DEPLOYING THE ZWING USING A DOWNRIGGER
- First, let out your trolling line until the lure is 30ft or so behind the boat…
- Attach the trolling line to the quick-release clip above the Zwing…
- Slowly let out the downrigger line to reach the desired depth allowing it to draw out your trolling line as it goes (The Zwing will depress at approximately a 20 degree angle below your boat, if you want to reach 20ft depth let out approximately 25′ of line)…
- Set the drag on your reel…
- Now just sit back and wait…
After each hit, bring up the Zwing to reconnect the trolling line to the quick release clip.
HOW TO USE SNAPS AND ELASTIC BANDS
There is a way around bringing the Zwing up and down – all you need is a supply of elastic bands and a few Duolock snaps or snap swivels. In the diagrams below we show both types of setup.
- First, set the Zwing to the required depth, without attaching your trolling line (or a quick-release clip which you no longer need)…
- Let out your trolling line, but stop when your lure is about 30ft or so behind the boat…
- Wrap the elastic band around the trolling line several times (3-5) to ensure that the elastic band has got a good grip on the line – once wrapped connect the two open ends of the rubber band to the Duolock snap or snap swivel..
- Connect the opposite end of the Duolock snap (from the rubber band) to the downrigger line…
- Release the trolling line slowly allowing the Duolock snap or snap swivel to be drawn along the downwardly angled downrigger line by the drag of the lure. Stop at the desired depth…
When a fish takes your bait, the elastic band will break, leaving the trolling line free of the downrigger line and the Zwing in place ready for you to do it all over again with a new snap or swivel and elastic band. When you eventually bring in the downrigger line, you'll be able to recover the snaps for future use. You have to be sure you are using the right strength rubber band or the targeted fish might not be strong enough to break it. When we fish for larger fish such as wahoo, dolphin, tuna or billfish and use this setup we use #64 rubber bands and # 5 (85lb) Duolock snaps…
Duolock Snap with Rubber Band Setup
Snap Swivel with Rubber Band Setup
Zwing Tips
Be sure to always connect your tow line to the center hole on the Zwing bracket.
The Zwing is a hydrodynamic depressor. Extreme care should be taken when trolling at high speeds to avoid damage to equipment. INCREASED SPEED WILL CREATE INCREASED DOWNWARD FORCE.
FAQ
How deep can a Zwing go?
We have found that the Zwing can comfortably depress to a 100′ depth.
Yellow or Black?
The Zwing color is preference. Some captains swear by the Yellow wing while others prefer the Black.
What is the difference between the 150 & 350?
The Zwing 150 – The lighter 1.5 lb. wing. Performs best at faster speeds (5 knots and above)
The Zwing 350 – The heavier 3.5 lb. wing. Performs at all speeds.
Does the Zwing come with a quick release cord?
No, the Zwing does not come with a quick-release line.