Trolling Bunker Spoons on Down Riggers

[Hotrod]

By: Tony Maja

Trolling Bunker Spoons on Down Riggers is very simple. As we know, proper spoon depth and action are the 2 main factors in a successful set up.
This is a good alternative for those that don't have the proper trolling rod and don't use wire line.
First you need a flexible bungee cord, approximately 18"-24" long which will serve as a flexible bunker spoon rod..
Next you attach one end to your down rigger weight with a heavy duty snap swivel and the other end with a heavy duty out-rigger clip. Last, you drop the weight to desired depth with the spoon 25' beyond the out-rigger clip.

Tony Maja Products

[Fishin Dude]

Fantastic concept, Tony is amazing with his innovations. At this time I do not have downriggers on my fishing machine, I have been using drails and planers, but have been looking for a nice set of downriggers . 

[Still Running]

Won't the bungee cord make it hard to load the rod?

[Hotrod]

I believe. the cord takes over the tip action of a good bunker spoon Rod.

[Fishin Dude]

The downriggers ball gets the spoon, or other lure of choice, down deep without wire line, or a long length of any line for that matter. The bungee cord replaces the action or load of the Trolling rod, allowing you to get by without any special bunker spoon rods. That's how I understand it anyway.  

[Still Running]

I see how the cord takes the action of the spoon, but it the rod is not loaded when the fish hits won't there be too much slack from the tip of the rod to the ball causing no hook set?

[IrishAyes]

As soon as that line gets tight you will have your hookset. 

[Hotrod]

   But it has been tested for a couple years and works well  I can't see the diference of it hooked on the ball..  when the clip snaps.. you get a hook up.  yes?

[Fishin Dude]

I could see the cord stretching , then the clip releasing the line.  Does the resistance pressure from the bungee help set the hook prior to release?

[Still Running]

Normally you have a cable from the ball to the release. Then you reel the rod tight tight so the tip is bent down so when the fish hits the snap of the rod takes up the slack to help with the hook set. The way I see the cord working it would let the spoon work but you cant get the tension on the rod.

[Still Running]

I could see the cord stretching , then the clip releasing the line.  Does the resistance pressure from the bungee help set the hook prior to release?

I guess but I would think the release would have to be very tight on the line with the pressure of the spoon in the water.

[Fishin Dude]

Yes, very tight. The guys Trolling umbrella rigs on downriggers use the aftco roller release tightened up to handle the drag of the rig. Maybe we can get Tony to explain exactly how it works.

[overbite]

Fantastic concept, Tony is amazing with his innovations. At this time I do not have downriggers on my fishing machine, I have been using drails and planers, but have been looking for a nice set of downriggers .  

Down riggers lets see I forgot his Name but he keeps a Boat at Monmouth Cove Marina Port Monmouth NJ. He invited My grand son fishing this summer and mentioned when we were there he wanted to sell his down riggers that he never used. Anyone know who that is. Bill

[overbite]

Joe Julian would flip in his grave if he could see how bunker spoons have changed, from a simple spoon that caught Bass to the styles of today that still only catch bass. Or should I say Fishermen,

[Hotrod]

Fantastic concept, Tony is amazing with his innovations. At this time I do not have downriggers on my fishing machine, I have been using drails and planers, but have been looking for a nice set of downriggers .  

Down riggers lets see I forgot his Name but he keeps a Boat at Monmouth Cove Marina Port Monmouth NJ. He invited My grand son fishing this summer and mentioned when we were there he wanted to sell his down riggers that he never used. Anyone know who that is. Bill

  This is an option for those that don't use the "proper equipment"  I see people trolling spoons all the time with down riggers.. but definitely not your best bet.

[Fishin Dude]

Trolling with downriggers can have some advantages. You can fish with less line out so when you hook up, you don't have to reel in 300 feet of line.  use mono instead of wire, which let's you use "what you have" as opposed to buying Trolling set ups. Control your depth more accurately, add to the spread with less tangles.
That's what I've been lead to believe anyway. If I'm wrong, let me know before I spend the dough.

[Still Running]

Trolling with downriggers can have some advantages. You can fish with less line out so when you hook up, you don't have to reel in 300 feet of line.  use mono instead of wire, which let's you use "what you have" as opposed to buying Trolling set ups. Control your depth more accurately, add to the spread with less tangles.
That's what I've been lead to believe anyway. If I'm wrong, let me know before I spend the dough.

 

[Fishin Dude]

Great, thanks Rick. I have my eye on a set of Penn.

[overbite]

Real economics compare The cost of Downriggers From the installing, to the outfitting, with all the bells and whistles and Hardware needed. The constant attention to its operation and upkeep. 
 To the Cost of a Proper Spoon Rod.  That any good Trolling reel can be used and with wire line included. 
No need to remove your shoes to count on this one.

[Fishin Dude]

Downriggers were never designed to replace rods, just as an additional  trolling aid. They have many benefits. Try Trolling lightweight lures for salmon or trout with wire.
I have fished using downriggers on Lake Ontario, Round Valley, and out in California, they do work .  Over the years, noted fishermen such as Tony Maja and others have come up with innovative ways to use them to catch even more fish.  If it works, it can't be wrong. Have you had bad experiences fishing with them?

As for installation and maintaining downriggers, it can be as simple as placing them in a rod holder or drilling a few holes for the bolts of the mounting plate. Anyone who can't do simple things to their boat is in serious trouble if something happens out on the water.

Finally, economics fishing, and boats, if you don't want to spend money, watch fishing on television