling. It has a heavy weight so the Heddon Sonar sinks like a jig, yet when trolled gives off a flutter and a strong vibration. The walleye that are

used to seeing live bait rigs and crankbaits have not seen this lure type action. Try the Heddon Sonar to help you catch more walleye.

 

Edited July 10, 2014 by adkbuck

[Lawdwaz]

Years ago I purchased the mold from "Do It" molds and have caught worlds of walleye on them. Description by Heddon and photo below.

Heddon Sonar

Key Features

• Depth and action adjust to match your situation
• Front hole for shallow running and high vibration
• Rear hole runs deep with a wide, slower action
• Center hole is perfect for jigging
• Equipped with extra-strong, extra-sharp hooks
• Heddon Sonar Great Forgotten Lure For Walleye / How To Catch Walleye
• Saturday, July 21st, 2012 at 10:45 pm

• How to catch walleye using the Heddon Sonar. An excellent deadly lure for walleyes Is called a Heddon Sonar . This lure has been around since the 1960-1970′s and was a very popular lure for fishing rivers. Today the Heddon Sonar is forgotten by many walleye fisherman and kept as a secret bait by other walleye fisherman. For those

not familar with this lure. It gets its name from sonar from the extreme vibration that this lure gives out when fishing it. Picture a flat metal lure shaped like a minnow with The 3 holes in the middle of the back of the lure for line attachment. The three line tie holes allow adjustment of the lure’s running depth and action. The front hole is for shallow running and high vibration. The rear hole produces deep running and a wide, slower, wobbling action. The center hole is can be used for jigging. It can be fished verticaly over schools of walleye like an ice fishing jig. Try casting and fishing the sonar like you would a crank bait. Cast the sonar on shallow rock beds or sandbars. Also try casting the sonar parallel to a the deep weed line (like you would a crankbait). The sonar is an excellent muti-specie bait. When you spot a school of walleye that is reluctant to bite using live bait rigs or other methods. Try using a marker bouy then vertically jig the sonar over them. Drop the sonar to the bottom (if the school of walleyes is on the bottom) and lift up with the rod about a foot. You will feel the strong vobration this lure gives out. Let the lure fall back to the bottom and repeat. Vary how fast you jig the sonar up to match the mood of the walleyes. If the walleye are in a nuetral feeding attitude you will jig the sonar slower then if they were in a positive feeding mood. Do not forget to try the Heddon Sonar for trolling. It has a heavy weight so the Heddon Sonar sinks like a jig, yet when trolled gives off a flutter and a strong vibration. The walleye that are

used to seeing live bait rigs and crankbaits have not seen this lure type action. Try the Heddon Sonar to help you catch more walleye.

Never seen that lure before! Worth a try but do the still sell it? Maybe an eBay snag?

Ever use an Erie Derry? (Not sure if I spelled that correct)

[wdswtr]

What rod/reel combo do you use with the inline planer boards?

 

Are those like the Church Mini Planer Boards?

 

https://www.churchtackle.com/product%20pages/Planer_Boards/Walleye_ProPack.html

Correct, I use 8 foot medium action trolling rods with a small line counter reel.  Not having to run wire or lead core I dont need the larger arbor line counters.  I have also been short rodded before and run them on spinning rods with no problems, but you have to go old school with counting out feet of line as it comes off the spool. 

 

Oh and what is a Sonar?

See adkbucks post.  Dont hear about too many people using them any longer but they produce walleye when other tatics have failed me.  Blue and silver seems to be the biggest producing color for me with them. 

[wdswtr]

Never seen that lure before! Worth a try but do the still sell it? Maybe an eBay snag?

Ever use an Erie Derry? (Not sure if I spelled that correct)

 

They are readily available in tackle shops. You just got to look for them or ask.

 

[Lawdwaz]

Great, thanks.

[adkbuck]

Gander Mountain and Bass Pro stock sonars.    I have had good luck with silver, silver and blue, silver and red and gold but my best producer is my own hand painted perch finished sonars (photo below).  Attach your snap to the middle hole in the back for jigging or the front hole for casting.  The action of these sonars (also called "blade baits") is truly amazing.

Edited July 10, 2014 by adkbuck

[wdswtr]

Perch would be an excellent color for walleye especially in the early season.  I like it.

[reeltime]

law,  some good stuff already posted.  one thing I would add is that if you are fishing waters that have the pesky water fleas  I would suggest you stick with the 7 strand wire over braids or mono.

 

I have replaced all my diawa 47 line counters with shimano tekota line counters. the shimano's are pricey but they are a great reel. I don't want to take anything away from the diawa 47's since they served me well over the last 20 years but I did rebuild the drags a few times,,,,, in their defence king salmon are tough on gear!

 

i would stick with a line counter reel, it gives you much more precise setups. counting passes on a reel is a pita, with the line counter you let it out at 200 get a bite and you can reset it to 200 and be right there at the same setting.

 

if you go with a wire set up get the mason 30lb 7 strand trolling wire, a twilly tip for the pole, some good ball bearing snap swivels ( cross lock style) and some line crimps for attaching the swivels.

 

for a pole I run 2 9'  medium action diver rods, and 2 9'6" medium action diver rods.  the 2 9' rods get set just forward of the corner downriggers with mag divers attached and set on a 1 setting. the 9'6" rods get set just ahead of the other 2 and they are set with the standard large size (1) luhr jensen divers set on a 3 setting.

 

running 4 divers takes some getting used to both in letting them out and how you troll with 4 divers out. but once you get the hang of doing it without tangles its very productive.

 

 

[adkbuck]

Good trolling information reeltime and great rod & reel recommendations for diver fishing. .  I have had good luck with the Diawa 47's as well as Okumo line counters which I also found to be very reliable.   I would add that unless you can always have a man on the helm  an auto-pilot is almost a must for running wire especially more if running more than two or if running them in conjunction with other presentations. 

 

I have had a hard time getting most table sized walleye (on Oneida)  to trip size 1 dipsies that pair well with 30# wire, just not enough resistance and I don't like fidgeting around with the "lite-bite" models.  So I use smaller dipsies on mono as well as lead core for trolling up walleye.   I save the wire for salmon but realize Lake Erie Walleye fishing may  be different in terms of tackle.   

 

Some people dislike leadcore but I have found with just a few colors of lead core, which is all you really need in Oneida,  you still feel the fish pretty well.   Actually 15# lead core works great and has less drag and sinks better than heavier test. 

Edited July 13, 2014 by adkbuck

[reeltime]

yup lead core is a viable option.   I have never fished onieda so I will leave those set ups for those that have experience fishing there. 

 

I use the smaller dipsy's when the fish are high in the water column or I run them as a down and out off a corner rigger when the fish are spooky.  I have run the old big jon mini divers off the planer boards also.