Yankee Troller

It's not just "how deep do I plan on fishing." My recommendation is to spool it up with whatever Cannon suggests so your counter is accurate.

I don't dislike the shark weights. Matter of fact I was one of the original guys who asked for, and discussed with the owner, a 20lb shark option. 10 years ago the owner came around and asked all the tourney teams if they believed the facets on the shark cannonball attracted fish into their spread. I was the only guy to say there was no way I could prove that theory. I hoped they would, but what scientific evidence could I get to prove this theory? This information was listed on his website, and still might be. Everybody else he asked said yes the facets attract fish. I don't lie to other anglers nor do I make up BS to sell a product. Most of the companies that sponsor me I used prior to that sponsorship, and a good amount of them came to me instead of me seeking them out. As for your downrigger dig, again another company that came to me, there are many companies who can carry a 20lb weight. Traxstech, Big John, Scotty, and Magnum Metal all can handle 20lb weights. I'd say the only one who can't is Walker. Let's get to facts that we can prove. A shark cannonball has less blowback than most downrigger weights. That's something easily prove-able. I've also tested 3 different shaped 15lb weights on my sonar to see what one would send back the best sonar signature. Here was what I found. The worst sonar signature is a pancake or the new wide pancakes. Best sonar signature is a Shark weight. That's putting each weight on the same downrigger, and keeping the course and speed the same.

If anyone tells you they attract fish please laugh back at them. Some people will say anything to get discounted products, and be a part of a pro staff. There is absolutely no way to prove this theory. Here's what I can tell you. I feel Shark Cannonballs cut back severely on blow back. I can also attest to them sending back a good sonar signature. For fishing in the top 50' you can get away with 12lb weights. 50-125' 15lb weights. Deeper than 125' and I recommend 20lb weights. These are strictly my recommendations and I am not a fan of cable blow back.

I've had good success with the Daiwa Great Lakes Leadcore rods. They come in two sizes (8'6" & 9'). I like the 8'6" rod for my short cores (2-5 colors). 9' rod is great for 10 colors of lead to about 200/300' of copper. https://FishUSA.rv5k.net/R3Y22

I like Stinger's stinger size and Bay Rats 3.5. Especially in skinny water. I find the DW SS tend to float a little and with long leads it's tough to get them down. Over deeper water with shorter leads and behind divers they are another great spoon. Those are really all we ever use when fishing BT. Sometimes we'll go a little biger to Stingrays and DW Reg spoons.

Pugsly's on 104 in Ontario or Arney's on Sodus Bay are two in my neck of the woods.

My brother bought some (poor guy has a tackle addiction) and we have used them from time to time. They work great! ONly problem with them is once they get hit you have to bring them back in and fix them. The fish bend them. A new bait came out this past season called the SOKO Prime Cut. That has a thicker piece of metal in it and it wont bend like an MC Rocket. Both work well. MC Rocket's have the glow patterns down if you're looking for that low light presentation. All that being said we've run them from time to time on charters. Come tourney time straight Familiar Bite.

I heard they made one, but I can't find it on their website. Is there another brand you like better?

What rod are you running your Mooching reel on?

We've run Stealthcore for a few years now and have no complaints other than colors fading. I hear that's been addressed. We use the Willis Knot as well and it's easy to tie and a rock solid knot!

I've been happy with my AFTCO Hydronaut I bought from FishUSA.

I've done this on Lake Erie. It's money!