Downrigging

Do you use the wire line that comes with it or replace it with braided line? If replacing it with braided line, what is a good line weight to use?

Replace it with braid. IMHO, it's a major safety issue, at least in saltwater. I think I use 65# braid on my DR.

A few years ago, I was trolling from my Hobie (Revo 16) at Moss Landing and a whale crossed my DR line. I immediately cut the line, and no harm was done. If I'd had wire, at the very least I'd have gone for a swim and at worst... Well, I don't want to think about it...

Thanks for the response. Any brand of braided line or go with power pro?

I appreciate the quick responses, now I got to go find powerpro braid that’s on sale.

I use CHEAP amazon/ebay 100 lb braided.

Definitely switch to braided line.  Not only safer, its quieter running in the water.  I use Scotty 150lb downrigger braided line.  Comes in 200 ft spool and terminal tackle. 

Color coded braid helps you remember what depth you are at as well. I’m using 65lb power pro metered braid.

Thanks for all the inputs guys, I hope to see you guys out in the water one day.

Thanks for the response. Any brand of braided line or go with power pro?

I have power pro one one reel and j braid on another... I prefer the j braid. It seems to run smoother through the guides which makes me feel like it would vibrate less underwater. It's also cheaper.

Braid all the way. I snagged bottom in some heavy swell with my DR. A flick of the wrist with my knife and I was free. I agree with 100#+ as cheap as you can get.

good to know, just ordered the Scotty 150# braid with terminal tackle...I don't want a whale to catch me

Bow fishing line.  Cheap, up to 250lbs.

Okay, I get the idea of not using the steel wire cable that comes with the Scotty downrigger- pretty much a no brained! 

However- if you are running a weighted ball and do snag up why would you not want that snag to be off as quick as possible?  Wouldn’t a lighter weight braided line- say around 35-50 lbs test work just as well and not give an issue with snagging and the resulting capsizing risk?  It would seem that for a four to six pound weight going five times the ball weight should be sufficient. 

Am I missing something here?  Thanks in advance for any input!! 

A weight snubber is also a good idea.  Helps relieve shock if you happen to hit bottom. 

Okay, I get the idea of not using the steel wire cable that comes with the Scotty downrigger- pretty much a no brained! 

However- if you are running a weighted ball and do snag up why would you not want that snag to be off as quick as possible?  Wouldn’t a lighter weight braided line- say around 35-50 lbs test work just as well and not give an issue with snagging and the resulting capsizing risk?  It would seem that for a four to six pound weight going five times the ball weight should be sufficient. 

Am I missing something here?  Thanks in advance for any input!! 

I used 30# braid for a while and that’ll work. As you say, it might be marginally safer. But I did break it off unintentionally once when I cranked all the way to the top and just beyond, and it snapped. Since then, I’ve gone with 65#, and I never had any trouble with that.