Question on Downriggers.

[racfish]

I just bought a pair of Scottys Strongarm D/R's.If I have a 30" boom do I only use line releases that are for a 30" or can you really use any size?Will a 48" release work as well. My second question is how big of balls do I need for lake fishing and then saltwater like in Elliot or Shilshole Bays.No smart alleck answers on my qustion on ball sizes. heheheThank you in advance people.

[A9]

You can use any size teathers for your clips...I don't love real long clips. They can be a pain when you have to reach 4 feet back from the ball to grab the clip. I use the shortest ones as possible. Much easier to deal with.

As for balls, I like 10-12 lb balls for saltwater. The heaviest you can get away with for your DR and the strain it puts on your gunnel. You want your ball to be as vertical as possible so you its closer to the actual depth showing on the counter. A wire at a 45 degree angle obviously isn't getting the ball to depth showing on the counter.

For lakes, I like 4lb balls. But then again, I'm only trolling in shallow lakes for trout in 40 feet of water or less. If you are going to go to LW and do that, then go ahead and use the big cannonballs. Speed and depth is going to determine the line angle of your wire.

I have a few different size balls and multiple releases. Some for big water fishing like salmon, others with small clips for trout fishing. Make sure to always have an extra ball and line release with you in case one of your setups gets snagged or breaks...

[kutthroatkilla]

If you are going to go to LW and do that, then go ahead and use the big cannonballs.

Really depends on how deep you need to be. You mentioned fishing lakes and Lake Washington is a good example to use. I'd use as least amount of weight as possible. I use to have the exact same Scotty's as you do now. I used 4 pound balls and that was plenty...but then again I only went down 90 feet max. For lakes even 2 pounds isn't bad, especially if you troll slow enough. It's really all up to you and what kind of fishing you're doing. If you're trolling fast for kings in the ocean they go with a 8-10 pound ball...really fishing specific...your downriggers are quality.

[zen leecher aka Bill W]

Sam, I'm surprised you don't like the long clips. I favor those as I stick my rod in the water (under the clip cable) and "fish it out with the guides on the rod. No bending over at all.

I'm in the process of modifying two of the small Scotty freshwater clips by clipping out the 18 inch cable and replacing it with a 4' (or so) piece of 100 lb test Berkley Big Game. Just use the same metal clamps/clips that one would use in making repairs/reconnections to the ends of the downrigger cable.

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I just bought a pair of Scottys Strongarm D/R's.If I have a 30" boom do I only use line releases that are for a 30" or can you really use any size?Will a 48" release work as well. My second question is how big of balls do I need for lake fishing and then saltwater like in Elliot or Shilshole Bays.No smart alleck answers on my qustion on ball sizes. heheheThank you in advance people.

I can only speak from a lifetime of experience. For your first question concerning the length of line on the release clip I use as short of line as possible, sometimes no longer than a foot. If you are using a flasher you will notice that the flasher will float at the top of the water until the length of line on your release clip is pulled underwater. This sometimes can be a problem, especially if birds, pinks or small silvers are pestering you. You will want to get you gear down as fast as possible. As far as reaching out and attaching your release clip, just swing the boom around to the side of the boat. It’s quick and easy. For question number two I use no less than 10 lbs of lead. Even trolling with the tide you will find your ball will swing back. I try to keep the degree of angle between 15° to 20°.

[zen leecher aka Bill W]

don't you find swinging the boom around or lifting the downrigger up to access the clip a bit of an inconvenience and a bit slow??

You know...the faster you can get the downrigger reeled up, clip in hand and line attached and downrigger sent back down, the more time you are actually fishing.

[racfish]

The down riggers came with the standard mounting kit.I spent a lil bit more and got the swivel mounts. I used to fish with a guy who had swivel mounts.It was a nice feature.When I purchased my boat I had them install 2 DR mounts near the stern.Now I just need to try them out in my backyard.

[Anglinarcher]

Good thread, keep it up guys. I use to have a manual and I never went over 6 # for lakes, but I was fishing big lures for lakers at 70 to 100 feet.

I sold the manual years ago, and just bought an electric - my shoulders are not what they use to be. So, I can get away with whatever I want in weight, but..................................

When you guys are using a 2# ball, what lure sizes, speed, and fish are you targeting?

Whey you use the 10# ball, what ..............................?

Do you find that the pancake style or the hydrodynamic designs help keep your line straighter with less weight?

I feel like I should know this, but it has been soooooooooooooooooooooooo long.

[A9]

When you guys are using a 2# ball, what lure sizes, speed, and fish are you targeting?

Whey you use the 10# ball, what ..............................?

Do you find that the pancake style or the hydrodynamic designs help keep your line straighter with less weight?

Smallest I go is 4lb. I use it for trout, using small lures and trolling along slowly with a Minn Kota...

10lb ball: Salmon. Saltwater. Trolling fastert and with flasher and lure.

Never tried the Pancake style...I've always been fine using a standard cannonball with the little fin on the back...

[Rollin with Rolland]

i have the same DR's as well, racfish (30in boom). like others, 4lb seems the way to go for lakes. you can troll for walleyes at 30ft or trout at 90ft. i have a smaller boat, so i use 8lb on the saltchuck. as far as releases, maybe try to get two different lengths, and see what you prefer, like samK said, you'll want an extra anyway. I prefer short releases.

[racfish]

I appreciate the feedback from experienced fisherpeople way over some saleman who dosent know what a D/R is for.I bought a few different size teathers from 18'' -48''.I also bought 2/6lb balls and 2/8lbs balls.I was gonna go electric at first but I had some bad experiences on other peoples boats with them.Another question I have is this ionization thing.Do manual D/R's also give off electical currents and is one of those ion control thingies a waste or a worthwhile investment..Thanks guys.

[A9]

I appreciate the feedback from experienced fisherpeople way over some saleman who dosent know what a D/R is for.I bought a few different size teathers from 18'' -48''.I also bought 2/6lb balls and 2/8lbs balls.I was gonna go electric at first but I had some bad experiences on other peoples boats with them.Another question I have is this ionization thing.Do manual D/R's also give off electical currents and is one of those ion control thingies a waste or a worthwhile investment..Thanks guys.

I'm not sure if it does give off any electric current, but the Scotty Black box isn't worth if if that is what you are wondering. It doesn't help in my opinion and it's just one more thing on a boat to worry about and what not...Put that money into a real nice fishfinder...It'll do you good while finding baitballs, fish, bottom contour, etc...