How many rods do you run at a time for springs

[trendsetter]

Recently I've been running only 2 rods at a time when fishing for springs. I've found the last two times I've ran 3 or 4 rods when fishing alone it ends up in a huge tangle when I'm lucky enough to hook a spring.

Since I've changed to only running 2 rods I've managed to catch two springs and both times avoided tangling with the other line that's down.

Just wondering what everyone else out there runs especially if you are fishing alone?

Do you have any tips on how to stack lines in order to avoid tangles?

Do you find you have a higher amount of hookups running 4 rods vs 2?

Cheers

P.S. My boat has two downriggers, one electric and one manual.

 

[Finished Business]

We run 4 rods in deeper water, where we aren't manuevering around structure....in shallow water its more a lesson in frustration than fishing most of the time. I've been fishing 2 rods so far this year, and I feel success is better because I am confident in the gear that is down there is not tangled. Less checks, more fishing.

I've really liked running a dummy off the ball, with a smaller flasher and lure above, or just a bare lure. We use 3 rods pretty regularily in the early season...2 rods deep off the ball (100+) and the third rod above 60'.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Don't know if he means when he fishing by himself, if so I usually only fish 1 rod when fishing for springs, lets me enjoy fishing better. .....BB

 

[trendsetter]

Don't know if he means when he fishing by himself, if so I usually only fish 1 rod when fishing for springs, lets me enjoy fishing better. .....BB

I meant both fishing by yourself and also with others. When fishing by myself for example now I run 2 rods. When there are helpers aboard I will run 3 or 4 because they can help bring lines in while others are playing a fish.

Also curious if you guys find you get more hookups with 4 rods in the water than with 2 rods. It would seem more rods are better logically but I can't seem to notice any real difference.

 

[staying alive]

I always run 4 rods ---I love the tension and excitment of it all -------yes when you get a cluster @#$@$ it sucks especially if the bite is on.------It is quite humerous when it keeps happening to your partner . But whatever, thats the way we do it most of the time ---it is a lot of work running 4 so when I get tired I will just go with 2 usually near the end of the day. Plenty of time to rest when your dead.

 

[Master Baiter]

First off I am brand new to this site and have just moved to the Island from Ontario. I am still familiarizing myself with all the regs. In the Great Lakes one person is allowed to fish with two lines. Not sure if that is the case here. Fishing alone I would run a stacker on tough days with a longer lead then the deep line. If I had someone with me then most times still ran two lines but with two riggers. The best advice though is wide turns and max out the extension on the booms.

 

[ReelSlim]

I tend to run two rods for Springs alone or with a crew. I can't say that I catch less by only fishing two rods? But it seems to work OK on my boat. When I fish offshore I will toss out a center rod depending again on the experience level of the crew...... otherwise it's just one more thing I have to untangle while everyone else catches fish! lol When the fish are around two rods seem to be more than enough to get the job done.......IMO Cheers!

 

[spring fever]

Spring Fever usually runs 2 rods off-shore because we usually fish deep and it's rough-'if the water is flattish I may run a 3rd rod over the centre with a banana weight to 8 oz and a spoon. Inside if we are running relatively shallow and the water is ok we may go to 4 rods-depends on who I have for a crew-can get exciting and turn into a mongolian goat f###k.

 

[Rum Buddies]

there's a tendency to think more rods equals more chances at fish but I think 2 rods fished hard will out perform 4 rods half assed. Plus its too much like work running 4.

 

[Island Fish Lifter]

there's a tendency to think more rods equals more chances at fish but I think 2 rods fished hard will out perform 4 rods half assed. Plus its too much like work running 4.

Agreed. If you arent getting fish with two rods, youre not going to get any with 4.

 

[salmonkiller01]

Two rods for springs, four for sockeye chum. I am in Campbell so trying to run four rods out at the hump at 180 feet with all the tides and currents would be a disaster.

 

[Sculpin]

The only time I run 4 rods is for sockeye. We usually run just two and if it is crazy hot action out on the banks we fish just one. It's your turn.......no it's your turn....... lol. Can't wait for those days.

 

[Tsquared]

Usually just 2 rods although it depends on the day and what's around. Last year on Swiftsure we ran 2 deep for springs but also had a blast bucktailing in the wake for coho with an 8 wt fly rod at the same time. To quote Commander Cody "You can never in this world have too much fun...."
T2

 

[Kristo]

I'll run 2 by myself or with an inexperienced crew or when theses lots of current.
4 with a good crew when feeling energetic when there is little current
Running four can be good if you are trying to zero in on the right depth or right bait

 

[profisher]

3 riggers for springs in summer, just 2 in winter when fishing deep just off the bottom. 4 lines for coho, 5 for Sockeye and sometimes 6 if it is the start of the season and I want to find out quickly if they are around and how deep. If I can't find anything in an hour with 6 lines, I start thinking that it time to switchback over to springs right away rather than waste more time trying. A big consideration is what kind of help I have with me too...inexperienced or avid guys who can lend a hand.

 

[cheech]

IF I have a crew that has a clue, I would stack. Even with pros most times I will only run 1 per side and a 3rd shallow out the back. Better to get a fish to the side than have a cluster **** and waste time re-rigging.

 

[Knotty Seamen]

Depends on your boat set up.. Me personally I have rigger on ea side and one out the back. In the winter I only fish the side ones and every other time I run one off ea rigger. Back one up high with a 10lb ball opposed to the side ones I run 15lb balls. This way no stacking is needed and way easier to fish and get to have 3 diff depths if wanted

 

[wolf]

Used to run 4 all the time once you get the hang of it its not that hard I could whip thru and set rather guickly now 3 on the boat if im ever by myself its just 2

 

[vetteman]

4 rods for Sockeye and two for Springs and Coho!
Dave

 

[albernifisher]

Alot of it depends on my crew but it's usually 6 rods for chum and sockeye,5 rods for springs