Downrigger Question??

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JimmyBuffett
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Downrigger Question??

Post by JimmyBuffett »

Well I mounted the Big Jon on to the 12fter it has a 2 ft boom and a 9lb ball, went to le baron today and picked up a 4 lb ball, what would u use in my situation, I'm guesssing the lakers will only be holding at 50 ft or so?? Any thoughts?

Cheers,

MH
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crash
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Post by crash »

not trying to be smart but experament with it.
I use a 4lb for 40 ft.
To cheap to buy a bigger one.
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nighttroller
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Post by nighttroller »

I like to use a heavier cannon ball as it tracks truer to its depth on the counter. Since you already bought the 9lb I would go with it.
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Tomcat
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Post by Tomcat »

A 4 lb ball may be a bit light. Take a look at the scotty charts provided at: http://www.scotty.com/downrigger_weights.htm
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JimmyBuffett
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Post by JimmyBuffett »

Nice Link that did it, I think I can and should go with the 4 lb and if I need to go deeper then switch over, Thanks guys, I'll let u know how it works out :wink:

Cheers,

MH
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Muskiemagnet
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Post by Muskiemagnet »

I agree that 4lbs is too light. You'll find it harder to release your line. A fish can pull and tug the 4lbs easy, same thing when your trying to release your line to reel in, the ball will be lifting and dropping.
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JimmyBuffett
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Post by JimmyBuffett »

MM,

I never thought of it that way, thought it was all in the clip, I'll see how she goes, but I guess that makes sense :) Thanks

MH
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Scum Frog
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Post by Scum Frog »

We have both and after using the light ball once we never used them again.
The heavier ball is better for all the reasons already given.
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Markus
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Post by Markus »

Personally, I can't think of any applications a 4lb ball would be good for??? Go with the 9.
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eye-tracker
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Post by eye-tracker »

Markus wrote:Personally, I can't think of any applications a 4lb ball would be good for??? Go with the 9.

The only application I can see is...
The small portable downriggers will only take a 4-5lb ball. They can not take the large weights . If using the small weight you also have to scale down on the release clips so you can pop the line out of the release with out lifting the ball.

-et
Sheldon Hatch
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crash
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Post by crash »

I use a portable. Any advise as to what type of release.
thanks
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eye-tracker
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Post by eye-tracker »

crash wrote:I use a portable. Any advise as to what type of release.
thanks
I use the Scotty mini powergrip plus for walleye and small lake trout. These work great with powerpro and fireline.

Image

cheers'

-et
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CCLad
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Post by CCLad »

I just took a look at the Scotty charts that the link provided and they seem a bit skewed!

No way in hell (Chart # 3) does a 45 degree chain angle with a ten pound ball, down 100 feet on the counter, moving at 3 miles per hour put your cannonball down at 99 feet of water.

More like the canon ball will be running in or around 77-80 feet.

Don't put too much into those charts! Following info like that can get
allot of your lures washed.
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Xenos
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Post by Xenos »

CCLad


You have a Pm
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JimmyBuffett
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Post by JimmyBuffett »

Well considering the Downrigger is mounted with 4 bolts with a machined aluminum base plate, I'm guessing it can take a 9 pound ball? I was concerned about boat control and what not, but it is mounted on the back so it will be way clear of the prop, well thanks for the advice :wink: , hopefully my little 12 can haul in a couple of nice sized trout :D :wink: , Cheers and Good Luck to all!

MH
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