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Topic: Downrigger ball size?  (Read 2342 times)

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gtnotte

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Just started fishing with a Scotty downrigger on the Hobie Outback.  Tried some salmon trolling with a 4lb ball and wasn't quite happy with the line angle.  What do people like to use for optimal balance of not too much drag but also a good vertical angle?  Generally making around 2 knots when trolling

Thanks for any tips!


jkjhung

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I use a 4lb ball on the scotty laketroller and been pretty happy with it.  Did you change the wire out to braided line?


creamsoup

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there are few tips i aware of
1. using thinner line (braided line with mono topshot is a good option)
2. not using dodger when current is strong

if those doesn't work, you can always use 6lbs or 8lbs.
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ThreemoneyJ

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4lb ball on the laketroller. 50lb depthhunter braid to my release.
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pmmpete

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A heavier downrigger weight gets blown back less and stays more nearly under your kayak, so you can troll faster and deeper than you can with a lighter downrigger weight.  The Scotty Laketroller is only rated for a 4 pound weight.  On my Cannon Lake-Troll downrigger, I run an eight pound weight on 175 pound Spectra low-drag braided downrigger line.
« Last Edit: June 18, 2020, 08:04:39 PM by pmmpete »


NowhereMan

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Did you change the wire out to braided line?

This! It's a huge safety issue, IMHO. There are often whales nearby, and if one of them gets into your DR line, you need to be able to cut it immediately, and that's not going to happen if its wire...
Born in Arizona
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gtnotte

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Thanks everyone for the helpful info.
I have the Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger, so pretty sure it could run 6-8 lb.
And yes, after the extension handle was trimmed down a bit for ease of kayak use, the wire was swapped out for some heavy spectra braid.  I was using a dodger and current was reasonably strong at times, so good to consider both those factors when evaluating a switch.

Cheers!


Twopatch

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I am running a 1050 .I am using an 8# ball.It does real good for lakes. I have a 6# mold comming. It should be perfect for ocean salmon. I will have these for sale shortly.
« Last Edit: June 17, 2020, 02:20:26 PM by Twopatch »
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BsHawk

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I use a Scotty 1050 on my Outback.  I cut the arm down to 11" and it works great.  I would make sure you have a sturdy mounting base for your DR when using heavier weights.  I use the this mount and its very sturdy.

https://www.snipeairindustries.com/product-page/snipe-air-industries-h19-s1010
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Waywardmanini

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 I use a 4 pound weight. I'd like to go heavier,  but my Compass only has the single track.  Even with the 4 pounder, the track wobbles.  Any ideas?


BsHawk

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I use a 4 pound weight. I'd like to go heavier,  but my Compass only has the single track.  Even with the 4 pounder, the track wobbles.  Any ideas?

Maybe exchange the plastic track with an aluminum one with backing?

Scotty does make some stronger mounts that you would have to drill into your Compass.  With a little silicone and backing plate, you should be able to handle the extra weight. 
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christianbrat

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I use a 3# ball but am looking to switch to 4#
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Tall-Tails

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I have tried a bunch of different weights and shapes. Still experimenting!

I just made two pipe style weights with galvanized steel pipe with lead fill. Coated in rubber for a corrosion resist. Those two are 3 lbs and about 6 inches long.

I also picked up two pipe style weight made of steel from Bottomline tackle (https://www.bottomlinetackle.com/). I requested 2 custom 2.5 pound weights which they promptly made for me in the shop. Great customer service at this place, and a willingness to make custom diameters, lengths, and weights.

I’m looking forward to trying them out, the pipe style is supposed to be good for bouncing bottom (which I do in several lakes). Hoping 2.5 lbs on 130 lb braided line will produce minimal blowback at depth, but we will see and report back results.

I paid $20 for two weights including shipping which I felt was a really good value. If these are too light, I’ll be purchasing a heavier set from BLT”
« Last Edit: June 24, 2020, 09:49:55 PM by Mother lode »


Uminchu Naoaki

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I have tried a bunch of different weights and shapes. Still experimenting!

I just made two pipe style weights with galvanized steel pipe with lead fill. Coated in rubber for a corrosion resist. Those two are 3 lbs and about 6 inches long.

I also picked up two pipe style weight made of steel from Bottomline tackle (https://www.bottomlinetackle.com/). I requested 2 custom 2.5 pound weights which they promptly made for me in the shop. Great customer service at this place, and a willingness to make custom diameters, lengths, and weights.

IÂ’m looking forward to trying them out, the pipe style is supposed to be good for bouncing bottom (which I do in several lakes). Hoping 2.5 lbs on 130 lb braided line will produce minimal blowback at depth, but we will see and report back results.

They are cheap enough (under $10 per weight) I may buy another heavier set if these end up being a bit light.
Those look nice[emoji106]
I use a 3lb ball. I shove SS plate on it as a fin.
& I put the 200lb Scotty DR braid on top of the cable line. It’s 300ft, so never seen the cable since I put them on (even when I fish in Tahoe). Like others said the braid w/ reduce the drags, but I won’t get too thin ones though cuz lighter braid are hard on your hands when you’re working w/ some problems...



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eksblenny

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I use this 4lb downrigger ball:

https://www.amazon.com/Cannon-4-pound-Flash-weight/dp/B000MN0JNS

You can easily find cheaper options. I got it because it had a bunch of reviews and was still less pricey than my local bait shop.


 

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