Colored Downrigger weights

[SilverBullets]

So it sounds like this type of weight is mainly used when near the bottom or structure. Is it possible to attached a set of ball trolls to the re-bar, or do you go back to conventional weight in open water? Also, have you noticed any drastic change checking your boats electrical field when useing the re-bar, or has this been cured by coating it and insulating it from your wire?

 

[AFDan52]

movieThats a question that I was going to ask next, do all metals in and around the boat create this electrical field?

 

[Kokaholic]

Since you would be fabricating this item from basically scratch, I would consider getting it chrome dipped. After you have put all your eye attachments and such welded to it. get it dipped in Chrome.

DAMN. Another winter projectthumbsup

 

[Petty4life]

Don't read to much into it. ITS FISHING NOT ROCKET SCIENCE, rebar wont put off as much charge as lead. if your dragging the bottom with rebar your going to loose alot.

rebar is simlple. drill a hole in the top attach 20lb test mono and clip the line to the bottom of your cable that way if you hang up it will brake off.

 

[Kokaholic]

Something that I think will be worth playing around with a little. great way to attach a ball troll. Then like has been said, If you did hang up, the mono attachment would allow it to break off and not loose God knows what.

 

[SilverBullets]

Speaking of ball trolls, has anyone tried attaching them to the rigger wire instead of the weight, then attaching the release clip 3-4' above it? Using the black box, this could extend the field closer to the lure it seems. I use ball trolls in tandem (8' long) which have been insulated from the wire when attached to the ball (because of the rubber snubber).

 

[Kokaholic]

we have always attached the ball troll to the ball and then cliped the release to the line above. little easier to get a better idea of my exact depth and also not so much more line from your rigger down to bring up. However, its whatever works best for you for wearever you fish,

 

[Kokonuts]

Down Rigger Weights

WoW!! I love this homemade stuff!! Sounds like we are off & running on another winter project!

Silver Bullets, I thought BALL TROLLS were just regular flashers hung on the ball. Sooo what are you using thats
8 ft. long?

I have been attaching a regular flasher ( 2ft. or so ) to the ball & the release to the flasher then dropping back at least 10-20 ft to the dodger & lure. Does this sound right?
worthy12

 

[SilverBullets]

Kokonuts...
The trolls I have been useing are Vance's Ball Trolls. They are 4' long, and I use 2 in tandem. I run them off the ball, and attach my release clip above on the rigger wire. I then let out line so my dodger is 2' in back of the trolls, and running 4' above. Running this close to the ball is only effective when your at least 40' down in my opinion. Any farther up in the water column I generally get back away from the boat, and shed the trolls.
I have heard of attaching the release clip to the ball trolls, but it seems to me that when you set up your rod and get a good arch, your pulling up on the trolls, thus restricting their rotation, vibration., and flash. I have heard success with this though... when the trolls are pulled up at an angle, the blades flutter more than spin, and that action can attract the koks too. When useing trolls this length, lower the downrigger ball slowly, and be aware of their location when they are raised up. I have used this set up for a few years now, and it really seems to get their attention.thumbsup

 

[Kokonuts]

Downrigger weights

Thanks Silver Bullets, I checked them out at Vances on line. Now I will have to see what I can make up out in the "SHOP".
I have been using the Berkley Steelon Nylon coated wire in 15lb test for Flashers, it comes in a 30ft. spool. The wire is very thin, .021 dia., flexable & the black coating is very smooth. It does come in heavy weights. Now I will have to find some blades! thumbsup......Kokonuts

 

[HiTechKoke]

Here's a photo of my steel (not re-bar) stick weights. I had my dad create 3 more for me while I was on Christmas vacation... it helps to have a machine shop as well. These are roughly 19 inches x 1.25 and an eye bolt in the top. The black one is one of my originals that I tool dipped. I'll probably go to 1.5 diameter thickness the next round to make them heavier and maybe a bit shorter. They way about 7 lbs each.

 

[twisted lines]

I was reading the post on Downrigger weights that some prefer, here is something else to ponder. Does anyone use any other color on their weights besides Black? If so what colors and does it really matter/movie

I read the red article years ago, and made a mold for 8# pancakes and had them powder coated in red and black, have tried various tapes on them and the red with silver tape is always on my side, but I do still compare with 3 others on the other side laugh hyst Tried for about a hour to post a picture last night, and will give it another attempt some day but not soon. Now for the stick weights, anyone tried to put the eye on the side 6-8" back and pull it horizontal instead of vertical ? how much does the bottom of the stick weight trail the top at trolling speed near the surface where you can see it? The chrome idea is good but why chrome stainless, Its in the way but i would probably not drag it intensionally

 

[vvBob]

I use the chrome Shark downrigger weights. They are pricey (about $80) but I feel they are worth the price.
Here in Northern CA we are trolling 45-60 feet for Kokes, so the less you attach to the weight the less drag in the water.
Anytime I am below 25' my set back is 8-10' so I can use the attracting qualities of the Shark weights.

 

[coty449]

I've made weights, like I'm sure many of you've done, by melting lead and pouring into an open topped aluminum beer can or regular tin can. I just stick a wire loop in the molton lead for the eye.
How much it weighs is dependent on how full you fill the can.
Salmon and kokes don't seem to mind my crude work. I haven't painted them.

 

[devil boat]

You are damn right that color makes a difference....I use nothing but fish shaped 10lb. rubber coated downrigger weights painted to look like Kokanee or Rainbows. Many times I have had a big "bump" on my weight from what I believe to be a curious Mac. I believe that the fish shaped weight attracts other fish just like a lure does, and the more detailed the paint job, the better it does in attracting fish. Good Luck...........

 

[SilverBullets]

You are damn right that color makes a difference....I use nothing but fish shaped 10lb. rubber coated downrigger weights painted to look like Kokanee or Rainbows. Many times I have had a big "bump" on my weight from what I believe to be a curious Mac. I believe that the fish shaped weight attracts other fish just like a lure does, and the more detailed the paint job, the better it does in attracting fish. Good Luck...........

Have you had any issues attracting predator fish while useing a short set-back for kokes? I've read about the success with the shark weight, and often wondered about this since it resembles a small fish.

 

[twisted lines]

Here's a photo of my steel (not re-bar) stick weights. I had my dad create 3 more for me while I was on Christmas vacation... it helps to have a machine shop as well. These are roughly 19 inches x 1.25 and an eye bolt in the top. The black one is one of my originals that I tool dipped. I'll probably go to 1.5 diameter thickness the next round to make them heavier and maybe a bit shorter. They way about 7 lbs each.

Thanks and it finally happened today with a little twist laugh hyst just a little more to do to finish then let the testing begin, Oh that's four months away.

 

[SuperD]

The bottom one looks like a snag waiting to happen. I assume it was designed to move away from the boat.

 

[twisted lines]

The bottom one looks like a snag waiting to happen. I assume it was designed to move away from the boat.

Someone asked if it was an anchor! That is one I don't plan on dragging. got 9 other's for that, "move away from the boat" almost!

 

[SmokeOnTheWater]

What happened to the discussion about downrigger weight COLOR???

My 10# pancakes are red and I seemed to get more fish this past season than ever before. Although other factors may account for the increased success, I'm sure the red weghts didn't hinder it. I just found some red and white reflector tape that I will be adding to the fins of these same pancakes. I also employ lengthy setbacks that are probably not affected by the color of the weight itself. The reflector tape will serve as an added attractor to pull fish in from farther away. If I plan the setback just right, my presentation with the hooks will be right on time.
thumbsup