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[Robbie]

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.

[canso]

If you’re not stacking, the 10's might be easier to crank up.

[Robbie]

Hmmm.. stacking??  Please elaborate, you're dealing with a salt newbie.

[Easywater]

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.

[Robbie]

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.

[canso]

 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.

[Easywater]

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.

[canso]

If you’re fishing a sandy bottom, don't be scared to bump the bottom to find out where you’re at.

[Robbie]

Great info, thanks a lot for the advice.

[Robbie]

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.

[Brian]

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.

[Thrasher]

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.

[Easywater]

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.

[Thrasher]

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. 

[island boy]

trolling for hali works great. you can pick up springs at the same time. big glow hoochies. can't wait till summer.