Makeshift Downrigger

I'm thinking that this year I'll be doing a lot more trolling then I have previously and that I'm going to be needing a downrigger to do it properly.

Instead of using a normal downrigger, I was thinking about using a big levelwind reel and a short rod mounted in be rod holder in front of me.

have any of you done this?  can a level wind crank up a 4lb downrigger ball?

Ideas and experience would be great to hear by friday night because I might be going shopping on Saturday.

Thanks in advance.

What are you trolling for? Can't say I've done that but seems like a real downrigger is easier and cheaper. You may already have the rod and reel but attaching a four pound or more of lead seems like you are asking to lose it. Also if you are trolling salmon with big flashers, I find 8lbs works well. 4 is going to be too light except for still water  very light gear combinations.

My halibut fishing experience tells me 4lbs of lead sucks from any depth with any rod and reel other than electric I've tried.

But who knows. Id be interested in hearing if other people have tried it.


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I made one with an old reel and a cut down rod last spring.  It worked well with a 2lb ball, but never tried it with anything better.  There should be some pictures of it somewhere on NWKA.

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I haven't heard of too many people using a setup like this, but I doubt it's because no one has thought of it. With the right reel it's certainly possible, but I would only consider it for an occasional trip when you have no other options. If you are planning on using it more often this year, it's not going to be a good solution for you. It sounds like a great way to wear out a perfectly good reel prematurely. 

I have heard of people using old Alvey Reels since they have a 1/1 retreave ratio, but if you have to go out and buy one you might as well just get a small downrigger...

I've been using leadcore line and ditched the downrigger this winter.  It comes in a variety of weights (more lead per inch) depending on the depth/speed your targeting. It works if your slowing down for trout and blackmouth, slow winter bass (< 2 kts), probably wont work so hot for trolling Coho at 3 kts. If I'm not getting enough depth I use snap weight.  If you have a big level wind setup you might give the leadcore a try, it cost about $12 for 100 yds.  One of the drawbacks is that you have to make a calculated guess at your depth based on line out, speed, currents, terminal gear...and so on. But the drag is almost nil compared to dragging a 5 to 8 lb ball around. If your targeting fish at a wide range of depths (trout), or trying to keep it on the bottom (bass, blackmouth) it works.  If your want to hold it at an exact depth, I'd go with a downrigger.

just about Finished up my homemade DR tonight. Just need to get another scotty pole holder to hold it and epoxy some material to the clip that has the proper friction to hold the line at the desired tension..

I found this post from 2009.  CBY, did this work for you or did you end up getting a real DR?

If I decide to buy an actual downrigger, what should I get?

How deep are you planning to go?

I wouldn't think anything over 50ft but let's say 100ft just to be sure.

the little laketroller would probably work just fine.  If you want beefier, get the depthmaster  (both Scotty)   Of note, I don't think the laketroller is rated for more than 4 pounds, but do some reasearch.

I think you are correct about the laketroller. lbs. 

Will I need to have more then 4lbs if I troll the columbia?  20 ft deep (ish)

I think you are correct about the laketroller. lbs. 

Will I need to have more then 4lbs if I troll the columbia?  20 ft deep (ish)

If you're only trolling 20 ft, say with a swift current, i wouldn't think you would need more than 8 ounces. Are you planning to troll for salmon or something else?

You don't need a downrigger to do that in the Columbia, in fact, it's probably adding unneccesary risk.  just use the setup Spot shows on the front page in the "Springers for dummies" article.

You don't need a downrigger to do that in the Columbia, in fact, it's probably adding unneccesary risk.  just use the setup Spot shows on the front page in the "Springers for dummies" article.

Trolling with a big sinker would work for larger fish but I'm going to be targeting smaller fish.  A big sinker would make the fight crap.

The current where I'd be fishing in the cloumbia is pretty swift, sometimes crazy swift.

To me that just says it's even more dangerous to use a downrigger in that location.  Typically high test line is run on a downrigger.  If your downrigger gets snagged in heavy current, you're going to flip before you can do anything about it, and then get separated from your boat.