Replacing downrigger wire

AUBuilder · 06-13-2008, 09:32 AM

I need to replace the wire on 2 penn 625's. I have heard about some folks using mono and some folks using braid. Would like to hear suggestions for either and what pound test is recommended. Thanks for the info.

reelfinatical · 06-13-2008, 10:01 AM

200LB PowerPro braid on both of ours.

Tuna Man · 06-13-2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

brnbser (11/20/2007)I've tried a little bit of everything when it comes to the downriggers.

I started with the unitroll HP'sand wire and normally use 10# balls, then went to mono because the wire has a tendancy to sing with any kind of current at all.

I switched to 200# mono with a 10# ball and got rid of the singing but because it's so large in diameter, it blows back way to much making it hard to target a specific depth.

I then switched to the salt and pepper 200# tuff line braid with a 10# ball. I was really happy with it but didn't like the color. We fished a tourney early in the year in Miami and I could see all thedownrigger tackle including the ball at60' down.

I switched to 100# power pro early in the year and have been happy with it and used it the rest of this year. I know alot of tourney fishermen that use 100# spiderwire as well.

I still use a 10# ball with it and no problems. You do need to be somewhat careful with it because the braid will cut you with that 10# ball swinging on it.

As far as the fraying of the braid, I keep the wire onthe spool as backing and still have the tuff line on there as well with the power pro over the top. I normallydouble about the last 5-6' of the braid with a spider hitch and cut it off and re-tie after each use. I learned that from Drew Mixon last year and it workedgreat for me this year.

I've tried a little bit of everything as far as releases also. I don't like the pincher releases that come with the downriggers at all and have tried several similar versions and either broke the clip or lost fish because of all of them.

I've make several versions of my own with mono and a aftco goldfinger clips but they have changed their design and the older style is hard to find and occasionally hang up so I started using 10# rubber bands. That worked the most reliable and it was suspended inline with the braid and above theball so no tangling.

I recently made another change and just made a length of braid witha spro snap swivel on each end of the braid attached to the back of the downrigger ball and used the 10# rubber band on the other end. This does have it problems, especially if your fishing in rough seas, the ball will spin when it out of the water and the braid attached to the back will wrap around it if your not paying attention.

I normally put 5 twists in the fishing line before putting it in a clip or rubber band. As Frenchy talked about earlier, this can be dangerous if your not careful. I got caught twice this year with the 5 wraps around my index and middle finger and a big fish in full run on the other end. The first time was so bad, the mono cut both fingers open before I could cut the line. The second time, I had enough sense to spread my fingers and was able to get it off and get the fish.

Kind of long winded but it should give you a starting point on what you do and don't want to try.

http://pensacolafishingforum.com/fis...1.aspx#bm23708

AUBuilder · 06-13-2008, 11:08 AM

Thanks for the link Tuna Man. Guess I should try a search next time.:doh

Tuna Man · 06-13-2008, 12:01 PM

Quote:

AUBuilder (6/13/2008)Thanks for the link Tuna Man. Guess I should try a search next time.:doh

Why?????:banghead:banghead:banghead

oke

06-13-2008, 09:32 AM	#1
AUBuilder Senior Member Trigger Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Scenic Heights Pensacola Posts: 359	Replacing downrigger wire I need to replace the wire on 2 penn 625's. I have heard about some folks using mono and some folks using braid. Would like to hear suggestions for either and what pound test is recommended. Thanks for the info.

06-13-2008, 10:01 AM	#2
reelfinatical Senior Member Sailfish Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NC Posts: 1,895	RE: Replacing downrigger wire 200LB PowerPro braid on both of ours.

06-13-2008, 11:08 AM	#4
AUBuilder Senior Member Trigger Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Scenic Heights Pensacola Posts: 359	RE: Replacing downrigger wire Thanks for the link Tuna Man. Guess I should try a search next time.:doh

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