Getting Dredges Down

[robbarker]

When marlin fishing does any body have any ideas on getting the dredges down in the water. going to pull the dredges from rods this year instead of off the cleats. I was thinking like a pulley or clip off of the lower transom, but I didnt know if any one had any ideas or proven methods. Thanks.

[POON MAN]

2 Methods I use,,,,,

Large 1-4 Lb Cigar Weight or a Mann Stretch 30 , 40 or 50 rigged on a three way off the lip ,it all depends on how much of a dredge you are intending on pulling will determine the best of these choices for getting it down

Capt Harry's has the best price on rigged Manns that i have seen

They are both easy to build

In addition pulley systems will aid with a 3 to 1 purchase to crank them in
Since I fish on multiple boats I like a short 1 guide dredge rod with a roller swivel tip and a 2 speed 130

I have seen better systems on teaser reel set ups if you are thinking of permanently setting your boat up for this method.

I am sure there are many more idea's from the SFC family

This is my way not the only way

Capt. Chris

[O-SEA-D]

I use 48 oz trolling weights inside of a large bulb squid to make it look pretty.

I also use a Draggin Eyes Dragonzilla 66 oz. head in front of my dredges with a blue/ white skirt behind it.

66oz. Dragonzilla Head

[Glenn W]

This is what we use:
First, don't expect to bring in a dredge like it is a dink bait without an electric setup.
We use 130's and Tiagra 80's for our reels on dredge rods ( like a shorter bent butt planer rod). A true 80lb planer rod will work as well.

Now the "secret"---- we run a 3/8" line through our scupper and cleat it off. the other end will have a heavy clip. This will be clipped to your dredge line to keep it lower to the water, and hense, under the surface of the water closer to the boat. Obviously, you unclip the line when you reel in the dredge.

Depending on the size and type of your dredge you will need between 48 and 64 oz of lead weight. Some use cigar weights, I use a Mojo with the hook removed. attach a 500 lb snap swivel and 400 lb mono to the wieht and you are good to go.

Remember, the dredge is worthless if not below the water surface and also worthless if you can't see it ( or a billfish) behind the boat.

Lastly, find some unsuspecting new guy to volunteer to be the "dredge man"

[FinRazr]

Hey Poonman can you give a little more detail or a diagram using the stretch to get a dredge down?

[robbarker]

This is what we use:
First, don't expect to bring in a dredge like it is a dink bait without an electric setup.
We use 130's and Tiagra 80's for our reels on dredge rods ( like a shorter bent butt planer rod). A true 80lb planer rod will work as well.

Now the "secret"---- we run a 3/8" line through our scupper and cleat it off. the other end will have a heavy clip. This will be clipped to your dredge line to keep it lower to the water, and hense, under the surface of the water closer to the boat. Obviously, you unclip the line when you reel in the dredge.

Depending on the size and type of your dredge you will need between 48 and 64 oz of lead weight. Some use cigar weights, I use a Mojo with the hook removed. attach a 500 lb snap swivel and 400 lb mono to the wieht and you are good to go.

Remember, the dredge is worthless if not below the water surface and also worthless if you can't see it ( or a billfish) behind the boat.

Lastly, find some unsuspecting new guy to volunteer to be the "dredge man"

Thanks.This is what I was looking for. I'm using 2 tiagra 80w on planer rods. One more question, can you pull them from the chair and run to these scupper clips with out being in the way or should I just run them from the gunnel rod holders. Thanks again.

[jbones11]

http://www.tournamentcable.com/pgs/i...itemsubcat=DRA

Talk to Chuck at Tournament Cable. He can walk you through it.
Works well and very easy for you to set up.

[BTH284]

I use my downrigger with a big shell squid over a 5 pound trolling weight. Works great. I can either swivel out to the side to get in clean water or run it right out the back and do the rope through the scupper and get it real deep. under the wash in the clean water. Hard to see in this position. I prefer to extend the downrigger boom and let it run in the clean water beside and behind the boat. I use the rod holder on the rigger with a safety strap and run a dink just above and behind the dredge in the clean water as well.

[POON MAN]

FINRAZR
I took a quick pic of the one i use

[Glenn W]

Thanks.This is what I was looking for. I'm using 2 tiagra 80w on planer rods. One more question, can you pull them from the chair and run to these scupper clips with out being in the way or should I just run them from the gunnel rod holders. Thanks again.

You COULD pull a dredge from your chair for about 2 to 5 minutes until it either goes sailing or the gimble rips from it's mount---- the drag is unreal on a dredge---- use a reinforced gunnel rod holder