How to get shallow running lures deeper in a river?

Answer:

As far as your questions about getting Husky Jerks and such lures down to those fish … you don’t need to stick with the 50/50 rule (50 feet of leader, add a Snap Weight of the desired weight to reach targeted depth, and let out 50 feet of dropper line). That was just a formula that one source recommends. We’d suggest trying a 20 foot leader (shorter leaders do better in current), attach a 3 or 4 oz. Snap Weight, and then let out line until you feel the lure tick bottom. Those river fish relate to the bottom, so it’s Snap Weight setupimportant that you get your lures down there.

It will also be a good idea to use Off Shore Tackle’s OR-16 releases that feature the small pin in the clip. That way if you do happen to snag one of those weights on the bottom, you’ll have a better chance of getting it back.

For leadcore, fill a large line capacity trolling reel, like the Bass Pro Shops Gold Cup Line Counter Trolling Reel, with leadcore line, and keep letting it out until the lure ticks bottom. Here too, in rivers we like to use a little shorter leader than usual … about 20 to 25 feet.

Good Luck Fishing,

Gary Parsons