Trolling with Down Riggers

Anybody here troll for stripes or other fish with down riggers? Success tips and tricks? I was thinking on adding one or two. I'd primarily use Alabama rigs or plugs. I've watched a few videos on YT on the how to and what for. Looks like it could really help with summer stripes.

I use to love downrigger fishing on Smith Lake. Go to Walmart and buy a couple of cheap spinning rigs like they use for catfish. Use 12 to 15 pound line, 1/2 ounce white bucktail jigs and 6 inch white mister twister trailers. Rig two jigs per rod about 18 inches apart like one is chasing the other. Run them about 75 to 100 feet behind the ball. Always keep the ball about 5 feet above the fish and keep your boat speed around 2.5 mph. You’ll killum. In the spring March thru June pull umbrella rigs on bait casting rods no downriggers.

Check out these videos

https://youtu.be/vW34yGWzZ84

https://youtu.be/2BhBh_gLgTg

That first video seemed like they were going about 3 - 4 mph trolling. That is a lot faster than I tend to go. They do sell these little red torpedo plastics attachments that will take your line down to 30-40-50 feet depending on which one you buy and they work really good. I have tried the clear planer that is adjustable but have had issues with keeping it down at the desired depth.

I picked up two unused Big Jon Brute ES with swivel bases. Trying to find the best way to mount them on my boat currently, Looking hard at a track system from Traxtech, but dang it's expensive.

I mounted my cannons on top to 6” X 6” PVC couplers using 5/16 X 8 inch SS bolts. Looked great and worked great.