TOPIC:

I run all my dipsey divers on braid. Then dipsey and snubber. Then as long of a leader as possible. My leaders are usually 20lbs mono.

Do you guys use snubbers? Do you believe in adjusting the leader length? How about wire line? Im thinkinh about picking up a wire diver rod or two. Alot of ppl like them!

I have both wire and braid. Honestly, I have not noticed a difference in the grand scheme of things. I could maybe say my braid performs better...........but its close and probably user bias. Many would probably say the other way around. I know guys that use a 4-6' leader because its manageable and they do great. I know guys that swear by a 20' leader and they have to hand line every fish in.To me, any given day, one could out produce the other. All I can say is keep trying things and see what you might gain confidence in.

I will be honest - I have not found the silver bullet yet and IMO there is not one to be found. Most times out I run a wire and a braid, and varying leader lengths to give diversity within the spread. My last trip out, braid took 3 or 4 fish, wire took none. Sometimes its the other way around. My best advice overall is be diverse and adapt on the fly as you see fit.

As Jeff says if varies. Me personally, I use wire when sea fleas show up. If there not around, braid. Leader depends since I run mainly dodger or spin doctors off them I will run 4ft leader With snubber. Spoons or crank baits I run slid divers and Usually run them in 40ft or less. Mike

I run 1 wire and 1 braid usually also, just to have a more varied presentation. I usually run as long a leader as I can and land fish on my boat which is 12’-
15’. Usually have the guy on the rod start backing up to the front of the boat when it’s time to net the fish. I run 20# mono for spoon leaders and 40# mono for F/F. I only use a snubber when I’m using mag divers. My 2cents anyway, many guys do other stuff and have as much or more success.

All great points mentioned above. One thing I think a lot of people do is run their divers too deep and get below the fish. Having the divers depth charts handy for a guide is recommended for new users. Fishing below the fish is typically not very productive unless you are looking for Trout.

Good point Craig. I will generally fish above / in / just below the thermocline assuming one is setup. See what works and adjust. Its not an exact science.

If you want to get max depth, I think 30# braid and 30 pound, seven strand and 40# 19 strand wire all have similar depth curves. If you move up to 40 or 50# braid (30 is ample) you will sacrifice depth due to thicker line.

Performance? It's probably 97% speed, depth and lure and 3% what line connects diver to the reel.

Ease of use, braid wins.

Fleas? wire wins handily!

Leader length - there's a reason divers come in gaudy colors - they are attractors. Any fish smart enough to see a bright colored diverr then think, cool, that makes me want to snarf that lure trailing back 20 feet behind it is too smart to fall for that trick. If you are worried about the diver scaring the fish, paint them flat black.

Expense? Braid wins again - mostly because of the rods needed for wire - however, I'm wondering if using 19 strand wire wouldn't allow a person to use a regular diver rod. It's much smoother. If you could get 2 or 3 or more years out of a Diawa Wilderness or other bargain brand before the wire cut grooves in the line guides, it would be far more economical than going with roller guide rods.

Thanks for b the info on depths!

I use only black dipsey divers. Never had any luck on them when I used different color dipseys but that could have been because I was only fishing LM for a year or 2. Soon as I went to black divers and at least 8ft of leader I started having more activity with them. But once again! That could be from inexperience more then anything.

I was thinking of trying wire mostly because of how many ppl comment on how active they are out there. Also because of depth. Im starting to think ita not worth the $. I produce most of my silver on long lines. Downriggers produce the most lakers for me(because of depth and lure selection) maybe a couple of silver fish. Dipsey divers account for few fish on my boat but when they start hitting they turn into top producers for the day quickly!

I agree with BN, divers in no way scare the fish if you have a flasher on. There is too much commotion from the flasher for the fish to even notice the diver. However, what is crucial IMO is the action that flasher has. A flasher at one foot back with have drastically different action than a flasher at 20 feet back. Couple that with your speed......and well maybe your on to something.

Chrome bottom, fire tiger top dipsey through out the years has been my best color diver as a "high diver" and black or green has been best as a "low diver".