SportFishing and Charters Forum - What Downrigger line????
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tfire1
07-17-2012, 03:54 PM
I have an old Penn downrigger that was given to me by my father in law and it has wire line on it right now. I have know idea how long it has been on there. So the question is can anyone recomend a good line or what line to stay away from. Thanks in advance.
Cousin Eddie
07-17-2012, 04:27 PM
I've always used 150 lb SS wire but I haven't found that any particular brand is any better than another. It generally starts to fray before it breaks so you usually have a little warning that you need to change it out or clip some off and put a new terminator on. I've never liked the braid/super lines because a small nick can easily go undetected and then it eventually just snaps without warning.
netsonic
07-17-2012, 04:29 PM
We just use braided stainless steel cable - 150# or 200# on our downriggers for salmon on Lake Michigan. Some have used braided lines but I think many have found if it nicks, it busts off pretty easy..
Ice Cream Man
07-18-2012, 05:46 AM
Switched mine to 250# braid, no more humming & I will never go back to cable..... ICM
AlloyToy
07-18-2012, 06:02 AM
Switched mine to 250# braid, no more humming & I will never go back to cable..... ICM
Good advice right here:thumbsup:
vettnman
07-18-2012, 06:16 AM
Yep, 200# braid on my downrigger. No more humming.
Jus Teasin
07-18-2012, 06:33 AM
You guys know why it hums......right?
Cause it doesn't know the words! ;)
I have 2 downriggers, 1 with wire, and 1 with 200# braid. I don't notice any difference in fish catching performance between the two.
Cousin Eddie
07-18-2012, 08:32 AM
I would say that our wire dipsies generally outfish our braid dipsies so I wouldn't necessarly equate the elimination of the hum as a good thing. Granted, every presentation has it's day but the wire defnitely takes more than it's share of fish.
thubert57
07-18-2012, 09:10 AM
Yep, 200# braid on my downrigger. No more humming.
Thats me too.
Prop Blast
07-18-2012, 11:41 AM
Two main choices out there.
1. Replace the current cable with a replacement kit from Penn. Just drive down here to Tampa and visit Tampa Fishing Outfitters, Dogfish Tackle, or Betts Tackle. Call first to make sure they have the kit. "Mr Downrigger" here in Tampa is Vance Tice at Tampa Fishing Outfitters. He's there Wed & Thurs I know, so call then.
2. Replace with 200lbs braid. Not sure how I would connect the braid to the wheel/spool, but that can be figured out. Use 8' or so of 400lbs mono for your clip and terminal end to the weight.
I would not use mono (too much stretch and too thick) or Monel ($$); though Monel would probably work best -- it just costs too much IMO.
PB
PB