Using Tadpoles with copper

I did some dive testing today and got some interesting results. I rigged an Off Shore Magnum Tadpole to run inline using 2 OR-16 releases. I let out 150' of Blood Run 45# copper and attached the Tadpole to the backer. I used a Fish Hawk TD to do the testing. I think the numbers are fairly accurate, but we will know for sure when they are tested by Mark from Precision Trolling data later this year. With the 150' copper, the Tadpole will stay set without locking the release in with a rubber band, you just have to make sure it is set when you put it in the water. If you use it with 300', you will have to lock the release on the arm in with a rubber band so it doesn't trip. After learning what I did today, though, I doubt the 300 coppers will be seeing much action!



Here's what I found:



150' copper at 2.0 MPH:

100' back (after all the copper is out)- 25' deep = 59' total

150' back - 35' deep = 69' total





2.5 MPH:



100' back - 20' deep = 47' total

150' back - 30' deep = 57 total



Testing was done with a Regular size Silver Streak. It was flat today, so I could really dial in the speed and the autopilot kept me straight, eliminating as many variables as I could. The same can be done with lead core, hopefully I will have some numbers for that soon as well. I think one of the main advantages of this is that you can really dial in the depth you want to fish. You aren't limited to only how much copper is on the reel anymore. The Tadpole dives deeper than similar devices of the same weight due the large planing surface.



Here a pic of the set up:



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