Umbrella rig trolling help

[mikeynnj]

I have been trying to use umbrella rigs for trolling stripers. I have the small 8" and the larger ones. I'm using braid and hooking to the rig with a strong snap swivel.I put the umbrella rig in the water with the boat just in gear and make sure it's swimming correctly.Then I slowly let out line until it's well behind the boat.I troll for a few minutes and then it seems the rig alway's gets fouled and ends up on top of the water. Any help would be appreciated.I don't have a wire line set up so I would like to try to make this work with the braid if possible. Thanks

[Andys Delight]

I have been trying to use umbrella rigs for trolling stripers. I have the small 8" and the larger ones. I'm using braid and hooking to the rig with a strong snap swivel.I put the umbrella rig in the water with the boat just in gear and make sure it's swimming correctly.Then I slowly let out line until it's well behind the boat.I troll for a few minutes and then it seems the rig alway's gets fouled and ends up on top of the water. Any help would be appreciated.I don't have a wire line set up so I would like to try to make this work with the braid if possible. Thanks

You probably need to add in a drail line sinker probably in the 8 -12 oz range, then add a leader mono line to the rig. 

[fellinger]

 

I have never personally had this problem. Maybe your not letting out enough line and it's getting fouled by prop wash? Estimating line is a pain. Also, try a weighted rig or weighted shad?

Fred

[blynch]

No way is it going to get deep enough without some serious lead. 10-12oz trolling weight should do the trick.  I've had pretty good success using mono, so it can definitely be done with braid. Also, don't be afraid to let out some serious line; there are days when the conditions require you to go faster than you would like, and that can be the best way to get them down. 

[BigAl13]

at least 125' ft

[Duffman]

Like mentioned...add a drail, drop back further.

Mark your braid every 25ft with permanent marker to get your drop back/line out consistent.

[BigAl13]

I use electrical tape white at the 50's and black at the 100's.

[bossross]

All good suggestions above.

I would say that the main reason your rigs are getting fouled up is depth. Having an umbrella rig near the surface will cause it not "swim" correctly and get tangled up.

I used to troll with mono and use an 8oz drail. I had to let out a lot of line to get the lures down to a depth that was effective. It really is all about trial and error, especially without marked line. It can be frustrating.

On the suggestion of some real sharp old timers at my marina, I now use two wire line set ups and they are much easier (and effective)because they are heavier and get the lures (umbrella rigs or spoons) down to the correct depth much easier. I have marked wire every 100 ft so it is easy to figure out how much line I have out. I usually figure 10ft of depth for every 100 feet of wire. So if you're using braid with a weight, I would figure it would take more line to get to the right depth.

Considering how much fuel you're using trolling, the cost of the wire set ups might be worth it because you'll waste less fuel trying to figure out the right speed, amount of line, right amount of weight, etc...It costs me about $70.00 to spool with marked wire (backed with mono), you should consider it.

[DJ76]

not sure if this really helps but....

i had my avet spooled with 40# power pro indicator braid.  It changes color every five feet with a white indicator.  Tried it out this past sunday and it worked great.  every white mark that passed out of the spool I just counted in fives.  was really really easy to get the depth I wanted.  best part was where I had it spooled gave it to me for the same price as the regular PP.  so if you are going to rig with PP braid anyway this may be the way to go.

[Hunter 2]

When you deploy the umbrella rig you must be sure all the lures are swimming straight before you let out more line to the desired depth. I swing the rig foward and then as it swings back towards the stern I drop it in the water and give it a good look to make sure it's swimming  correct "no tangles or twists" .. I use 50 lb braid to a snap swivel, then attach an 8 to 12 oz drail weight to a swivel and 6 ' of mono or fluorocarbon leader
Material. Some rigs like the panther Martin shad umbrella rig are hard to deploy straight.

[PeggyLee]

I have had success with wire. It gets down fast and the estimate is every 10 ft of wire is 1 ft in depth . Then play with 5 and 10 oz drails. The estimate here is 5 oz eguals 4 ft.
Keep in mind boat speed, current and lure weight come into play. There are some good braid and marked core lines on the market that might catch your interest.If nothing works pop open a cold one.    
Good luck.