Down rigger Newbie

[id_birdhntr]

I'm making baby steps towards being better outfitted for kokanee fishing and just bought a downrigger for trolling on Lucky Peak and Cascade this year. It's a Cannon Easy Troll and it did not come with a ball. I did some searching on here but couldn't find a thread on the correct weight of ball to run. Is there any information someone can point me towards on what size I should use? I am thinking that trolling speed is typically under 2mph so something in the 8-10 lb range should work that has minimal blowback down to 100 feet.

Also, does the clip that comes with the downrigger the proper clip for kokanee and trout or should I look into a smaller clip?

Thanks in advance.

Scott

 

[kokanee_slayer]

Congrats on the new Downrigger!!! The Easy Troll Downriggers are reliable, inexpensive units. I had a set and used them for years with zero issues. I normally used 8 lbs balls at speeds under 2 mph and fished depths down to 80ft with minimal blow back. If you plan to routinely fish that deep, it may not hurt to go to the 10 lbs balls. If memory serves, I believe the Easy Trolls are only rated for up to 8 lbs but I ran up to 13 lbs balls in the Salt Water and didn't have any problems other than it got to be a bit of a chore cranking them up. As for the Release Clip, I'm not a big fan of the Cannon releases; I prefer the Scotties.

 

[SuperD]

2 pounds doesn't sound like a lot but can make for a long day. I'd stay with 8 lbs. as typical Koke speed is closer to 1.5 mph most of the time. Ditch the Cannon release clips. We could start a Ford vs. Chevy war on what the best release clip is. As a newbie like you are, I'd recommend either the Scotty small clips or the SEP's or Vance's yellow offshore clips. I like the later over the Scottys just because I don't like the hard plastic in direct contact with my line. But both of those are very user friendly.

 

[id_birdhntr]

Thanks for the help. I had to laugh at the lack of information that comes with the downrigger on how it works,etc.. Not that it's difficult but there is nothing included. Had no fish finder or downrigger last year so a big step in the right direction for this year. Hope to get out in the next couple of weeks.

 

[SuperD]

Do you have the fish finder now? Otherwise, you may have some serious problems. Adjust your downrigger clutch loose in case you hang up on the bottom.

 

[dragonfly]

Id if you don't like cranking up and down all day especially first starting out getting the clips dialed in I would invest in a shuttle hawk that way when it trips by the time you reel in it will be sitting on top of the water ready to be hooked up again. but I would highly recommend making my safety strap that way if something happens you won't loose it. dfly

 

[SuperD]

And swapping out the shuttlehawk release clip is equally highly recommended.

 

[SilverBullets]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6Jd2pR_E6Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CJtwObs1bg

 

[id_birdhntr]

SuperD, I did get a Lowrance Elite 5 finder/GPS unit as well. Last year we had some good success fishing blind until the weather warmed up but I had just bought my boat and a little cash poor to add on the extras. I will need to look into that shuttle hawk for sure. SilverBullets, Thanks for the youtube clips as well.

Anyone know where the Tackle Shack went too? I stopped by in Meridian yesterday and the store was gone. Are they strictly online now?

 

[Kokonuts]

Welcome to the Forum!
I use the Shasta Tackle release because I like the screw adjustment on it ! Just be sure to keep a couple small screw drivers handy. The Shuttle Hawk is a must have for the manual DR's, do a search on them for a more info. This forum is loaded with all kinds of Kokanee tips!!

Kokonuts