Downrigger questions for the pros

Gotcha! Never thought about mooching.

I use the smallest tekota with line counter loaded with 50# spectra for dive plane and sinker release. It is matched with a 7' Lamiglas triflex rod.

I use a saltist  with line counter with 25# flourocarbon main line for downrigger and mooching. It is matched with a Calstar 270-7.

I use a 50-60# fluoro leader for bait, hoochies and brad cut plugs. 25-30# fluoro for apex and spoons.

I use a custom built downrigger with 80# spectra, snubber 6 pound ball ocean and 40# spectra, no snubber 2.5# ball on freshwater.

The tekota has a 4:1 ratio which is great for grinding up diving planes and lead balls. The saltist has a 6:1 ratio which is great for taking up slack quickly on the DR.

I use the DD 6 from 10-45' down.
Sinker release or DR 45-80' down
DR over 90' down.

In theory, you can get to 90' with a DD6 but the sinker release or DR give more precise depth placement. The problem is that if you are running heavy leaders and dragging mud or the reef which is often the case in August and September,  getting hung could cost you your whole setup. If I am dragging a reef, I prefer to use a sinker release or DR with an Apex or spoon on a light 25# leader. I use a heavier sinker release so rockfish can't release the ball.

Great thread guys, the info. is awesome, I recently got a DR and this will help a bunch...

- Keeping the drag loose lets the fish take LONG, tiring runs rather than short runs that get stopped by too much tension (usually pissing the salmon off and making it jump/thrash). I like this because it lets me work the fish far from the boat with lots of stretchy mono out to cushion any sudden movements. It also helps keep the fish calm, and keep it under water.

- If the fish is VERY tired by the time it gets close to the boat, it won't flip out.

That sounds reasonable, but probably not that effective when using braid.

- Keeping the drag loose lets the fish take LONG, tiring runs rather than short runs that get stopped by too much tension (usually pissing the salmon off and making it jump/thrash). I like this because it lets me work the fish far from the boat with lots of stretchy mono out to cushion any sudden movements. It also helps keep the fish calm, and keep it under water.

- If the fish is VERY tired by the time it gets close to the boat, it won't flip out.

That sounds reasonable, but probably not that effective when using braid.

You can use braid with that technique, just need a softer action rod. That technique works well unless there are fur bags around. Then you have to button down the drag, hold the rod tip high and waterski them in.

You can use braid with that technique, just need a softer action rod. That technique works well unless there are fur bags around. Then you have to button down the drag, hold the rod tip high and waterski them in.

Ha ha! Waterski them in. Now, that's more my style...