Downrigger Help Needed

I want to get a downrigger for my Outback for the upcoming Salmon season.

I know nothing about downriggers.

This is what I was going to get. Is it acceptable?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001M4HTPW

That’s a good one, it takes some work to mount it to a kayak.

Is there a way to mount it on the H-rai or track?

I’ve been using the Scotty Laketroller for salmon trolling in the ocean (as well as freshwater trolling). It mounts well on tracks or if you do a permanent base in the mesh pocket or cup holder. It does a 4lb weight well. 6lb works too but is a lot of work to crank up and down.

Much easier to mount than the larger downrigger. Not as many features, but simple and works well.

Here’s a link for an installation you can check out



I thought about getting that model as well, but went with the smaller lake troller.

I mounted a base in the left cup holder on my 2019 Outback. I like how accessible it is, right next to the seat, and doesn’t take up so much space as the larger model. I’ve got most of my clutter on the right side, so wanted to keep as much open space on the left for self rescue.

I want to get a downrigger for my Outback for the upcoming Salmon season.

I know nothing about downriggers.

This is what I was going to get. Is it acceptable?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001M4HTPW

towards the end of last salmon season, i tried using my scotty lake troller just to see what it's like (only used it in fresh water).  i made two attempts, but never got a take down on it.  i'm gonna try to use it more this season, but i like the simplicity of a DD6 (and less equipment to lose during surf launches).

--ry

Is there a way to mount it on the H-rai or track?

Before going with a bigger DR with a clutch, I had the lake troller and mounted it on the h-rail. Just get this....just make sure your h-rail is fully secure. I ran this for awhile and it worked out great.

https://www.austinkayak.com/Hobie-HRail-with-Scotty-DeckSide-Mount/ACK23643P.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqujuzvGE4QIV1rjACh0hHQwLEAQYBSABEgIW3_D_BwE&utm_campaign=Shopping%3A%20ACK%20PLA&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o5&sc_intid=23643_20955_1&scid=scplp23643_20955_1&utm_source=google

You can see it in the picture below. If you watch my youtube video



you can see it in action. I might have to relocate my current DR to my left side so I can still use the lake troller. Having two DR might be a lot of work. Last weekend I was able to double stack my rod to one DR using two release clip. Worked great but still figuring it out. Also testing the shuttlehawk as well

I’ll add some more downrigger thoughts

1: Ditch the wire cable and get some braided line that is color coded for depth. I’ve been using powerpro in 50 lb test for the last couple years.

2: Get a good release clip. I suggest a chamberlain release. You can adjust the up/down pressure to load your rod and then you can adjust the release when a fish strikes.

3: Refer back to 1 and 2!!

you can see it in action. I might have to relocate my current DR to my left side so I can still use the lake troller. Having two DR might be a lot of work. Last weekend I was able to double stack my rod to one DR using two release clip. Worked great but still figuring it out. Also testing the shuttlehawk as well

Ooohh.... interested in the shuttlehawk update .....

Yeah on what they said. The Scotty 1050 is more for boat applications. Unless you have room to mount the big base. The counter is a plus though. The shuttlehawk works great, although,haven't tried it on a kayak yet. Doublestacking on a kayak? You guys can multitask better than I! Lol.  I'm  trying the color depth braided line also.

1: Ditch the wire cable and get some braided line that is color coded for depth. I’ve been using powerpro in 50 lb test for the last couple years.

This!

And carry a knife that you can access instantly, in case you need to cut the DR weight free. A few years ago, I was fishing with my DR out of Moss Landing when a whale suddenly appeared 4’ under my kayak. The DR line started peeling off the spool at a high rate of speed, and I reflexively cut the braid. If that had been a steel cable, at the least, I would have gone for a swim, and in the worst case that whale would still be in possession of my kayak.

I purchased the 1050 but now I'm having 2nd thoughts because of what I've read about the boom being too long for a kayak.

I'm confused and thinking of returning it and getting the laketroller.

Can someone please talk this newbie  into one or the other?

Double stacking with a shuttlehawk is doable. Personally I find the shuttle hawk useless deeper than 40 or so feet and it doesn’t handle big baits well either.


My suggestion is start with the small laketroll for ease of use and mounting. Then if you really get into downrigger fishing get the bigger one. I love downrigger fishing and want to mount an electric downrigger on my kayak.

Personally don’t down rigger fish but where the heck is Pmmpete? He’s got a nice setups on his Hobie.

I purchased the 1050 but now I'm having 2nd thoughts because of what I've read about the boom being too long for a kayak.

I'm confused and thinking of returning it and getting the laketroller.

Can someone please talk this newbie  into one or the other?

You can shorten the boom, you know that right?
The 1050 is much superior to the lake troller. I have both. And I upgraded to 1060.
Heck I want the electric downrigger too if I can fit and make it to work somehow.