I want to target specific depths without the use of a downrigger or wire.
I have used: Big Jon� Mini Diver Disk, Fish Seekers, 1oz. Trolling Sinkers, 1oz. bullet sinkers, 20z. egg sinkers
on braided line with a variety of non diving lures. When I feed line (approx double desired depth), and go 1-2mph (on GPS) my lines from the rod tp to the water are at a 110 degree (almost parallel to water surface) angle and NOT getting to the depth I want. Do I need to slow down even more, use depth specific lures, switch lines? Is there a magic device?
All info is appreciated, specific names or linkes to websites, too. Thanks,

Hell Benders....

Also watch this....someone is going to post some stupid "internet trolling statement"...

most Rapala baits have the trolling depth printed on the package, the Rapals Tail Dancer will flat line troll at 30 feet.

If you wanna get into all the planer boards & downriggers I don't know squat, but in Texas flat trolling is usually all you need anyway.

I am a downrigger fisherman but I do troll flatlined too. We add trolling weights sometimes, to some success but I have not used any divers. As mentioned above, you can find rapalas and such with depths printed on the box. If you change your mind, downriggers let you controll depth accurately. They are not as intimidating as you may think and Cannon sells some reasonable priced riggers to get you started.

You can add weights to the divers to gain depth. Hellbenders are a good choice, I can run them 25ft deep if needed. I run fairly precise depths depending on how much line is out. Also you can run planer boards that will take your bait down even deeper with less pull on your line. Pink lady, dipsey diver, are just a couple that come to mind.

Do a Google search for "Buck Perry." He developed a series of baits called Spoonplugs specifically designed for trolling--and you can still get them on e-bay--as well as his book on "Spoonplugging." Most bass fishermen credit him for developing and defining the term "structure fishing." You'll find his writings interesting and informative. Enjoy!!

I only troll with these and love them for hitting that 25-30 foot depth...

http://www.davisnet.com/marine/products/marine_product.asp?pnum=00512

I might have to give those a try. I was wanting to put 2 more downriggers on my boat, but I could run 2 of those out the back and keep my 2 downriggers off the sides?? How well do they keep line tention while making a turn??

I use the Luhr-Jensen Jet Divers. I got them at Academy for bout $5 each.

http://www.luhrjensen.com/downloads/tech-sheets/531JetDiver.pdf

They work really well for Reds out there on Clavaras. I can only get my boat down to 2.5MPH using the big motor on idle so its kinda fast but it still works fine. Those 20 foot divers get down real nice and stay down using my Pet spoons and regular Tony's spoons. The 10 foot diver one has a tendacy to run up to the surface if I get to going to fast with wind in my back. But all you do is slow down and it will go back down again. I run a 10 foot diving on one rod and a 20 foot on another rod to check the depth the fish are at then change once I hook a fish.

On a different note... If you notice I own a bass boat. So rod holders are not very common in a bass boat. So, I made a rod holder from 1-1/4" PVC pipe and it slides over my back seat mount. I used a 4-way connector, two T connectors, and about 6 feet of pipe to build it. Put a 1/4 bolt through the connector to keep them from turning on me and glued them. I have caught some nice reds doing this and I got it all for bout $35 total with rod holders and 4 Jet Divers. Not bad seeing how a downrigger is $120+ each!!

Ummm no I wasn't... you don't know me... dude... I wasn't.

I remember reading his "Fishermen's Bible" as a kid back in the early 1970's. Good read! Too bad my family didn't have a boat to put his theories into practice!

.

I troll Bomber 6 ASI's - nice flash due to the Semi-transparent silver bodies. They will hit the bottom at 14 ft with 12 lb
test. My engine is < 100 hp. A fishing buddy had a 150 hp.
He couldn't go slow enough to make the lure run right. I go
to a 12-17 ft flat and make sure that it hits the bottom at 14 ft. Then I take a black marker and mark my line (mono) between the reel & the first rod eye.

Anyone have any good recipes for largemouth?

There, Zach. you happy?


but to answer the question.........

I use hellbenders (real ones, no knock offs) with the hooks removed and a lead where the front hooks used to be.

I troll big flies behind them, mostly because I can tie them up for next to nothing.

I will say this.. a pair of rods with hellbenders on them will give you one heck of a workout on a kayak.