First off I love this site. I post here and there, but read everyday. I've learned more from this site about lures, speed, and all kinds of tips which has all caught me sooooo much for fish this year!! Thanks everyone. Now one more question, I'm sick of guessing how deep my lead core is. I'm running 27# leadcore, leading with about 75' of mono and flurocarbon. Generally I'm using only db smelt and guide specials.(all thanks to this site, and now I'm buying chappy's too today) I troll at the recommended speeds of 1.8-2.2. What can i accuratley estimate my leadcore is dropping depth per color? My lead core lines have gone asleep lately while my down rigger has woken up. Thanks for all your tips and help. While I'm at it, what size and color chappy's should I buy for trolling for rainbow and salmon and lakers? Have a great day.

Rick

I made up a chart. It might help you. Give me your e-mail and I will send you a copy. Bill

Lead core depth has many variable that determine how deep the lure will be at; speed, water density which is effected by temperature, diameter of the lead core and leaders, under water currents, drag constant of the lead core, leader material and lure.
A rule of thumb is 5 ft per color at 2 mph for lb test of 18 and greater and then add or subtract a little depending on speed. The best advice is to listen to the VHF and use what other guys are using to catch fish, speed and number of colors in the water.

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Gus

Another variable may be the kind of lead core line you have. I have the "no lead" lead core and I've noticed it does not go down as fast as the regular lead core.

Louis

Buy the Chappy's guide in the 2 inch size. All colors have been working for me in any weather... the gold/red is my favorite

The thermocline is starting to show up. Generally speaking leadcore sinks 4-5 feet per color. Like others have said it varies depending on a lot of factors. At the speeds you say you are trolling however I would say that your lead is sinking 4-5 feet per color. Right now with the thermocline showing up I would say you want to be fishing 7-10 colors out or set riggers between 32 and 42 feet.

Thanks guys. I'm heading to Alton bay in the a.m. I've also ordered my chappy lures.