Down rigger release and weight?????????

I built my own down rigger, and now I have to figure out which release system and size weight to use. Any feed back on which systems work best would be appreciated.

I use a Scotty mini power grip #1181 and a homemade 2lb weight I also use a 3lb when going deeper then 30 feet works good for me.

Pat R

I built my own down rigger, and now I have to figure out which release system and size weight to use. Any feed back on which systems work best would be appreciated.

No pics it doesn't exist!!!!

I size up on the clip to the larger Scotty one when fishing salmon.  The smaller ones don't have enough resistance to consistently set the hook well.    6  pound weight in salt water.

-Allen

Why all the fuss about a DR for salmon? Whats wrong with a 2 or 1 b ball / sinker release? If the salmon are down 120ft isnt that depth going to create a lot of drag and pull to one side? I dont know. I have never used a DR on the kayak for salmon. I have never caught a salmon trolling on a kayak yet either. Plenty in the PB. Using DR's and sinker releases. I know all about some folks that  want to fish light and be all sporting and all that but..................................the more you screw around with light tackle the bigger the hook hole gets. Pretty soon your salmon is gone because you cant keep the forward motion going to keep the hook set with barbless. Tell me you guys that have caught salmon on the ocean trolling with a DR how it is better than a sinker release.

With 30 pound spectra, a 2.5 pound weight will get you down to 60-75 feet with a low resistance rig. If you are pulling a big flasher, a 3-4 pound weight weight might be needed. Like Craig said, I use a sinker release to start out. The reason is is that on the ocean it is a lot easier to deploy and if you have a line counter reel, you have precision depth control. If there are a lot of shakers, I switch to a size 1 double deep 6 with flasher and hoochie. I tried my spectra down rigger salmon trolling last year. It works fine on a dedicated non-surf launch salmon trip, but on a multi species outing it is too much for me.

With 30 pound spectra, a 2.5 pound weight will get you down to 60-75 feet with a low resistance rig. If you are pulling a big flasher, a 3-4 pound weight weight might be needed. Like Craig said, I use a sinker release to start out. The reason is is that on the ocean it is a lot easier to deploy and if you have a line counter reel, you have precision depth control. If there are a lot of shakers, I switch to a size 1 double deep 6 with flasher and hoochie. I tried my spectra down rigger salmon trolling last year. It works fine on a dedicated non-surf launch salmon trip, but on a multi species outing it is too much for me.

Was this w/your fishing pole DR?  I was thinking of making one as well.  The thought of a DR getting stuck on something like a crab trap is scary.

My DR is 1ft per 1crank. Id loose count after 75 or so but peddling is easier than paddling
Non beach start of course lol

Well I tried it out on the local pond, with #100 spectra and a 4lb ball and a salmon lure on a rod. I hardly felt any drag, and NO SIDE PULL.  I think I could handle a 6lber if nessesary. I couldn't drop it very deep, so it's not a true test, but the function and ease of use was as good or better than I hoped for. Can't wait to try it on the big blue. Oh and as far as depth, I'm going to tie in some bright colored 10' marks instead of trying to count the turns. Look out salamonies!!!!!!!!!!!

How deep was that pond?  Do you have a rudder?  The side pull seems to be more when your trolling deep (>30-40fow) and is a lot more evident when there is a cross wind.

"Do you have a rudder? "  Revo baby!!!!!!!! I wouldn't do this without a drive system.

I'm going to try the sailing rudder next time I go out with the DR to see if it helps.  Had it for a year, just never installed it. 

Pics!!  Pics!! Pics!!

-FF