Let’s Talk About Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane
The Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane is a simple yet ingenious device designed to help anglers reach specific depths while trolling, without the need for heavy weights or cumbersome outriggers. Manufactured by Davis Instruments, this chartreuse-colored plane promises to make trolling more efficient and enjoyable, especially for those targeting species like salmon, trout, and walleye. Its ability to dive to pre-determined depths, then flip over on a strike, allows for a more direct fight with the fish, enhancing the angling experience.
I’ve always been frustrated with the limitations of traditional trolling methods. Heavy sinkers kill the fight and outriggers are a pain to set up and manage on smaller boats. The promise of the Fish Seeker – easy depth control and a clean fight – immediately piqued my interest.
Unboxing the Fish Seeker revealed a compact, well-molded piece of plastic. The bright chartreuse color is certainly eye-catching, and the construction felt sturdy enough for the intended use, although lightweight. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; it seemed like a simple solution, but I was eager to see how it performed in real-world conditions.
I considered several other options, like adjustable downriggers or various inline weights. However, the downriggers were too expensive and bulky for my needs, and the weights still detracted from the fight. The Fish Seeker offered a potentially simpler and more affordable middle ground. I was excited to see if it would live up to the promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane was on a local lake known for its walleye population. I paired it with a light spinning rod and 8-pound test line, following the instructions for setting the desired depth. The initial deployment was straightforward, and the plane began to dive as expected behind the boat.
The conditions were fairly calm, with a slight breeze and clear water. Setting the Fish Seeker was relatively simple, and it appeared to track well at the recommended trolling speed of around 2 mph. I did notice that adjusting the depth setting required a bit of trial and error, but once dialed in, it seemed consistent.
My first surprise was how sensitive the plane was to speed changes. Even slight variations in throttle would affect its depth. This required constant attention to maintain the desired presentation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane on various fishing trips, its performance has been somewhat mixed. The plane itself has held up well, showing no signs of cracking or deformation despite repeated use. The chartreuse color has also remained vibrant, maintaining good visibility.
The main issue that has emerged is its sensitivity to current and wind. In windy conditions or areas with strong currents, maintaining a consistent depth and trolling speed became challenging. It requires constant adjustments. The plane is easy to clean with just soap and water, and there are no moving parts to maintain.
Compared to using heavy sinkers, the Fish Seeker definitely provides a more enjoyable fight once a fish is hooked. However, the constant monitoring and adjustments required make it less convenient than I initially hoped. It’s a trade-off, but one that’s worth it when targeting specific depths consistently.
Breaking Down the Features of Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane
Specifications
The Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane is designed for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. It’s intended for use with line testing between 6 and 25 pounds. The key feature is its ability to achieve trolling depths from 5 to 80 feet (1.5 to 25 meters).
The plane is constructed from durable plastic and comes in a highly visible chartreuse color. It functions by using an adjustable keel that allows the angler to set the desired diving depth. It is important to note that the Fish Seeker is not intended for use with deep-diving lures.
These specifications are crucial for its intended use: the ability to dive to specific depths allows anglers to target fish holding at particular levels in the water column. The line weight range ensures compatibility with a variety of fishing setups, and the chartreuse color aids in visibility, especially in murky water. The limitation on deep-diving lures is significant because using them could overload the plane and compromise its performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane performs best in calm conditions with consistent trolling speeds. Its primary strength lies in its ability to present lures at precise depths without the drag of heavy sinkers. It allows anglers to cover a wider range of depths effectively.
The biggest weakness is its sensitivity to changes in speed and current, which can disrupt its diving depth. It doesn’t fully meet the expectation of effortless trolling. It requires more attention and adjustment than anticipated.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate for the price point; the plastic is durable enough for normal use. The plane is lightweight, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage. The light weight ensures it doesn’t add excessive strain on the fishing line, but it also makes it more susceptible to external factors like wind and current.
The design is relatively user-friendly, with a simple adjustable keel. However, there is a slight learning curve involved in finding the optimal settings for specific depths and trolling speeds. The process is intuitive and easy to learn.
Durability & Maintenance
The Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane is made from sturdy plastic. It should last for several seasons with proper care. Maintenance is straightforward; simply rinse it with fresh water after each use to remove any salt or debris.
There are no moving parts that require lubrication or special attention, making it a low-maintenance piece of equipment. The simple design contributes to its overall longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane comes as a standalone unit with no included accessories. There are no official customization options offered by Davis Instruments. Anglers can experiment with different leader lengths and lure types to fine-tune their presentation.
The plane’s universal design allows it to be used with various types of lures and fishing lines. While there are no specific aftermarket accessories designed for it, anglers can easily adapt it to their existing trolling setups. You can achieve various configurations for different fishing conditions.
Pros and Cons of Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane
Pros
- Affordable and effective way to reach specific trolling depths.
- Allows for a cleaner fight with the fish compared to using heavy sinkers.
- Simple and durable design requires minimal maintenance.
- Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
- Highly visible chartreuse color aids in tracking the plane.
Cons
- Sensitive to changes in trolling speed, wind, and current.
- Requires constant monitoring and adjustment to maintain desired depth.
Who Should Buy Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane?
The Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane is perfect for anglers who want to target specific depths without the cumbersome weight of traditional sinkers. It’s ideal for those fishing for salmon, trout, walleye, crappie, and striper in relatively calm conditions. It’s also a good option for anglers who fish from smaller boats or kayaks where space is limited.
Anglers who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it trolling setup should skip this product. Those who frequently fish in windy conditions or strong currents may find it too challenging to use effectively. A GPS controlled electric motor may be a needed accessory to maintain speeds.
A must-have accessory is a reliable line counter reel to accurately measure the amount of line deployed. Experimenting with different leader lengths can also help optimize lure presentation.
Conclusion on Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane
The Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane is a decent tool for anglers looking to precisely control trolling depth without heavy weights. While it requires more attention than some other methods, the cleaner fight with the fish makes it worthwhile. The affordable price point makes it an accessible option for anglers of all skill levels.
The price is justified, especially for those who prioritize the fishing experience over sheer convenience. I would personally recommend the Fish Seeker to anglers who are willing to invest the time to learn its nuances and fine-tune their trolling technique. It is a good tool, but not a complete solution.
If you’re ready to ditch the heavy sinkers and experience a more direct connection with your catch, give the Davis Instruments Fish Seeker Trolling Plane a try. Your next fishing trip may be more rewarding.