how do YOU use a dodger?

[thedeadone]

I recently purchaced a dodger to use while trolling, but the dodger kept floating up to the surface as I trolled.Are dodgers made to troll using a downrigger?any help would be appreciated.

[TrouTracker]

To DO- First, your dodger floating up to the surface meant that you were most likely trolling too fast. When you are trolling control your speed. If you don't, your presentation will look bad. Dodgers can be trolled either flatlining, with leadcore line or using a downrigger. If the trout are up in the water column, you can flatline at a slower rate of speed. If they're down, you may want to use leadcore line with a minimum of 30' leader. Then, add your dodger with a very good swivel. After that, you'll want to use an excellent 12-24" leader line followed with your favorite lure. With the downrigger, use the same presentation with the dodger. One of my favorites is the Seps Pro Dodgers 4/0 size. They have a ton of great styles/colors that seem to do the trick. Good luck out there and experiment with your equipment and you'll do fine. It will take you a while to get the knack of trolling successfully, but it should help you catch a little bigger fish.
Barry A. Ogawa

[cutbait]

No more than 2 innings max.

If your pinch hitting be sure to match up lefty/righty, righty/lefty

[SierraPeaks]

Tracker said it all...can't think of a single thing to add.

[billy b]

You've found that colors work better than just a chrome 4/0? Any suggestions as to which ones?

[TroutOnly]

USE A SNUBBER DIRECTLY BEHIND THE DODGER,THE SHORT THE LEADER BETWEEN THE SNUBBER AND THE LURE OR BAIT THE MORE WOBBLE IN THE OFFERING THE LONGER THE LEADER THE LESS WOBBLING ACURES.WOBBLING SPOONS REALLY GIVE GREAT ACTION BEHIND A DODGER,,,,,,,t/o,,,,,,,

[exfactor]

You can place a keel sinker in front of it to help hold it down, but they are going to want to plane up as they go through the water. If they are spinning, your going too fast. Put your rig in the water, and watch it alongside the boat. When it looks good to you, check your speed, and watch how your rod tip is bouncing. Now, go catch some fish.

[billy b]

"Wobbling spoons" ... like this
http://www.hooksettackle.com/store/store_product_detail.cfm?Product_ID=2&Category_ID=2

... or what?