Fishing the Dipsy Diver by Luhr-Jensen
Its round shape allows for multi-directional trolling and also facilitates (with a special "O-Ring") instant changes in diving capability, providing the angler with two different size divers in one. Like all planers, the directional Dipsy Diver is held in planing position by a lead weight. But with the Dipsy, this weight is molded into an adjustable base plate. When rotating this plate to the right or left, the plaining surface is tilted causing the diver to move to either the port or starboard side when trolled. If the weight is left at the center position, the diver will track straight behind your boat.
Divers Vs. Lead
Lead weights are widely used to take a lure deep, but when compared with a diver (especially a multidirectional one) they leave much to be desired. Unlike lead, a diver loses its resistance in the water when tripped, allowing easy retrieval of your gear. This loss of pressure or drag also provides extra sport and enjoyment when fighting a fish, as there will be almost no terminal gear resistance. Perhaps even more important, because the diver loses pressure against the water when tripped, fish are prevented from gaining leverage and throwing your hook. Prior to divers, the only way an angler could accomplish this loss of water pressure was to use a break-away lead, which is a very expensive and cumbersome way to fish. Another big advantage of divers over lead weights is the ease with which you can present a lure at a pre-determined depth. Another major advantage is their ability to act as fish attractors because of their color and shape. These factors are a big plus when trolling or exploring unknown waters, or where fish are scattered and a little extra something is needed to attract them. Dipsys are available in Fire, Chartreuse, Kelly Green, Clear (Stealth!), Glo, Black/Purple Prism Lite, Silver, Metallic Gold, Metallic Blue, Metallic Pink, Metallic Purple, Metallic Green, Metallic Red, Metallic Copper and many custon colors.
Divers are easy to use, reset easily, always work, apply to trolling everywhere - whether salt or fresh water - and are simple to rig and fish. Any angler can use a diver successfully the first time out, and it requires a minimum of terminal gear and storage space.
How it Works
Maximum side movement can be reached by rotating the base plate past the edge of the numbered scale and then elevating your rod as high as possible. Because the Dipsy diver is directional, it gives you the following advantages not obtainable with other divers or planers. It doubles your trolling area, and lures are thus exposed to fish, which might not have otherwise seen them. More lures can be trolled and sharp turns made without the fear of tangling. Downrigger anglers particularly can take advantage of the Dipsy because it will troll to the side and not interfere with cables, allowing the use of more lines than previously possible. It can be used for trolling just beneath the surface and can be tripped easily from the boat.
Size "0" and "1" Dipsys come with a special removable "O-Ring" which, when in position, creates extra planing surface and delivers up to 20% more depth. The depth your diver attains will depend on trolling speed, diameter of line, length of line out and weight of your lure and/or added attractor such as a dodger. Light lines and small lures will produce more depth while heavy lines and large lures and/or dodgers will give less. It also is important to note that the angle of your line from boat to water DOES NOT indicate the position underwater of the Dipsy diver, because of line belly.
Rigging
Rig your Dipsy for fishing allowing at least 4 to 6 feet of leader between the diver and lure or, when using a dodger, have at least 48" of leader between it and the diver. Adjust the No. 1 tension screw to hold the release pin in place while trolling, but be careful not to over tighten it. Because this trip mechanism is adjustable, you'll be able to set it just right for the gear you're using. A slight tug on the line or strike by a fish should cause the pin to release. The base plate is held in position by tension screw, which should be tightened just enough to hold the plate in position and still permit easy rotation for a new setting. Note the best results with a dodger are obtained from base plate settings 0 to 2.
TROLLING TIPS
Trolling is a most efficient fishing method, particularly on big or unknown waters, as you can cover the greatest amount of water in the shortest time, allowing you to locate concentrations of fish quickly and easily. The multi-directional aspect of the Dipsy Diver means that you can cover an extremely wide swath of water on each trolling pass and draw strikes from fish that otherwise would have been missed. Because the diver can be set to run at pre-determined depths, you also have the ability to cover not only a wide section of water, but also several layers depth-wise. Once fish have been located, you can then select the right depth and begin concentrating on that particular depth and area. Running a straight line is the least effective trolling path you can take once fish have been located.
Trolling in a zig-zag or "S" pattern between two points will impart both changes of speed and depth to the Dipsy and its trailing lure the kind of erratic action that spells "Easy Meal" to nearby fish. The amount of line needed to reach a desired depth is shown under each base plate setting. Trolling speed, line diameter and lure drag can increase or decrease these figures.
New Mini Dipsey
Luhr Jensen's Mini Dipsy Diver is the answer to salmon and walleye anglers' need for a small, yet efficient diving device that retains the multi-directional advantage of the original Dipsy. Directional settings are particularly useful when trolling for boat-shy species such as suspended walleye which scatter to the port or starboard when the boat passes overhead. A side-running Mini Dipsy will consistently intercept these fish. The 2-1/4" diameter Mini can be effectively trolled as fast as 4 m.p.h. and covers the 14- to 20-ft. depth range with a 100- to 120-ft let-back. It will easily handle 1/8 to ½ oz. crankbaits, taking them down to depths not achievable alone. It will also effectively tow thin-bladed Flutter Spoons, Diamond Kings and various weighted spoons in the 1/8- to ½-oz. range. Mini Dipsy Divers have no more pulling resistance than regular, large crankbaits and are available in all the regular Dipsy colors.
One of the easiest things you can do to improve your catch is to maintain super-sharp hooks at all times. A small file has proved to be the absolute best fish hook sharpening tool available and will produce a needle-sharp point in seconds. Hold the file parallel to the hook point and, with gentle, one-way strokes, remove a small amount of metal from at least two sides of the point. This will create both a sticky-sharp point and a knife-like cutting edge.