Need help in determining formula for for fishing lure depth

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    Depth Formula
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining a formula for calculating the depth of fishing lures while trolling. Participants explore various factors that may influence this calculation, including line length, lure weight, boat speed, and additional equipment like downriggers and sonar units.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the formula should consider line length, lure weight, and boat speed.
  • Another participant introduces the idea of using a downrigger and questions how to incorporate all relevant factors into a formula, proposing a nomograph as a potential solution.
  • Several participants express skepticism about the need for a complex formula, arguing that it may detract from the enjoyment of fishing.
  • A participant mentions that water density, salinity, and temperature could significantly affect lure depth, alongside the hydrodynamic properties of the lure.
  • One participant proposes conducting field tests with a sonar unit to gather data on lure depth at various speeds, suggesting this might be more practical than developing a formula.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility of creating a formula for lure depth. There are competing views on the complexity of the factors involved and the practicality of using technology versus traditional fishing methods.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential complexity of the formula due to various influencing factors, such as water conditions and lure design, which are not fully addressed in the discussion.

jdub
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I need help in determining trolling lure depth for fishing. I imagine this formula would have to take into account line length, lure weight, and boat speed. I'm no math wiz, so if someone can help, It would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.
 
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And whether you use a downrigger and how you adjust the lure. I can't imagine how you would put all that in a formula. Maybe some kind of nomograph would be the way to go.
 
Jeez, how to take the fun out of fishing!
If you're going to such extremes, why not just mount a bottom-scanning sonar unit on the lure? A huge part of the sport is knowing, and feeling where things should be. You'd might as well go with the old tried-and-true dynamite approach.
 
Danger said:
Jeez, how to take the fun out of fishing!
If you're going to such extremes, why not just mount a bottom-scanning sonar unit on the lure? A huge part of the sport is knowing, and feeling where things should be. You'd might as well go with the old tried-and-true dynamite approach.

Did you ever think there might be a good reason for the RCMP watching you?:biggrin:
 
TVP45 said:
Did you ever think there might be a good reason for the RCMP watching you?:biggrin:

Never doubted it for a moment. :rolleyes:
 
Danger said:
Jeez, how to take the fun out of fishing!
If you're going to such extremes, why not just mount a bottom-scanning sonar unit on the lure? A huge part of the sport is knowing, and feeling where things should be. You'd might as well go with the old tried-and-true dynamite approach.

Cause that costs money. No for real, I would like a basic formula to see what depth my lures are running at when trolling. Trust me, it doesn't take the fun out of fishing.
 
Sorry, Jdub; I misunderstood your original question. I thought that you were looking for a way to mechanically regulate the depth other than a simple 'bobber'.
I suspect that a formulae would be too complicated to bother with. There are a lot more factors involved than the ones that you mentioned. Water density, including salinity and temperature, would have a large impact, in conjunction with the hydrodynamic properties of the lure. Some lures that I have are made to dive deeper as they move faster, while most are the opposite. If you want just a rough idea based upon one particular lure, it might not be too bad.
I'm wondering if you could just rent a 'fish finder' sonar unit for a day or so and run some field tests tracking your lures at various speeds. Then you could print up a chart to carry around with you.
 

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