Elements of a Downrigger

• Downriggers are relatively simple in their purest form, consisting of a heavy pole that extends beyond the side or stern of the boat, a reel wound with high-test wire and a rod holder. A line counter displays how much wire has been let out. They are always used with a heavy weight called a cannonball that usually weighs about 15 lbs. A fishing rod and a clip or rubber band to attach the fishing line to the downrigger line are also required. Numerous improvements and accessories are available including electric downriggers, but the basic design remains the same.
  
  

Function of a Downrigger

• Downriggers serve the purpose of allowing the angler to lower the lure for catching fish to the great depths necessary quickly and with the minimum amount of fishing line. They keep the lure at the angler's chosen depth and allow the angler to change that depth up or down without having to retrieve the lure and start over. This is important because many species of trout and salmon are found at great depths in Lake Michigan waters during fishing season.
  
  

How Downriggers Are Used

• Downriggers are always used with a weight called a cannonball that is attached to the end of the downrigger line, usually with a snap connector that allows the weight to be easily removed. The reel on the downrigger is then used to let out some of the line and a clip or rubber band is used to attach the fishing line with its attached lure to the downrigger wire. The lure is normally given at least 10 to 20 yards of line to keep it away from the cannonball. This clip or rubber band is just strong enough to hold the line during normal trolling speeds of 2 to 3 knots but will give way when a fish strikes the lure. The clip is affixed some distance above the cannonball, based on how far above the bottom the angler wishes to fish, but is not usually more than 6 or 8 feet. The angler consults a depth finder and perhaps a fish finder to determine depth and fish placement in the waters he is fishing, and lowers the downrigger to his chosen depth, locking the reel in place. This carries the fishing line downward, and the fisherman then places the fishing rod in its holder and trolls along, waiting for a bite. When a fish strikes the lure, it frees the line from the downrigger, and allows the angler to fight the fish.
  
  

After a Strike

• After a strike, the downrigger is used to quickly raise the cannonball so its line does not become entangled with the fishing line during the fight. Most boats use two, four or even more downrigger setups at once, and these are all quickly brought in by other anglers or crewmen so as not to interfere with the fish on the line.
  
  

Species Caught With Downriggers on Lake Michigan

• Many species of fish can be caught using downriggers on Lake Michigan, including king salmon, coho salmon, lake trout, brown trout and steelhead. These fish are all immensely popular with Lake Michigan anglers and there is a huge industry catering to their outfitting needs, as well as many charter boats and resorts that serve the thousands of anglers hoping to catch them.
  
  

Lure Types

• Many types of lures can be used with downriggers, but the most popular are various plugs and spoons. Many traditional brands have been used for many years with great success by anglers, but each has his own favorite. Ask around at any tackle shop near the Lake Michigan shore and you will find an abundance of advice about the hot lure in any given season.