...have considered running lead core line with a dodger off a fly rod and reel for getting to deep-holding fish from my canoe...has anyone tried this before? I'm wondering if it's worth messing with...I'd like to get down thirty to forty feet, and don't seem to be able to with just a sinktip.

Thanks!

Watch out that you don't over load your fly pole and have it break. The dodger will put quite a load on your pole. The full sinking line will put enough of a load with out a fish on. Just my thoughts on this.

I used to try crazy stuff like your suggesting and generally it don't work so good.
If you do it use a cheap fiberglass fly rod and use the smallest dodger. The fiberglass seems better resistant to overload problems.

If just reaching the fishing depth (and not attracting the fish) is the problem you may want to consider using a Wet Cell 4 or 5 and slowing your movement till you get down
A Wet Cell 5 is a real zonker,close to leaded line.

I have used a "little laker downrigger" on my herters canoe successfully. I run the dodger below on the downrigger and the have my fly, spinner or other trolled offering about a foot above and a foot behind the flasher or gangtroll. It works surprisingly well, but can be a bit tricky to get into play. You also fight the fish without the added strain on your rod, and with no excess weight. I have used the same setup on my big boat for kings and humpies. Andy