What is a boat downrigger?

Answer 1

A downrigger is a fishing tool which uses a heavy weight "4-8 ounces, normally" to get your bait or lure down to the depth where fish are found "see using your depth/fish finder" at trolling speeds. The fishing line and bait are attached to a thin stainless steel line which the heavy weight is attached to. Your fishing line and bait are then, held in place to the stainless line and weight by a quick re-release clip. When a fish takes your bait the clip releases the line your poll snaps up, somebody on the boat yells..."fish on!" and then the battle begins! It is physically impossible to get your bait to depths of 75-100 or more feet down without the use of a down rigger at trolling speeds.