Downriggers

[Ex-Gillnetter]

How exactly do these work? Are these a reasonable option for a 22' mako in the rips around monomoy? I never see boats around me with them? Also, anyone been to the boat show this year? I'm headed over right now for the second time. Spring is around the corner!!

[sadlsorz]

EG, I've never used a downrigger for trolling, I never saw the need for inshore fishing. Basically you attach your line to a weighted ball via a release snap(the same type of thing you see on outriggers), you then drop the ball to your desired depth. When you get hit, the line releases, you bring your ball up and the fight is on. Do you troll the rips? I'm not familiar with that area. IMO I think if you are working waters 25' or less, you are better off saving your money and either use a drail or wire line. 25 and up maybe plunk some money down for a downrigger.

[LittleCasino]

Originally Posted by Ex-Gillnetter

How exactly do these work? Are these a reasonable option for a 22' mako in the rips around monomoy? I never see boats around me with them? Also, anyone been to the boat show this year? I'm headed over right now for the second time. Spring is around the corner!!

Are those depths correct, and is that the only body of water you are planning on using your riggers?

If so I would go with Sadlsorz advice and save your dollars.
A inexpensive alternative to controlled depth fishing is a "stealth rig", it's a one or two pound lead ball thats attatched to a Super Clip form Church Tackle ( the Church Tackle Super Clips work the best holding the rig on your mono) via crosslock or duolock snap.
The Super Clip when tweeked down will hold the weighted ball directly on to your mono.

Example: Let yor lead out 100' attach the clip and ball to your mono and lower the rig to your desired depth "lets say 25'.. 'now you have a 100' lead, 25' down..follow me?
When you hook up on a fish, you let the fish run with it for minute and the weight of lead ball will take its toll on the fish quick. Then when you gain line up to the weight, 'pop off the rig and continue the fight.

It's been a hot rig on the Great Lakes for rigger shy trout and salmon for some time. I used to run four downriggers of my 21' CC, and we have had such good success with the stealth rig on stripers that I have actually eliminated a pair of my riggers and go with a stealth rig setup.

Best Fishes

[K-Cube]

Hey casino, are you referring to cannon ball weights?

I thought there was an alternative to those clips that release automatically when the fish hooks up. Makes for a faster reel-in, especially for catch and release, much less straining. Is this a different clip you are talking of?

[LittleCasino]

K-Cube,

Yes, They are refferd to as cannonball weights, and the clips do not release the weight.

The clips were originally designed for inline planer boards, and at the time they were the only clips that would hold superlines without slipping.

The clips work extremely well on mono especially when holding a pound or two of lead.

I have also just been informed that they have changed the name from Super Clips to "Weight Clips"( part# 40400 ) you can check them out at www.churchtackle.com


Best Fishes

[Striperjim]

K Cube. There is a video of mark using the superclip on the hoosier link on his web site.

[Chinookhead]

K-cube, cannon use to make those releases that would drop the weights once the fish hit so as not to "kill" the fight....They are no longer made by Cannon, but I heard for a while they were selling the same clips for "another purpose". They were real popular especially w/ the charter captains for great lakes salmon/trout, but Mi and other great lakes states made use of them illegal for obvious reasons....We never used them. There is enough lead in our waters already!!!!

[stmn0]

DOWN RIGGERS ARE a deep water trollers best freind. i agree that you dont need em in shallow water, but it will put you at the depth you want nomatter where. fo cannon weights you could use a kinda"poor mans downrigger"these are usually used with a planer, but itl probly work. tie a wire (heavy 300lb cable)line off on the wight, then off let out as much cable as you want, and tie it down on a cleat, on those little rings on the back.then put a quick release clip(http://www.anglerscenter.com/acc_aftco_release.htm) on the weight toand clip your fishing line in. the weight is usually aplaner and instead of wire theres mono.