Downrigger Question??

Post by **JimmyBuffett** » Tue May 31, 2005 6:25 pm

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

Post by **crash** » Tue May 31, 2005 6:35 pm

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

Post by **nighttroller** » Tue May 31, 2005 6:39 pm

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.

Post by **Tomcat** » Tue May 31, 2005 7:00 pm

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

Post by **JimmyBuffett** » Tue May 31, 2005 7:15 pm

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

Cheers,

MH

Post by **Muskiemagnet** » Tue May 31, 2005 7:17 pm

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.

Post by **JimmyBuffett** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 5:33 am

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

Post by **Scum Frog** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 7:29 am

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.

Post by **Markus** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 8:41 am

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

Post by **eye-tracker** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 9:43 am

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

Post by **crash** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 9:46 am

I use a portable. Any advise as to what type of release.
thanks

Post by **eye-tracker** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 2:00 pm

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.

cheers'

-et

Post by **CCLad** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 2:55 pm

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.

Post by **Xenos** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 6:23 pm

CCLad

You have a Pm

Post by **JimmyBuffett** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 6:11 am

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

, hopefully my little 12 can haul in a couple of nice sized trout

, Cheers and Good Luck to all!

MH