You may want a bit more weight than that, but this early in the year you should be able to get some action up top.

You don't need a downrigger.Are you using a fly rod or spinning rod?

I use 9'-6" Eagle Claw Noodle rods. Okuma spinning reels spooled w/8# mono, small barrel swivel, w/length of rod very lite flouro tippet. #6 or #8 Octopus hook. Hook bait down through nostril, out bottom lip. Or through both nostrils for trolling. Fish this with or with out split shot, heavier weight will take you down. I like keeping things lite an simple! Capt. Bob