down rigger?

Anybody have an opinion on using a down rigger from a kayak?  I'm interested in trying it out.  Could there be a danger that I'm not thinking of?
I'm fairly new at kayak fishing so I appreciate your input.

Bruce

There are dangers involved in using a downrigger. That being said, I have one.

I love mine. I have scotty lake troller model. Make sure you install in front of you. I've seen people install them behind them which doesn't look practical. For me, it takes the guess work out. I know exactly what depth I'm running. Never had any issues yet with salmon wrapping around downrigger line.

Herb

I've got one, although I haven't yet used it in the ocean---just a couple of times in lakes so far.

If you do get a downrigger, replace the wire with braid. You need to be sure that you can break free of the ball if it gets snagged. On the kayak, I always keep a knife on me, and I carry a needlenose pliers that has a braid cutter. Defense in depth...

If you do get a downrigger, replace the wire with braid

I use 80lb powerpro depth counter, makes it real easy to figure out my depth. Make sure you add some kind of backing plate(s) to the Scotty mount. I have a single piece of 3/16 aluminum backing shared between both the 12" yakattack GT175 rails and Scotty lock mounts, super secure.

Mike

I love my dr. I use a clamp on style clamped to my crate. I also run standard cable. 50lb braid is gonna dump you just as fast as cable. I always have side cutters with me incase I need to cut hooks do if needed I can use them to cut the cable.
I wouldn't run my dr in water that has a tidal influence but that's just me.

Yes ! I would use braided line just incase you snag to tangle you can always cut it ..

I also run the Scotty Lake Troller, and replaced the cable w/ braid.  The 'hum' off the cable was too much, the braid runs nice and quiet.

How about some pictures, specially for a Revo.

Gracias!

Mel , just install the scotty rod mount inside the pocket and thats all you need to do .. and drop your scotty laketroller down rigger in it .. that simple ...

Mel , just install the scotty rod mount inside the pocket and thats all you need to do .. and drop your scotty laketroller down rigger in it .. that simple ...

+1.   I just installed mine on the side pocket area and positioned mount so that when the downrigger is completely seated, the downrigger just barely rests on top of the hull.  I thought this would help reduce stressing out the hull.   Also backed it with 1/2" starboard plastic.

I'll post pics later if you want.

I also recommend switching to braid, less sound and easier to cut if needed.

Pic on my Outback.  Scotty Flushmount installed just behind the beer holder in the cargo well, keeps it nice and tight to the hull minimizing stress.  Easy to reach, but still out-of-the-way enough to keep an open deck.

Pic on my Outback.  Scotty Flushmount installed just behind the beer holder in the cargo well, keeps it nice and tight to the hull minimizing stress.  Easy to reach, but still out-of-the-way enough to keep an open deck.

Do you have a backing plate underneath that?  If so, was it difficult to reach in and install?

How I did mine on the AI.

Pic on my Outback.  Scotty Flushmount installed just behind the beer holder in the cargo well, keeps it nice and tight to the hull minimizing stress.  Easy to reach, but still out-of-the-way enough to keep an open deck.

Do you have a backing plate underneath that?  If so, was it difficult to reach in and install?

No backing plate needed, I run a 3lb weight and it's rock solid.  However, one could easily be added, I was able to tighten up the mounting hardware on the Scotty by reaching through the center hatch.