Spirit Lures?

[Juan Ree]

These work great

Yes, I stand corrected.

 

[msusprtn]

People are hating on the chamberlain stack release. I've been using them for years with no issues. There is a bit of a learning curve with the stacker, but they are easy to use and the release mechanism is the best available.
If you are afraid you will lose one to the lake, you can drill a small hole through a corner of the release and attach a 12" stainless steel leader through it and clip it to the downrigger cable.

 

[Cybersnow]

I fish a lot by myself and can run two lines so will run two down riggers. However I do need to equip the boat this summer to stack.

 

[bowelkhntr]

Fish hawk makes several different models. Some have a transponder that reads a sensor that attaches between the DR cable and the weight. I have my display mounted next my Lowrance. Depending on the model, they gives temp, and speed and depth at the downrigger weight depth. It gives the ability to monitor temp and adjust as needed in real time. Mine has temp and speed only. And reads at the surface, and at the weight.
I have scotty 1116 downriggers and even though I don't use a shuttle-hawk I put multiple "stops" on my cables, so I can stack easily. I run Stainless steal cable and to keep the stray electrical voltage from getting out of control, I made a "black box" to control any of that. So you can spend as much as you want or as little as you want. I've had a boat in my life, and have been Fishing for "blue-back" from about 1980. Some stuff works well and some only catch fisherman. Point is you need to find what works for you and, how it works best (speed, depth, leader, and size) and make it your own. Find an attractor and a leader combination that you can fish properly and perfect that!!

 

[Cybersnow]

When I had another boat back in the 90s I used a Lowrance that allowed me easily to see the thermocline. That seemed to work well for me then. My boat just got equipped with a Garmin unit and I am not sure how to find the thermocline yet, but will learn as soon as I can get my boat in the water. I am aware of the issue with the stainless cable and typically run the trolling setup about 100’ behind the cable. On the lakes around McCall Idaho the trout and Kokanee tend to run about 45’ down and the thermocline seems to be pretty stable. I have manual Cannons and they seem to do the job pretty well unless I get the desire to chase a few lakers and then I always wish I had purchased electrics.

 

[Bduck]

If your running stackers on 2 drs I found its best to use shorter setbacks around 50' and sometimes even a little shorter. The long setbacks with 4 lines cross/tangle very easily and gets worse when going into turns. I ran 2 Scotty manual downriggers for years; after purchasing 2 electrics I will never go back to manuals. After the stacking experience I decided on 2 more electric drs running 4 total eliminating stacking all together.

 

[Cybersnow]

Not sure how I would set up 4 DRs on my little 14.5. But will consider buying a pair of electrics depending on how busy my Summer is and how often I get to go out. Thanks for all the great info!

 

[Armondo]

Not sure how I would set up 4 DRs on my little 14.5. But will consider buying a pair of electrics depending on how busy my Summer is and how often I get to go out. Thanks for all the great info!

I have a 16 foot boat and run two downriggers when I am by myself. If I have someone else along, I will stack lines. I don't think I have enough room to add two more downriggers, so stacking is a necessary evil. As Bduck points out, you need to adjust your setbacks to avoid tangling.

 

[Bduck]

Not sure how I would set up 4 DRs on my little 14.5. But will consider buying a pair of electrics depending on how busy my Summer is and how often I get to go out. Thanks for all the great info!

I use 4 Walker electrics, the 2 rear drs have 3' booms to reach over straight back of the corners of the offshore bracket. The fwd 2 have 4' booms that go straight out on each side maintaining a spread. My boat is 20' where I can put the drs in close proximity on each side. I too am a loner who fishes but do have occasional company and use the fwd 2 drs.

 

[rjurries]

Told ya would be lots snow in February

 

[Cybersnow]

Boat is sitting in the barn with the battery disconnected. Too lazy to walk about 200 feet in 3 foot powder. Gathering ideas and doing retail therapy until the lakes up here ice out.

 

[Bduck]

Boat is sitting in the barn with the battery disconnected. Too lazy to walk about 200 feet in 3 foot powder. Gathering ideas and doing retail therapy until the lakes up here ice out.

I hear what your saying, winters can be harsh at times in our part of the country. I have piled up snow close to 3' in snow removal areas around my house. My boat takes up residency in my 3rd car garage. I keep it batteries plugged in 24/7, occasionally doing some projects with boat & gear. I finally got an appt to see an orthopedic surgeon today about my knees. Knee replacement is the agenda for both knees. Doing one now gives me some wiggle room for recovery while waiting for ice off.

 

[Cybersnow]

When I bought my RV I didn’t want to park it outside and the local u storeit was too expensive. I built a “barn” that has a three car garage and a small guest quarters. This time of year it is not used much but stores the e-bikes, tractors, boat and RV. I had one knee replaced a few years ago and luckily the other one hasn’t started to hurt yet. You will be surprised at how quickly you will heal. Just keep it iced and don’t be afraid to use the pain killers. It will take a while to gain full strength back but between PT, bike riding and hiking it still took a couple of years before I could ski for an extended period. GOOD LUCK!

 

[Bduck]

I now have 2 separate appts for full knee replacement for bone-on-bone grinding. The procedure going to be used is Jiffy knee which is less invasive than the normal procedure. Looks like I'm going to be down for a portion of fishing season.

 

[Cybersnow]

What a bummer! If you get over to Idaho, I will take you out! Oh is that a picture of a pm F111? I think the Aussies are still flying theirs.