Depth control for ocean salmon trolling

Looking for some experiences and inputs on trolling techniques in the ocean for salmon just for depth control (not the super secret stuff). To date, I have taken my river setup to the ocean. Sliding dropper with 12-18" to 10oz lead. I have a decent sense of the actual depth with that setup. I know I can lose the dropper which makes swapping out a bit easier for bottom fish. But, I see a lot of folk using divers in the ocean with good success.  .
I also have a small Scotty downrigger I used at Merwin (which has been super successful) but have not taken it to the ocean as yet[  More lines/ropes = bad

Would love some thoughts

I’ve had success with smallest size diver with decent monofilament spacer between the diver and flasher. Cant imagine surf launch and land with a downrigger on my revo

Looking for some experiences and inputs on trolling techniques in the ocean for salmon just for depth control (not the super secret stuff). To date, I have taken my river setup to the ocean. Sliding dropper with 12-18" to 10oz lead. I have a decent sense of the actual depth with that setup. I know I can lose the dropper which makes swapping out a bit easier for bottom fish. But, I see a lot of folk using divers in the ocean with good success.  .
I also have a small Scotty downrigger I used at Merwin (which has been super successful) but have not taken it to the ocean as yet[  More lines/ropes = bad

Would love some thoughts

Tried lead last year. It wasn't for me as I needed so much to fish the depth I wanted and had to go so slow I was not trolling effectively. For me I went back to my power boat go-to and use the Deep Six No. 2's. Biggest one they make, I go bigger because it's faster to dive and easier to get the angle right. I have found as a general rule for my setup, I take the depth I want, then let out twice the line as the depth plus 30% if I am targeting 40' or less, 50% if I am going deeper, that might sound confusing but it's really as simple as you need a LOT of line out to reach 60' deep where the Chinook usually sit (this year they are not that deep  ) it's always better to be a little too shallow than a little too deep.

I almost bought a downrigger this year as several guys down in California I watch use them and do great. No guessing with depth there. A small one like this would work fine

https://www.amazon.com/Scotty-1073DP-Laketroller-Downrigger-Display/dp/B001M4HSFI/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=scotty+lake+troller&qid=1596127111&sr=8-1

For me the landing/launching wouldn't matter with any gear, as everything, and I mean EVERYTHING is taken out of respective mounts and strapped down for the launching and landings.

I am partial to lead.  I used 10- 12 oz last year.  I think 12 oz at 32 feet was my go to.  i know people who had 12oz at 17 feet that did well too.  I think presentation is the key and choosing appropriate bait/lures.  last year- running whole anchovies got me the majority of my salmon

Looking for some experiences and inputs on trolling techniques in the ocean for salmon just for depth control (not the super secret stuff). To date, I have taken my river setup to the ocean. Sliding dropper with 12-18" to 10oz lead. I have a decent sense of the actual depth with that setup. I know I can lose the dropper which makes swapping out a bit easier for bottom fish. But, I see a lot of folk using divers in the ocean with good success.  .
I also have a small Scotty downrigger I used at Merwin (which has been super successful) but have not taken it to the ocean as yet[  More lines/ropes = bad

Would love some thoughts

Tried lead last year. It wasn't for me as I needed so much to fish the depth I wanted and had to go so slow I was not trolling effectively. For me I went back to my power boat go-to and use the Deep Six No. 2's. Biggest one they make, I go bigger because it's faster to dive and easier to get the angle right. I have found as a general rule for my setup, I take the depth I want, then let out twice the line as the depth plus 30% if I am targeting 40' or less, 50% if I am going deeper, that might sound confusing but it's really as simple as you need a LOT of line out to reach 60' deep where the Chinook usually sit (this year they are not that deep  ) it's always better to be a little too shallow than a little too deep.

I almost bought a downrigger this year as several guys down in California I watch use them and do great. No guessing with depth there. A small one like this would work fine

https://www.amazon.com/Scotty-1073DP-Laketroller-Downrigger-Display/dp/B001M4HSFI/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=scotty+lake+troller&qid=1596127111&sr=8-1

For me the landing/launching wouldn't matter with any gear, as everything, and I mean EVERYTHING is taken out of respective mounts and strapped down for the launching and landings.

At m
That is the one I installed. I have a 2017 outback and installed flush mount adapters in the trays next to the seat. Works perfect! Have not taken it to the ocean, but at Merwin it is great. The weight shows up as a flat black line on the finder and you can set your rig super precise.

Are you running braid or wire? What size weight? I've been looking for something simple for Kokanee. This looks perfect.

I swapped out the wire on the downrigger for 180# braid just because of all the complaining about the hum. PLine has a specific braid for wire replacement. It works great. I have a 2017 Outback and installed the flush mount and the crank just clears the side of the boat and is super easy to work.  Just got a Scott Rocket Launcher to put opposite in another flush mount. I think taht will be perfect for Kokanee. Jury out on salmon. Still love the big holders.

3# weight BTW

Looking for some experiences and inputs on trolling techniques in the ocean for salmon just for depth control (not the super secret stuff). To date, I have taken my river setup to the ocean. Sliding dropper with 12-18" to 10oz lead. I have a decent sense of the actual depth with that setup. I know I can lose the dropper which makes swapping out a bit easier for bottom fish. But, I see a lot of folk using divers in the ocean with good success.  .
I also have a small Scotty downrigger I used at Merwin (which has been super successful) but have not taken it to the ocean as yet[  More lines/ropes = bad

Would love some thoughts

So your lead weight is below your bait? I've been wondering about alot recently because i'm new to deep trolling and I dont want to install a downrigger on my revo.

What sort of rod do you use with this much weight loaded onto it? I recently caught a few fish with a 5 oz lead and felt disappointed because the weight sort of ruined the fight.

There is actually NO weight on the line and that is the beauty of it. I rig just like in the picture except it is a Koke dodger and whatever they are biting. I use a very ultra light rod for Kokanee and you can use any weight rod with this setup.

Looking for some experiences and inputs on trolling techniques in the ocean for salmon just for depth control (not the super secret stuff). To date, I have taken my river setup to the ocean. Sliding dropper with 12-18" to 10oz lead. I have a decent sense of the actual depth with that setup. I know I can lose the dropper which makes swapping out a bit easier for bottom fish. But, I see a lot of folk using divers in the ocean with good success.  .
I also have a small Scotty downrigger I used at Merwin (which has been super successful) but have not taken it to the ocean as yet[  More lines/ropes = bad

Would love some thoughts

So your lead weight is below your bait? I've been wondering about alot recently because i'm new to deep trolling and I dont want to install a downrigger on my revo.

What sort of rod do you use with this much weight loaded onto it? I recently caught a few fish with a 5 oz lead and felt disappointed because the weight sort of ruined the fight.

I'm fairly certain that this is the setup that beer_run was talking about, except beer_run was using a dropper to connect the weight to the slider.

I could easily be wrong, but my sense is that if you want to troll very deep at all without a bunch of lead or a diver on your line, you'll have to pay a ton of line out and use a lure that dives. Last summer I was using anywhere from 8-16oz to get deep. I had some success, but yeah - it does change the fight.

Oh so you are using a downrigger? I think I misunderstood your original post.

You are correct. I have not, as yet used the DR in the ocean. My first question was about divers vs lead.

I am also interested in anyone who has used any of the variable depth divers (Dipsy Diver, Deep Six, Delta Diver) in the ocean for salmon. On paper they seem to be pretty ideal for trolling and being able to adjust the depth and have it trip once you hook up.

The Double Deep Six can get you pretty deep, if you put out enough line. It puts a lot of drag on your forward momentum, but it does work. I've trolled down to 100 feet with a Double Deep Six (at least I think it was that deep, had 200 feet of line out). Alternatively, you could try mooching or vertical jigging if the fish are concentrated enough to make it worthwhile.

Personally, I'm not a fan of divers due to the drag and having to re-set the diver on missed bites. But, they do work.

The Double Deep Six can get you pretty deep, if you put out enough line. It puts a lot of drag on your forward momentum, but it does work. I've trolled down to 100 feet with a Double Deep Six (at least I think it was that deep, had 200 feet of line out). Alternatively, you could try mooching or vertical jigging if the fish are concentrated enough to make it worthwhile.

Personally, I'm not a fan of divers due to the drag and having to re-set the diver on missed bites. But, they do work.

Snagged bottom at 95ft on the meter with 212ft of line out on a 7oz double deep six last year. Your numbers seem spot on.