Downrigger question

Can you use a second rod as a downrigger (without a line counter reel) for your cannonball and rely on the first trolling rod (with a line counter reel) to figure out the depth of the cannonball?  I don't remember if this has been answered but I'm trying to get away without purchasing a downrigger.

not with 100% reliability. the best way is to watch your ff.

It should get you in the ballpark.  I tried many home made setups, the $60 I spent on my Scotty was well worth it. 

I think in an ideal world, the linecounter would be on the downrigger (or, the rod you intend to use as a downrigger) if you wanted to get an accurate depth of your weight. Because I have a feeling there is significant "blowback" of line from the fishing rod...from where it enters the water to the weight, it'll form a sideways arc...so the linecounter on your fishing reel will indicate there is more line out than your lure is at.
After reading my own comment, I decided it needed an accompanying illustration. In said illustration, the downrigger is grey and the fishing pole is pink. To differentiate between the two.

Can you use a second rod as a downrigger (without a line counter reel) for your cannonball and rely on the first trolling rod (with a line counter reel) to figure out the depth of the cannonball?  I don't remember if this has been answered but I'm trying to get away without purchasing a downrigger.

It is more accurate to use the the line counter on the lead ball. When you drop, you get some bowing of the line and the deeper you drop, the more bowing there is. If you drop your lead ball to 200' down, your fishing rod will read 220-250' depending on the line diameter, boat speed and clip release tension. I use a linecounter reel with spectra as my downrigger and it works great BUT, grinding a 6 pound ball up from 200' just sucks. Better to mooch if the fish are more than 100' down.

I think in an ideal world, the linecounter would be on the downrigger (or, the rod you intend to use as a downrigger) if you wanted to get an accurate depth of your weight. Because I have a feeling there is significant "blowback" of line from the fishing rod...from where it enters the water to the weight, it'll form a sideways arc...so the linecounter on your fishing reel will indicate there is more line out than your lure is at.
After reading my own comment, I decided it needed an accompanying illustration. In said illustration, the downrigger is grey and the fishing pole is pink. To differentiate between the two.

Pat's Pink Pole

   How cute!

Thank you fellas!  I will take it into consideration.   

you could mark the line on your rigger reel every 10 feet or so or use a depth hunter style of line
http://www.powerpro.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/power_pro_v2/products/PowerPro_Depth_Hunter_.html

not with 100% reliability. the best way is to watch your ff.

That's how I will be deploying mine

I have the little Scotty Lake downrigger and love it...I replaced the steel cable with braided line just in case. I've caught 2 salmon with it in the Ocean too.

-Murf

I have the little Scotty Lake downrigger and love it...I replaced the steel cable with braided line just in case. I've caught 2 salmon with it in the Ocean too.

-Murf

Plus 2...just break down and get the scotty DR and replace the cable with 150ft of 80-100lb braid...you won't regret. The cable works its just annoying to listen to its HUMMMING!

And yes, My FF doesn't lie!

I remember that day. I skunked and you scored. I'll be rocking' my old school boat you see in this picture. My new boat will be in the booth on display.

What kind of release clips do you guys use?  I'm thinking of trying the Shasta Tackle Ultra Release out but have read reviews of you having to dial it in just right to make it work, and only works for one diameter of line once set. 

That Day was Glorious! One helluva of a Paddle too! I had to lay on the beach in the water for like 30mins to recover from the paddle back...I actually caught 8 kokes that day and all but one was caught on the DR..the other on the LOngLiner!