Spectra for downriggers

I'm building a downrigger, and I'm putting spectra on it. What #test line do you use on it instead of cable? Is #100 enough. I don't want to create any more drag than nessessary.
Thanx

i got 80 on mine. I use it only in FW.

I took some 80# braid and tied a palomar knot on my DR weight and tested the line by holding the spool and dropping the weight and it broke the line about 6 inches above the knot.  After seeing this I was concerned about loosing my weights, so I used 150#. 

Thinking I probably could have gone lighter though, since the drag still seems to be kinda bad.  I will say that the DR no longer 'sings' like it did with the cable, which is a great improvement.  But I still get a bit of sway back when deployed >40fow. 

Before I swap the DR line again, im going to try heavier weights to see if I can keep the weight directly below my boat, and registering on the FF.  Ben said he uses 4lb, so thats what I'm going to try next.

Ben said he uses 4lb, so thats what I'm going to try next.

I've got 4lb. balls and I still get sway-back.

Wait, did that sound funny?

Seriously though, I have a 4lb. cannon DR ball and when I drop it lower than 30 ft. and do any sort of speed, like more than 2 mph, it definitely doesn't hang straight down.  You're probably going to have to use 6 if you want no angle.

I use 80# with a 3# cannon ball.  I haven't changed the line in 3 years, and it is still going strong.

For my yak I use 50lb P-Pro and a 4lb weight
Not to bad on the drag - Still a little humm
Since I don't "Drop" the weight = the line is plenty strong
Biggest problem I've noticed is when fish try to pop the release the ball swings and this could be a problem with Salmon.
Will be trying a larger ball to get a better release.

See Ya Soon,
Eric / Yakhopper

Biggest problem I've noticed is when fish try to pop the release the ball swings and this could be a problem with Salmon.

I have noticed the same thing.  How big are your balls when you fish for salmon?

Biggest problem I've noticed is when fish try to pop the release the ball swings and this could be a problem with Salmon.

I have noticed the same thing.  How big are your balls when you fish for salmon?

 
I guess it depends on how far you want to take it

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I have noticed the same thing.  How big are your balls when you fish for salmon?
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beside the mussles check, DFG also doing balls check when fishing for salmon?  I guess I'll skip the salmon fishing altogether then.   

"How big are your balls when you fish for salmon?" That depends on how far out you go and how rough it is..........
I'm still thinking maybe #100. They sell #150 for the standard DRer replacement line, but I'm sure that's to accomedate the largest weights. Our systems are typically lighter than the usual PB rigs. Drag is a big concern for us manual trollers. Hmmm. any more experienced opinions out there?

If you are worried about losing your balls just use a snubber

I use 30 pound spectra.

I've got 4lb. balls and I still get sway-back.

No doubt.

Maybe you need a bra instead of a jock strap? 

Sorry 

If you are worried about losing your balls just use a snubber

thats what some of the powerboat guys do, so it should translate fine to kayaks.

Mike, are you talking a snubber to the DRer weight as a shock absorber? Also what size weight do most go with? #4 or 6 for a kayak? I'm totally new to the whole down rigger thing.