Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Robbie on January 06, 2011, 03:57:14 PM

Title: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: Robbie on January 06, 2011, 03:57:14 PM
Hey guys, looking for the general consensus on downrigger weights for our local salt.  I have 2 1060 manual crank Scotty`s.  What size balls should I get?  They have a 2' per turn retrieve.  I'm thinking 10 or 12lb.  Any info is greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: canso on January 06, 2011, 04:07:43 PM
If you’re not stacking, the 10's might be easier to crank up.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: Robbie on January 06, 2011, 04:10:31 PM
Hmmm.. stacking??  Please elaborate, you're dealing with a salt newbie.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: Easywater on January 06, 2011, 04:16:24 PM
Stacking means putting more than 1 line on the downrigger.

You have 2 clips spaced 10 to 15 feet apart.

If you are stacking, you will need more wieght to keep the 2 rigs down in the water.
Standard single stack wieghts are 10 to 12 lbs, as you mentioned.

The shape can make a difference too - the pancake shaped ones have less resistance and you may be able to use less wieght.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: Robbie on January 06, 2011, 04:20:03 PM
Ahh, great info.  So I guess it would be safe to assume you are never actually as deep as the downrigger says you are due to trolling speed and Ocean current.  I only have 2 rigger rods at the moment so I would only be doing singles.  Sounds like ten pounders will work for me.  Thanks for the replies.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: canso on January 06, 2011, 04:21:56 PM
 fishing deep, you will need more weight.

If your a newbie, then start with 1 rod on each downrigger with 10lb weights.
Change from there, when you get more comfortable with your rigging.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: Easywater on January 06, 2011, 04:25:49 PM
Ahh, great info.  So I guess it would be safe to assume you are never actually as deep as the downrigger says you are due to trolling speed and Ocean current. 

Depending on your speed, the cable comes off the boat at around a 30 degree angle.

So, marking 100 ft on the downrigger is actually 85 ft.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: canso on January 06, 2011, 04:28:04 PM
If you’re fishing a sandy bottom, don't be scared to bump the bottom to find out where you’re at.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: Robbie on January 06, 2011, 04:50:57 PM
Great info, thanks a lot for the advice.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: Robbie on January 06, 2011, 04:52:00 PM
I could imagine 4 lines hooked to two cables could be a bit of a gong show with a frisky coho on the hook.  Two lines sounds like a good place to start.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: Brian on January 06, 2011, 06:09:40 PM
definately don't stack them when you're starting off.  That's just a tangle waiting to happen.

When pink fishing, we'd stack them and run four rods for more action.

Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: Thrasher on January 06, 2011, 07:38:06 PM
I use 12#. Just the right amount of cable angle. Only when chasing coho does the cable angle get too steep. 15's are nice when fishing deeper than 120's and making tighter turns tho.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: Easywater on January 07, 2011, 10:17:28 AM
If you’re fishing a sandy bottom, don't be scared to bump the bottom to find out where you’re at.

I remember fishing in Bamfield one time, it was common practice to bounce the ball off the sandy bottom when fishing for halibut.

Never trolled for halibut before then or since.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: Thrasher on January 07, 2011, 02:00:25 PM
I remember fishing in Bamfield one time, it was common practice to bounce the ball off the sanding bottom when fishing for halibut.

Never trolled for halibut before then or since.


Trolling for halibut is very effective if done properly.  ;)
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: island boy on January 07, 2011, 03:22:20 PM
trolling for hali works great. you can pick up springs at the same time. big glow hoochies. can't wait till summer.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: Robbie on January 07, 2011, 08:16:42 PM
Was planning a Bamfield trip for this summer.  Not sure if my 17'er is enough boat for there or not though.  Good rigger tips guys, much appreciated.  I think I'm going to go with 12's.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: FISHIN MAGICIAN on January 07, 2011, 09:49:25 PM
12's will work with 1 per side. However, if you're out at 5 mile, 7 mile...you'll want 15's for sure since you're fishing on the bottom at like 260 feet of cable out. With a 17 footer--- stay inshore unless it's a FLAT day. If you do go offshore, make sure you have FULL fuel and watch the weather. Leave the offshore stuff to the offshore boats. Depending on what time of year you go, I'm sure you'll have no problem hooking plenty closer in.

Tight lines!

 

 

Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: canso on January 08, 2011, 10:34:23 AM
15s ya if you got electrics.  Have you ever cranked up 15s from 200’?  :o

5 and 7 mile I only fish the top 80' for salmon and ride the shelf, 350+ft rises up to 180ft.(that’s when you know your there)
Follow the shelf staying closer to the 180 side.

I do it in a 19.5 but a friend uses his 17' bayliner Capri. Like others have said, watch wind and tides.
It’s the first mile on your way out from cape beale that will give you trouble. Once you’re out, it’s just huge rollers you hardly notice.
 
ok now i want to go fishing
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: FISHIN MAGICIAN on January 08, 2011, 12:19:44 PM
15s ya if you got electrics.  Have you ever cranked up 15s from 200’?  :o

5 and 7 mile I only fish the top 80' for salmon and ride the shelf, 350+ft rises up to 180ft.(that’s when you know your there)
Follow the shelf staying closer to the 180 side.

I do it in a 19.5 but a friend uses his 17' bayliner Capri. Like others have said, watch wind and tides.
It’s the first mile on your way out from cape beale that will give you trouble. Once you’re out, it’s just huge rollers you hardly notice.
 
ok now i want to go fishing

15 lbs vs 12lbs on a hand crank are little difference however a NOTICABLE difference when fishing deep. I'd rather crank 220 feet of cable than 280.

When the fish are deep, you want to get there as efficiently as possible.

Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: Robbie on January 09, 2011, 06:35:31 PM
Whats the deal with the first mile Canso?  Conflicting currents created chop?  Rollers definitely don't worry me.  It's rollers and chop combined that sucks.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: canso on January 09, 2011, 07:44:56 PM
Currents toss the water around every which way.
It shallows up and has some nasty rocks at the mouth.
Just adds to the excitement. The best time to get threw is during slack tide, too bad, it’s also the best time for fishing.

The closer to Sept. you book the less chance you would need to go offshore, fishing the “wall” or some of the other sheltered spots can be very productive as well.

I love the place and wish I could be there every year.
Now with a new truck, camper and boat trailer, I'm not interested in the gravel road.
Last time was 3.5hours.
If I'm going this season I will run the boat up from China Creek or Port Alberni and rent a cabin in Bamfield.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: island boy on January 09, 2011, 09:17:53 PM
stay at the seabeem if you go.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: canso on January 09, 2011, 10:36:52 PM
just checked out seabeem web site and looks afordable.
what do the 2 person trailers look like?
I'm booking somthing for the third week in Aug.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: arimaBOATER on January 10, 2011, 12:33:02 PM
We use 15lb ball.  We like the fact that the cable will stay out of the prop area.
Also of course we still do not make tight turns.
At Sandheads there are such strong currents at times.
As Canso mentioned the down side is ya have to wind up the weight ...but it's good exercise  ;D
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: island boy on January 10, 2011, 03:13:07 PM
canso, they are slowly getting rid of the trailers and getting arco trailers that they are renovating into little suits. they will still have some trailers around. they are clean and cheap. or you could stay in the lodge part. it's a no frills place but clean and affordable. and with fishing grounds 2 minutes away you can't go wrong.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: IronNoggin on January 10, 2011, 04:25:43 PM
I could imagine 4 lines hooked to two cables could be a bit of a gong show with a frisky coho on the hook.  Two lines sounds like a good place to start.

LOL! Try 3 rods a side, complete with a dummy flasher for each!  :o
Total of 12 pieces of gear in the water. NOT for the faint of heart!  :D
I run that set-up for sockeye with 13.5 lb custom lead finned balls btw.

Best to start with two lines and work up.  ;)

Cheers,
nog
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: Robbie on January 10, 2011, 05:28:28 PM
We are looking at going the first or second weekend of August.  I was looking at Seabeam and also Mills Bay or something like that.  I think Navionics should show the danger points at the mouth entering the ocean.  I think I'll be ok as I long as I don't forget the common sense....lots of people leave that at home.
Title: Re: Downrigger weight advice
Post by: Dogbreath on January 10, 2011, 08:49:28 PM
We are looking at going the first or second weekend of August.  I was looking at Seabeam and also Mills Bay or something like that. 
You mean Mills Landing (http://www.millslanding.com)-book early.

Also don't expect much-fishing in Barkley Sound overall has been poor the past few years and that doesn't look to change-the Real Action is offshore in Big Water.