do any of you check voltage off downriggers?

[carlz]

First, let me apologize for the unending stream of questions, and thank you for your help. In reading various locations, I note that some folks are particular about checking for voltage from downriggers, not using plain lead downrigger balls, etc. Is this important? I currently use uncoated downrigger balls, but if it helps, am willing to switch to coated. Or other changes as appropriate.

Carl

 

[mrmike]

Very important to check the voltage. I use the heaviest zip tyes from my hasp to the DR ball clasp. For added safety.Works just fine also attached is a shocker cord. Hope this helps.

 

[SuperD]

The shocker cords work nice if you have auto stop, i.e. Cannon downriggers. Cannon downriggers are probably less likely to produce a problem on their own since they have ion control but by checking, you could possibly identify a hot boat. Which means you have a short somewhere and sending voltage out through your hull. BTW, what kind of downriggers do you have? Electric, manual?

Okay, I re-read your other post and see that you have Scotty DRs. Testing them with a multi-meter is real easy to do. Simply ground the multi-meter and put the other lead on your downrigger cable while you are trolling. Report back with your readings.

 

[kelson]

Super D is right. Checking the voltage is very easy. My advice (for what it is worth) is unless you are using a black box to tune the voltage, scuttle the cable and go to braid. it is strong, doesn't kink and virtually eliminates cable sing. I have a very interesting way of attaching the ball to the braid that makes the ball/braid easy on the hands and it creates the stop for your Scotty's which eliminates the need for cable stops (unless you want to have a two stage stop). PM me if you would like more info.
K.

 

[mrmike]

Kelson no disrespect. I have used cable vs braid for over 5 yrs. Yes having a positive charge is extremely important if you want to catch fish. I like cable if it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

[SuperDaveMT]

I went to braid on my cannon and I do like less sing and kinking, but I'm leaning toward going back to cable since I miss my auto stop. I don't think there is any way to make the auto stop work without cable as I assume the downrigger reads the break in current when the cable clears the water. I use a snubber to keep the ball in the water when it stops. Does the positive ion charge have much effect if you are fishing with the typical kokanee set back? What is the point of diminishing return? How wide is the field - would it effect a bait on a downrigger 12 feet away?

 

[SuperD]

The impact of ion control has more to do with eliminating negative impacts than creating positive ones IMO. If the electrical charge is slightly too high, the charge repels fish. Envision a force field around your wire that pushes fish outside the line of the path your presentation is on. Most Cannon downriggers with ion control are static and produce a semi neutral charge. Some have an adjustment knob like a black box and can be adjusted to a charge desired by specific species of fish. If you've ever seen a black box manual, it lists different species of fish and what charge tend to stimulate them.

 

[carlz]

SuperD,
I checked, and with coated downrigger balls, and plastic connections to the balls, I have .6 volts on them.

 

[SuperD]

SuperD,
I checked, and with coated downrigger balls, and plastic connections to the balls, I have .6 volts on them.

That's right in the zone.

 

[kelson]

MrMike,
None taken. I'm not the best Kok fisher but do at times hold my own. When i fished cable i had a black box and believe it did, if nothing else, reduce the impact of too much juice going down the cable. this was a significant issue with my glass boat. I just have so many fewer issues with braid....and knock on wood, have yet to loose a DR ball like i did on cable due to kinks and twisting. I hope to post a diagram of the system i use to connect the ball to the rigger, but hope to soon.
Tight lines,
K

 

[mrmike]

I lost one (down rigger ball) about 3yrs ago. Dam Wickiup . I will do a check every year make sure I'm not putting out a negative discharge. Never had or used a black box just something else to worry about. I have some friends that have switch over to braid. I have no issues with cable work great for me . I run 4. DR all Cannons electrics. Good luck see on the river

 

[stryker17]

Went to braid 2 years ago and will never go back to cable. I fish lakes and rivers and the sound, I just like that the braid has less drag and no problems with auto stop, just go to the orange stops, they are made for braid. At least on my Scottys that is....

 

[Billm]

Does the voltage change with a change from fresh to salt water? I have not checked mine yet, but will the next time I am out.

Thanks,
Bill

 

[SuperD]

Bill, yes it does.