Using downriggers in shallow water

[Waltzin Sue]

I just obtained downriggers so I am new to them. I see some people using them in shallow water (10' - 15'). I was wondering how to set them up, distance back, ball depth etc. I've had problems using spoons off of the planner boards in the past, sometimes they come to the surface. I thought running them off of the rigger down a few feet might eliminate this. Thanks for any tips.

[GAMBLER]

When using the riggers in shallow water, run your leads 75' minimun from the ball. Run them run them 3 - 5' down in 10' and a 3- 12' down in 15'. If the spoon comes to the surface, add a small amount of split shot 4 or 5' in front of the spoon.

[Has Been]

In choppy water I will run my sticks back 75-200 ' W/ ball just under surface to 10' off the bottom. Have gotten some NICE kings over the years doing this .Remember to compensate for the stick diving.

[ray koziatek]

one other thing if ya can slip out a tad deeper to set out spread and then hit the shallows ...this isnt 100% needed but might help ya get get yer spread out without hooking up on bottom,youll see what I mean ....75 to 150 back for me also

[Avid Angler]

yep these guys got ya covered!!

[Legacy]

short leads wont hurt either. Prop wash baits do very well in stained water. (5' down and 25' back). In 10' or less i typically will never run more than 2 riggers.