Dipsy Divers

[getlinewet]

Hi guys.

I was wondering, has anyone on this forum ever used Dipsy Divers on SML? I've fished Lake Erie and Lake Ontario quite a bit and Dipsy's were must have equipment (vs. planers which weren't used too much). I recently bought a boat at one of the local marinas, and when I asked the owner whether anyone used Dipsy's he just looked at me funny and said he had never heard of them.

My guess is Dipsy's aren't used because of the trees, etc. beneath the surface. Still, I'm pretty sure you can dial the Dipsy's in to stay above , say 20 feet.

[wishforfish]

I used them a ton on the Bay as well as the sea striker diving planers but I would not venture to use them on SML...ever.

[getlinewet]

Wishforfish:

Could you elaborate? I'm an ignoramus when it comes to SML.

[wishforfish]

So am I probably but I would not do it primarily because of the trees and because you won't be able to get them to the fish most of the time (if the fish stayed at 15 feet they would be fine probably). Every technique I learned on the bay went by the wayside when I started fishing here. I had to let go of 25 years of striper fishing knowledge, swallow my pride, hire a guide and start from scratch. Just trying to save you some time and money. If you have not fished here much hire a guide, it is well worth the money.

[mwardncsu]

I'll agree with Wish on the wise investment of a day or two on the water with a good guide. That said, I do know guys that run down-riggers and troll artificial across SML and catch fish. The positive side is you cover a lot more water, the downside is you better not run those things deeper than 15-20 unless you are VERY sure you are right over the channel - and even then someone comes and moves the tall trees around in the middle of the night every few days and you'll snag on a tree that you swear was not there the day before.....

When they "built" SML, in theory they cut down all the timber that was standing above the normal pond, minus 20'. However, I've certainly found a tree or two that sticks up above that point........

[getlinewet]

Thanks for the guidance guys.

However, I'm stubborn and I'm going to try them and probably lose a $ pile of equipment. Live and learn I guess.

[mytoyzfishing]

And to add to Mwards comment, dont forget to take into account the flux in water levels. a couple of months ago when we were 6' below full pond that just means those tree;s are 6' closer to the surface You know I have often wondered if it was possible to cut those trees down and sell them like they do on Ax Men

[wishforfish]

Let us know how it goes...

[maintenanceman4lif]

I run downriggers and man I just started fishing here last yr. Good thing I tye my own bucktails cause believe me I've lost alot learning so far. But did dial in there in a few places over the summer to find some. But like these guys say here a good guide is worth a million bucks on SML.

[wishforfish]

Don't get me wrong, you can absolutely catch fish that way, I have done it. I am aware of some fellas that catch the heck out of them on leadcore trolling the channel. I just don't have the tolerance for it anymore! The frustration of constant hang ups, learning where you can and can't pull and yes, those non-existant 15ft deep trees (I have found a bunch of them) is not worth it to me. There are just much more effective, less frustrating ways to fish SML in my opinion.