ono loco
08-05-2010, 12:43 PM
Here in Texas we drift squid between 400 and 100' for swordfish at night. my new boat has a downrigger but i have never really used them before and was curious if it would be effective for this application.
The Boating Forum - anybody drift for swordfish with a downrigger?
THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
View Full Version : anybody drift for swordfish with a downrigger?
NAUTI BUOYS
08-05-2010, 01:13 PM
Here in Texas we drift squid between 400 and 100' for swordfish at night. my new boat has a downrigger but i have never really used them before and was curious if it would be effective for this application.
I wouldn't.
Just go with straight drop. If you are using multiple lines thats a lot of lines to get tangled. Also, I use marker "buoys" with my lines - not sure how that would work with a downrigger...
I wouldn't.
Just go with straight drop. If you are using multiple lines thats a lot of lines to get tangled. Also, I use marker "buoys" with my lines - not sure how that would work with a downrigger...
puro_agave
08-05-2010, 01:15 PM
break away weight. That downrigger line would easily tangle. I havent seen too many down riggers with 400' of line
ono loco
08-05-2010, 01:50 PM
sorry meant to post in the fishing forum - wasn't thinking about the deep line only the flat one less than 100' and we to make marker bouys to stagger the lines.
ltcavery
08-05-2010, 02:00 PM
Many times the currents down deeper are different than your surface currents. You run the risk of getting your mainline caught in the downrigger line while drifting. Agree with others, just add the appropriate amount of weight needed to reach the depths you want.
NAUTI BUOYS
08-05-2010, 02:04 PM
sorry meant to post in the fishing forum - wasn't thinking about the deep line only the flat one less than 100' and we to make marker bouys to stagger the lines.
I still don't think I would, even on the flat line. When you are using a downrigger for trolling the "action" is up and behind the downrigger line once you get a strike and little chance of lines fouling. If you are drifting and sword hits and swims around, seems like more of a chance to get tangled ...just my opinion,never tried using a downrigger for that....
I still don't think I would, even on the flat line. When you are using a downrigger for trolling the "action" is up and behind the downrigger line once you get a strike and little chance of lines fouling. If you are drifting and sword hits and swims around, seems like more of a chance to get tangled ...just my opinion,never tried using a downrigger for that....
knotreel
08-05-2010, 02:18 PM
we usually fish our "flat line"( we say tip line) at 100-150. there have been times when the sword makes the pick up and we miss the pool noddle laying over and when we see the sword swiming around the boat is our first clue. If we had a rigger down, well you know what would happen. Also when a deep line goes off and the fish does the swim all around deal, same thing. I vote with the others who said don't.