Downrigger Installation and Setup

[Kfedka]

Just purchased two "Big Jon Sports Pak Manual Siderigger"(downrigger) from Cabelas. I read that plastic downriggers get weak overtime so I purchased a set that will last. I'm fairly new to the trolling party in general and have never used a downrigger before, although I have watched some youtube videos. By the way this downrigger is on sale at the moment for $145 plus tax as of this original post. http://www.cabelas.com/product/BIG-JON- ... 821599.uts" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Now for installation. I have a 16ft boat and there is something to secure the mount to that will hold the downrigger in place. Not sure how strong that area on the top of the boat is, maybe I should put a small aluminum plate under and bolt the mount to it just to be on the safe side?

I have some road holder on the side of the boat which I can just unscrew and remount anywhere on the boat that I use to troll leaded line on. Where exactly would be the best location to mount the downrigger, I was thinking towards the rear of the boat on each side so I has easy access to them. But I wanted to get some input from people that actually use them.

For the downrigger weight, generally speaking what would be a recommended weight? Does the size of weight matter if I'm trolling 15ft,50ft, 100ft, 150ft, etc down? Does any specific shape or color of the downrigger weight play a role?

Now how to troll with the downriggers might be for another thread, but I'll throw it in here anyways.
Gear- I use a trolling rod and reel for Trout that has 12 lb mono. Would this be fine to use with downriggers and if so up to what depth? I also have regular medium fast rods with spinning reels that have braided line. Is this an option to use spinning reel and braided line, what are advantages and disadvantages.

Thanks again guys for all the input and taking time and answer all the questions. If there is something I missed that you want to add please feel free. Thanks

[ncwflounderer]

I think you have the right idea about where to mount. I am not sure what kind of boat you have, is it aluminum, fiberglass? As far as line, I use 30#braided line with about 80' of Mono topshot. I use the topshot both for visibility and also it stays clipped in to the downrigger clips better (I think braid tends to slip out easier). someone else will have to chime in regarding weight, but im sure it has to do with speed and current, and depth.

[Toni]

In a lake I have used 4-6 pound balls but for the sound they would not work with the current, 12 pound or more. Or even a reservoir with a current.
In lakes I very seldom go below 50 feet.
Big Jons are used a lot in the midwest (Great Lakes). They have been around a long time.

[Toni]

In a lake I have used 4-6 pound balls but for the sound they would not work with the current, 12 pound or more. Or even a reservoir with a current.
In lakes I very seldom go below 50 feet.
Big Jons are used a lot in the midwest (Great Lakes). They have been around a long time.

I think your line is fine. I use Izorline 10lb. Platinum. For the lakes get the smaller release clips.

[downriggeral]

A backing plate or stainless fender washers will definately firm up the mounting. Mount the downriggers as far back as you can but still have EASY access to them for cranking etc. I have the rod holders just in front of mine with another set in front of that for the top/leaded lines I use at the same time.

I use 8# black coated weights all the time in fresh water. You could use 6# as an alternate. I use Scotty snubbers to help protect the cable from sudden stops. I like Scotty light weight releases for fresh water trout etc. and buy them in the stacker version 18" long. Attach them to the top clip of the snubber. This gives some room above the bottom for the gear if you bump with the ball. I also really like Chamberlain releases in fresh water. Take a look at their web site video.

You can use spinning reels but they are a pain since you have to loosen the drag to go down. Round reels are better, small ones. I spool with 10# Power Pro, install a small swivel (Palomar knot) and 5 or 6' 12# fluorocarbon leader. Flies are tied direct with improved clinch knot and I use a coast lock snap, no swivel, for plugs flashers etc.

Hope that helps - Alan

[hewesfisher]

Good stuff there Alan. Only thing I'll add is downrigger weight also depends on speed you're trolling. Lighter weights work well for speeds around 1.5mph or so, but blowback will increase quite a bit with 4 - 6, and even 8lb balls at the higher speeds on Lake Roosevelt (which is where I believe you plan to fish them). I have a pair of 8 pound weights and get a fair amount of blowback at speeds of 2.5mph. A pair of 10 or 12lb weights might counteract blowback at the speeds I troll.