I've read on the Rapala web site that the original Tail Dancer runs to depths "up to 15 feet". The 'deep Tail Dancer' is advertised as running to "up to 30 feet" I'm not trying to be snarky, but I can read what the manufacturers say about depth. So I'm most interested in what you've learned from your experience.

So (based on your experience) what is a reasonable depth expectation with 8 lb fireline, trolled behind a canoe at an 'average' pace? (kind of leisurely paddling along)

Does mono change the equation significantly?

Any insights on how much line you have out?

I'm planning on fishing deep reefs, 15-25 feet, in August. My go-to is jigs tipped with leeches or 1/2 crawler, but I'm also looking for a faster search tool with which to find where a school may be lurking on the large reef.

Are there other trolling lures for probing these depths which should also be considered?

Thanks!

Td9 the regular taildancer up to 20 with 200 ft out
Tdd9 the deep #9 taildancer up to 30 with 200ft out
Tdd11 I have hit bottom in 40 plus feet with 200 feet of line out.

Bingo! Thanks a bunch!

Mnpat: "Td9 the regular taildancer up to 20 with 200 ft out
Tdd9 the deep #9 taildancer up to 30 with 200ft out
Tdd11 I have hit bottom in 40 plus feet with 200 feet of line out. "

Mnpat: "Td9 the regular taildancer up to 20 with 200 ft out
Tdd9 the deep #9 taildancer up to 30 with 200ft out
Tdd11 I have hit bottom in 40 plus feet with 200 feet of line out. "

I find that really helpful too. I've clearly not been letting enough line out.

I subscribe to the Precision Trolling App and they have various depths listed for 10 lb. Fireline (braid) and 10 lb Berkley XT (mono):

Deep Tail Dancer TDD-07
10 lb Fireline 23 ft deep 180 ft back
10 lb XT mono 18 ft deep 160 ft back

Deep Tail Dancer TDD-09
10 lb Fireline 26 ft deep 198 ft back
10 lb XT mono 22 ft deep 177 ft back

Deep Tail Dancer TDD-11
10 lb Fireline 35 ft deep 176 ft back
10 lb XT mono 29 ft deep 182 ft back

I use a line counter reel and feel that the depth data of the Precision Trolling App is spot on. I have the APP downloaded to my IPhone and use it religiously when trolling for walleye and lakers.

Just about every lure you will ever troll is listed in the Precision Trolling App.

I bought an entire Plano box of 9s and 11s and it came with a grid taped to the case showing depth/line out. I’ll post a pic when I’m home later. I believe the numbers were pulled from precision trolling.

Don't forget the deep Tail Dancer TDD13. They aren't easy to find, but are available from some Ebay sellers and a few others. You can see them on Rapala's International website as they are not offered in the US yet. They will go over 40ft with small diameter line. They do pull pretty hard, but it is nice to get 30+ without a crazy amount of line out and be able to reach 40+. The size is still a good laker size as they will still catch 3#ers. The last one I bought was 17.00 shipped, so not cheap, but I like not needing added weight if you want a little more depth.

Interesting I was not aware of the size 13.

Here is the chart for 9 and 11. Again I believe this is from precision trolling which is based off 10 lb trilene and 10 lb fireline.