Braided line on downriggers

Tried using the steel cable that came with the laketroller on my test outing and I knew immediately why people switch out to braid.  I put some tunes on pretty loud and could still hear that crazy hum from the cable.  Its gotta go!

So, for those that have switched out to braid, did you guys put any mono backing or tape before spooling the braid on like you would on fishing reels or put the braid straight on? 

Also, I've heard that the braid can crack plastic downrigger spools, has anyone experienced this?

i put a backing of electric tape on mine. I was definitely worried about it splitting the laketroller spool.

I made my own downrigger with a old Penn reel.
I put some tape on the spool first that added several hundreds feet of 80lb powerpro.
It still makes a little noise but nothing too annoying.
Good luck

I use the cheap 50lb Dacron braid and it's working fine.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAIDED-DACRON-IGFA-Pro-Power-Fishing-Line-50lb-150yd-NEW-/370976873330?_trksid=p2054897.l4276

OMG! I dont use more than 120' on my lake troller; where are you guys trolling? the center of Lake Tahoe?

I swapped my cable for the scotty braided line which I believe is rated for 150 lbs.  I have some extra DR weights if you're interested. 

I use 120 pound braid, no backing and I cut and retie the end back about 5 feet every 2 or three trips as the end tends to fray from bouncing around while in the kayak or in storage.  I've lost a few balls before starting to do that practice of trimming back the line and retying. I plan to replace the braid every three years or so as well. 

150# braid, no backing.

seems to be holding up well after a two years worth

I have some extra DR weights if you're interested.

I'm interested... can you bring them to the ShootnChill?

I have some extra DR weights if you're interested.

I'm interested... can you bring them to the ShootnChill?

+1 jason

It's been so long that I don't remember how I attached it although I know that I didn't add any backing.  Haven't had any issues with the spool cracking.

Believe I got my braid from Mel Cottons with a 20% coupon.  First got the Scotty brand but ended up switching to power pro as it was thinner in diameter.

150lb braid ... Holly crap!!!
You're only using a 4lb ball.
If you want to relieve drag when paddling, try 50-65lb.
This will make it much easier, support the weight very effectively, and in an emergency, can be cut without too much effort.
I have used this same braid for the last six years, and now handed it off to Rockfish.
If you insist on the heavy line, be sure to ware your PFD, a snag and wind/swell could really ruin your day.

It's been so long that I don't remember how I attached it although I know that I didn't add any backing.  Haven't had any issues with the spool cracking.

Believe I got my braid from Mel Cottons with a 20% coupon.  First got the Scotty brand but ended up switching to power pro as it was thinner in diameter.

I was thinking of going with the power pro as well and that just sealed the deal.  Thanks Michael.

So my next question, any of you guys spool the line yourself?  Seems like it could be a 2 person job but I might have to do it solo cuz I'm impatient and want to test it out again this week.

So my next question, any of you guys spool the line yourself?  Seems like it could be a 2 person job but I might have to do it solo.

I did spool it myself, on the floor of my living room, and it wasn't TOO bad.  In retrospect, I would have had somebody help me, mostly from the stand point of making sure that when you put it on, it is nice and taut.

I use 80# Power Pro Depth Counter line on my Scott DRs. No complaints.

Mike