Braided line on downriggers

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 need a weight as well if you are still flush with extras.  Are you going to crabfest?


Thanks
Jim

Get some teflon-coated braid, like the Spiderwire Stealth or PowerPro Super Slick.

Jim,
I might have a weight for ya, and maybe another.
See ya at crabfest

I think I made it such that 1 turn of the crank was 1 foot, and backing was used to get the ratio right.  I dunno, it was so long ago ...

-Allen

Thanks Eric, see you there

Power pro 150 on first laketroller, no backing---then I realized this is way overkill.  Used some Bass pro #65 braid on the second one, no backing, no problems.

I think I made it such that 1 turn of the crank was 1 foot, and backing was used to get the ratio right.

With the Scotty Braided line being white, I use "hash" marks on the line; thin mark equals 10', thick mark equals 50'.

at 30' there were 3 thin marks, at 70' there were 1 thick and 2 thick marks, at 110' there were 2 thick and 1 thin mark...... you get the picture....

but the best thing I did was mount my transducer inside the yak at the rear of the kayak; I can actually see the downrigger wieght on the fishfinder.....

OK, here is the real deal. Spectra breaks at about 10# less than mono so I run 40# spectra on my down rigger which I should be break off if I get hung. The most lead you hang from a kayak is 6-8# so 40# spectra should be more than enough.

I use a 4 pound ball for my downrigger and troll about 1.3mph.  Since braid is thinner than wire cable, it drags back about the same as cable with a heavy ball. 

I was concerned about going too light. I tied my weight to 75lb braid and then did a test drop over the side of my kayak on a stand to simulate accidentally dropping over the side on the water and the line broke. Was it just a coincidence?

Was that with a fresh-tied knot and if so, what knot did you use Rob?  I re-tie my weight often because I've lost balls too often just bouncing light off the bottom.  If there's slightest fray, I retie. 

It broke above the knot about 2".

rubber snubber or surgical tubing will help that.  take any thin line, tie a 4lb weight on it and dead drop it and its very possible to snap like that.  not about pure weight and line strength then, its about the force of the ball dropping...i don't remember my physics too well but gravity does funny things.

I was concerned about going too light. I tied my weight to 75lb braid and then did a test drop over the side of my kayak on a stand to simulate accidentally dropping over the side on the water and the line broke. Was it just a coincidence?

Drop in air is quite different than dropping in water since water will provide resistance slowing descent.

I wouldn't go toooo light on the braid. Remember, it's not just the 4lb ball. Those dodgers, flashers, etc cause a lot of drag too! ...putting more strain on your downrigger line.