Downrigger cable

What do you use? I have been getting wear spots where my braid is tied to the terminal end. I have been tying fresh each outing. Even with that I lost my weight this weekend at Rollins lake. I'm not sure why it is wearing there. I use the rubber bumper to cushion the retrieve when the weight hits the arm. I also use a shuttle hawk. I wonder if the rubber bumper is rubbing a weak spot in the braid. I'd like to get rid of this issue if I can. Any ideas?

Sst cable. Only downside side to cable is the noise. Sure your braid will cut easier,but if you hang up bad enough to flip your braid is gonna dump you just as fast as the cable.

Ken, this is what I use:
 http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Depth-Trac-Downrigger-Line/701840.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Ddownrigger%2Bdepthtrac%26x%3D10%26y%3D6%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=downrigger+depthtrac

It's cheaper than braid and wouldnt cut you. Easy enough to cut when you get tangled. I've had mine for a year or so and havent done any retying. It also doesnt have that annoying humming/vibration like the SS cable does.

Ken, this is what I use:
 http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Depth-Trac-Downrigger-Line/701840.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Ddownrigger%2Bdepthtrac%26x%3D10%26y%3D6%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=downrigger+depthtrac

It's cheaper than braid and wouldnt cut you. Easy enough to cut when you get tangled. I've had mine for a year or so and havent done any retying. It also doesnt have that annoying humming/vibration like the SS cable does.

I am using scotty downrigger braid. I assume the problem is the rubber cushion, the shuttle hawk or the combination. Do you use either the cushion or the shuttle hawk?

Ken, this is what I use:
 http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Depth-Trac-Downrigger-Line/701840.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Ddownrigger%2Bdepthtrac%26x%3D10%26y%3D6%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=downrigger+depthtrac

It's cheaper than braid and wouldnt cut you. Easy enough to cut when you get tangled. I've had mine for a year or so and havent done any retying. It also doesnt have that annoying humming/vibration like the SS cable does.

I am using scotty downrigger braid. I assume the problem is the rubber cushion, the shuttle hawk or the combination. Do you use either the cushion or the shuttle hawk?

No. I tie it directly to my downrigger ball using a heavy snap swivel.

I tie the braid to the snubber. The rubber bumper sits on the knot and the shuttle hawk I assume rests on the bumper while under way. If you don't use a rubber bumper, that might be my problem.

I've been using 50 lb powerpro and haven't noticed any issue at the knot. But now that you mention it, I'm going to check it more carefully...

I've been using 50 lb powerpro and haven't noticed any issue at the knot. But now that you mention it, I'm going to check it more carefully...

Do you use the rubber bumper or a shuttle hawk?

I use 150# power pro.  No problems.  I don't understand why you are using a shuttle hawk and a downrigger.  I guess I should learn.

Jeff, The SH takes your line down without having to reel the weight up and down all day long.

OK got it.  I guess I'll have to try that I won two of the Hawks and have never used them.  Great idea.  Thanks Rob.

I add a small Lil corky float to my braid. Cushions the last inch of reeling line in where the knot rubs the line intake guide. Seems to help. 

I've been using 50 lb powerpro and haven't noticed any issue at the knot. But now that you mention it, I'm going to check it more carefully...

Do you use the rubber bumper or a shuttle hawk?

Rubber bumper yes, shuttle hawk no. I can't see how the bumper could do any harm.

I've been using 50 lb powerpro and haven't noticed any issue at the knot. But now that you mention it, I'm going to check it more carefully...

Do you use the rubber bumper or a shuttle hawk?

Rubber bumper yes, shuttle hawk no. I can't see how the bumper could do any harm.

I'm guessing here. I wondered if the inside of the hole in the rubber had enough friction to rub a weak spot into the braid.

I add a small Lil corky float to my braid. Cushions the last inch of reeling line in where the knot rubs the line intake guide. Seems to help.

Cork sounds like it might be a better choice.