Downriggers versus Planners

[Caveman Sportfishing]

Was wondering about this and looking for opinions as we will have both on board this winter down in MHC. In the past we have only used planners when trolling for GBT. This past summer fishing out of Cape May, NJ we fished probably 40 trips targeting smaller bluefin from 60-200 lbs and alway had one or two #32 or 24 planners out but a large percent of the Bluefins were caught on the wwwwwwback line down the middle. We never trolled more than 5 knts when fishing with planners for Bluefin. I think we will be slow trolling with downriggers for the first time when we arrive this weekend for GBT and wondering what how others feel on about downriggers. The downriggers will not be rigged with stainless steel cable by the way. Good luck to all on the giants.

[Squid]

Are you talking slow trolling live baits? I've caught several giants on pogies that I have snagged with a treble hook that morning or caught in a cast net offshore at the fishing grounds (yes, you read that right----have thrown a cast net in 70' of water many times and caught them). Slow trolling the liveys especially on the downrigger is quite effective however you may notice an increase in shorts---or at least we did. Make sure the downrigger is rigged with 200 lb. braid.