Leadcore and downriggers both put your lure in the strike zone, but they win in different situations. When trout hold in the top 25 feet, a hybrid leadcore rig outfishes a downrigger because the thin line is stealthy and fast to check. One color of leadcore sinks about 5 feet at 2 mph. Go to the downrigger when fish sit below 30 feet. Cal Kellogg runs 3 colors plus braid on a Cal's Leadcore Trolling Rod to reach 15 to 25 feet.
Is leadcore or a downrigger better for trout trolling?
For trout in the top 25 feet, leadcore usually wins. The thin line creates almost no disturbance, while a downrigger ball and cable oscillate and can spook fish. Leadcore is also faster to check and redeploy, so your lure spends more time fishing. Below 30 feet, switch to a downrigger or diver.
How deep does leadcore line go?
One color of leadcore is 30 feet of line and sinks about 5 feet at 2 mph with a fly or spoon. Three colors run about 15 feet deep. Cal Kellogg's hybrid rig adds braid behind the leadcore to reach 20 to 25 feet, which is about the limit before he switches to a downrigger.
What is a hybrid leadcore rig?
It is a light-tackle version of old-school leadcore. Cal Kellogg spools mono, then 20 lb braid backing, 3 colors of 15 or 18 lb leadcore, a fluorocarbon top shot, a trolling swivel, and an 8 lb fluorocarbon leader. The braid and short leadcore section get you deep without the heavy reel and stiff rod of the old days. Build it on a Cal's Leadcore Trolling Rod.
Why do downriggers spook trout?
A downrigger puts a heavy ball and vibrating cable in the water. From his kayak Cal Kellogg can feel that ball oscillating, and he believes it puts shallow fish off the bite more often than it attracts them. Leadcore slips through the water clean, which is why he catches more 15 to 30 foot fish on it.
When should I use a downrigger instead of leadcore?
Reach for the downrigger when fish hold below 30 feet, deeper than a hybrid leadcore rig comfortably reaches. Downriggers also shine in summer when trout and kokanee go deep. For those depths a downrigger or a diving planer is the efficient tool. Above 30 feet, leadcore is faster and stealthier.
What rod do I need for leadcore trolling?
Leadcore needs a rod with a soft tip and strong backbone, because 3 colors weigh roughly an ounce and a half and overload a standard trout rod. A dedicated 6 foot 6 Cal's Leadcore Trolling Rod handles that weight and still cushions a big fish. A 7 foot 6 downrigger rod works for lighter part-time use.
Do I lose fish-fighting power running leadcore on a regular rod?
Yes. Cal Kellogg fished his hybrid rig on standard trout rods for years and did well, but the leadcore weight sapped the rod's backbone and cost him fighting power. A purpose-built leadcore rod keeps its backbone free to steer and land big trout, browns, and mackinaw.
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Leadcore versus downrigger trolling FAQ
Most trout trollers run 3 colors on a hybrid rig, which reaches about 15 feet on its own and up to 25 feet with added braid. More colors get you deeper but need a bigger reel. Cal Kellogg sticks with 3 colors and adjusts depth with the braid behind it.
Cal Kellogg uses 15 or 18 lb Suffix leadcore with his hybrid rig. He prefers standard leadcore over premium bonded versions because he can peel the sheath back and tie knots on the bare braid inside. Heavier test means a larger diameter and a bigger reel.
Yes and no. Cal Kellogg's 7 foot 6 trout and salmon downrigger rod will fish leadcore part-time, but the leadcore weight loads the rod and steals fighting power. For serious leadcore trolling a dedicated leadcore rod does the job better.
It is ideal for kayaks, canoes, and small aluminum boats. Cal Kellogg designed his 6 foot 6 leadcore rod for small-boat anglers because it is easy to fight and net fish on and simple to transport. Leadcore also avoids the clutter of a downrigger in a small craft.
About 25 feet. Three colors put you near 15 feet, then adding 25 to 50 feet of braid backing takes you to 20 to 25 feet. That covers most spring, fall, and winter trout. Deeper than 30 feet and Cal Kellogg switches to a downrigger.
Two reasons: stealth and convenience. The thin leadcore makes no disturbance, unlike a downrigger ball and cable, and it is fast to reel up, check, and redeploy. More time with a clean lure in the strike zone means more and bigger fish.
