What do you guys use for trolling when the fish are 20+ feet deep? I just purchased a couple of Davis Instruments Fish Seekers (I guess they're considered planer boards?) and was going to maybe try them out this weekend. Anybody had any luck with them or similar gear?

My gpa used a device similar called a "hell bender"... Worked ok... We trolled last week and caught 40+ fish just using crank baits at 3 different levels. 10-12 , 6-8 , & 2-5 feet depths. We saw a ton of fish from 25-35 ft that would come up and bite.

I've seen folks modify a Hellbender by taking off the front jig and adding a bass sinker (teardrop shaped sinker) and adding 18" or so of line to the rear treble hook eye, with a curly tail jig tied to that line. Gets them down deeper than regular Hellbenders.

Bombers 18-22' range, jet divers, or hellbender modified.

Here's an option that worked on PK. Put two 3/4 oz jigs (0r a similar weight above a 14 ft diving bomber. Troll at 2 - 2.5 MPH with 12 lb test line. That will consistently snag at around 18-19 feet so it will get you in the zone.

Caught this fish doing that bask a couple years ago before the floods.



If you go with two jigs you need some 40 LB fluorocarbon leader or you will lose your lures and fish if two or more stripers jump on. If you are looking for sandies this is a great way to limit out, as you'll get three at a time allot.

I use this

http://t.basspro.com/Davis-Instruments-Fish-Seeker/product/7874/