Which Descending Device should be used for the 2024 RF Season?

Three major descending devices are currently available for purchase, and I want to share what I know of them.  Some people use homemade ones, too.

1.    SFD™ (Shelton Fish Descender™)
         a.   It is low-cost and simple to use
         b.   I attached a large snap swivel to attach weight
         c.   User instruction: https://www.sheltonproducts.com/SFD.html
         d.   Purchasing options:
                i.   https://www.sheltonproducts.com/
                ii.   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C7UJYB2/?coliid=ID1N08HIMJUZ6&colid=2IP2SHYUKL6Z5&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it
                iii.   eBay


2.   SeaQualizer Descending Device
        a.   More advanced options to preset release depth (Shallow - 30'-50'-70', Standard - 50'-100'-150', Deep - 100'-200'-300')
        b.   Recommend the Shallow model
        c.   User instruction: https://seaqualizer.com/technology/
        d.   Purchasing options:
                i.   https://seaqualizer.com/product/seaqualizer-descending-device/
                ii.   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R2BLV3Z/?coliid=I1YJYBRWPNZKC2&colid=2IP2SHYUKL6Z5&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

3.   Fishsaverpro Descender
        a.   User instruction: https://fishsaverpro.com/how-to-use-guide/
        b.   Purchasing options:
                i.   https://fishsaverpro.myshopify.com/
                ii.   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083NN7Z2K/?coliid=IDRPRRN6CQ87Y&colid=2IP2SHYUKL6Z5&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it


Please add any additional commercially available options and your experience.

Paul

The most common issue with descenders is not bringing enough weight with you to descend the fish. A 16 or 24 oz ball usually isn't gonna cut it on large, bloated rockfish. Bring at least five pounds of lead with you, along with a rod or line that's capable of handling that much lead. Also have the descender readily available to use, not buried at the bottom of your bag still in the wrapper.

Yup my 20 and 40oz wasn't close to sinking a big cowcod. I dont know even if i had 5lb would have saved that guy.

What about a weighted milk crate, inverted with ~120 ft of cord
*Not kayak friendly, I know

I don't enjoy winching up all that lead afterwards on a rod and reel, and especially don't enjoy when the SeaQualizer descender doesn't release

I prefer the SFD and will use it with a metered length of cordage

On a boat we had the seaquilizer descender attached to a downrigger and it was super convenient to just let them chill at 50' and then drop them down to 60' where it would pop, watching them on the FF.

I think for the kayak I might just pack a handline reel with the sfd setup but its looking like we will be fishing shallow and wont have much of a problem with healthy releases.

I use really large swim baits, or slow pitch jigs so I’m hoping this type of setup will work:



I’ll carry some extra weight just in case.

I use really large swim baits, or slow pitch jigs so I’m hoping this type of setup will work:



I’ll carry some extra weight just in case.

That might work on really small rockfish, but any rockfish over a couple pounds will require a lot more lead to descend. I often end up descending a few rockfish when fishing in 80-120 ft. A 5 lb downrigger weight and Shelton descender gets the job done for me, even on these larger yelloweye.

It sucks when you want to descend a rockfish and don't have enough lead to do it. Trust me, I've been there. Bring five pounds of lead, or stay in <50 ft of water.

I've had the Seaqualizer Standard model for a few years - and it works great - very happy with it.

I’ve been using a home made descender for a few years. It’s a fish grip with a weight and it’s on a hand line reel with some 550 cord. Oregon DFG actually has the set up on their website. I’ll probably buy a seaqualizer to put on a rod though. The hand line gets old after awhile.

I watched a few videos of the different descender types in action. Seems like it might be tricky to get right on a kayak - trying to manage the fish, the weight, and the line all at the same time. Especially on a kayak deck with attachments that could snag any part of the line before sending it over, possibly releasing the fish before descending.

The seaqualizer device seems like the easiest to manage, because it looks like it holds the fish pretty securely until it releases. But, it's also the most expensive.

I kinda like the idea of a handreel for this, but I also think I could probably just reel it up faster with a standard reel. A handreel would be easier to carry though.

I have an old Penn reel that I will probably attach to a piece of dowel for this. Add in some leftover 40 lb braid, one of the devices, and some rebar or random steel/lead/etc for weight, good to go. Keep it simple and cheap.

Does anyone know if there are going to be standards for type of device? Shape, size, material, etc?  The hook type devices look easy enough to DIY, if you have some stainless wire handy.

I’ve been using a home made descender for a few years. It’s a fish grip with a weight

Here is the link:
https://myodfw.com/articles/make-your-own-descending-device

Looks pretty simple to make and probably works pretty well. Might be the best inexpensive option for a kayak.

Does anyone know if there are going to be standards for type of device? Shape, size, material, etc?  The hook type devices look easy enough to DIY, if you have some stainless wire handy.

When we were drafting the petition, we reviewed other states' descender requirements and found any standards specified.  Based on the current draft 2024 CA regulations, I don't expect any standards for the type of device.

I took photos of what I use.  I always carry a backup rod/reel to rockfish fishing and attach a modified Shelton Fish Descender (added a large snap swivel to make it easier to add additional weights).  I started with a hand reel but it was more stuff to carry on our kayak.  My wife is a Yelloweye magnet, and I sure have experience releasing them.

Paul

Thanks for the info, Paul. Your setup is pretty similar to what I was thinking I could DIY. I have some nice and stiff stainless wire on hand, would probably work well for that. Add a couple swivels, sharpen the "hook" part, good to go!

Thanks for the info, Paul. Your setup is pretty similar to what I was thinking I could DIY. I have some nice and stiff stainless wire on hand, would probably work well for that. Add a couple swivels, sharpen the "hook" part, good to go!

I made a volume purchase previously when I made the NCKA safety flag.  I still have some extras; ask for one when you see me.
Also, I will have a discussion with CDFW for free or deeply discounted descender events.

Paul

Thanks for the info, Paul. Your setup is pretty similar to what I was thinking I could DIY. I have some nice and stiff stainless wire on hand, would probably work well for that. Add a couple swivels, sharpen the "hook" part, good to go!

I made a volume purchase previously when I made the NCKA safety flag.  I still have some extras; ask for one when you see me.
Also, I will have a discussion with CDFW for free or deeply discounted descender events.

Paul

Sweet, thanks! An event is a great idea, especially once they get this year's regs sorted. Would give us a good opportunity to speak directly with officers to make sure we are all on the same page about the new regs. Discounted or free descending devices would be great too!