8-12 pound weights are common for most fishing applications. Heavier weights may be necessary for deep sea fishing or if you’re targeting large fish.
For most general trolling applications, 10-12 pounds will do just fine. For targeting bigger gamefish like salmon or musky, you’ll likely want to bump up to 15-20 pounds or even more. When fishing around thick structures like weeds or brush, heavier weight can help keep your line from getting snagged.
As for speed, a slower troll (1.5-2 mph) calls for a heavier weight than a faster troll (3-4 mph). This is because the faster you’re moving, the more drag is created on your line, requiring a heavier weight to keep it in the strike zone.
Ultimately, it’s best to experiment with different weights and speeds until you find what works best for you and the fish you’re after. Happy fishing!
There is no definitive answer to this question since it will vary depending on factors such as water depth, speed, and wind conditions. As a general rule, however, you’ll need more weight in deeper water and less weight in shallower water. And always adjust your weight depending on prevailing conditions.
Ultimately, it’s best to start with a lightweight and increase it until you’re getting bites from the fish you’re targeting. Keep in mind that you don’t want your bait bouncing along the bottom; it should be moving slowly and steadily through the water. So use enough weight to get it there but not so much that it’s bouncing around all over the place.
Ideally, you want to use a weight that is about one-third of the total weight of your gear. For example, if you’re using a 10-pound anchor and a six-pound lead ball as your weight, you would use a three-pound weight on your downrigger.
Please login or Register to submit your answer