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I'm quite new in downrigging but have quite old fishing equipment. It appears that the first 100 or so feet of my braided line on one reel is a bit worn.
I'm thinking just to cut it off.
But how much line left would be sufficient? I have heard that a big salmon can run for 500' or more
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
You want to fill the spool all the way up. If you dont want to use all braid, you could put on a mono backing then tie braid to it and go about 50/50 backing and braid.
If you want the cheap way just reverse the braid onto another reel or spool so the crappy end is buried at the bottom but at the end of the day braid isnt that expensive and its just part of having good equipment.
Also if you are fishing dipsy or anything with a line counter you should calibrate your reels. There are YouTube videos that explain how to calibrate a line counter reel and having the proper amount of line on can make a big difference in where the lure is compared to what your line counter says.
Many thanks for the prompt response.
I was actually in the process of reversing the line and then I decided to ask first....
So, what is the main purpose for the backing line on the reel? Right now I have about 900' on the reel but reel seems to be filled less than a half of full capacity.
Thanks for the advice on calibration the line counter. I'll check it out.
Also, could you recommend me a proper knot for connecting two lines? I have some braid left on another reel so I think to put it in on the working reel.
I never bought any equipment for downrigging before, I got everything used together. I saw in Bass Pro that they have some kind of pooling station on the shop counter. Is it where you buy lines for trolling reels? I mean you don't buy it in the spoons but ask them to wind it up on your reels?
Albright Knot is the good one?
Big boats may not stop to reel in a fish so they need lots of line. 400y
If you can stop and chase the fish if needed 200y should work. We ran 200 y of 12lb mono on the riggers.
I wish I could understand it better... Sorry I'm quite new in the field.Quote:
Originally Posted by glen
What you are saying is that big boats cannot stop because they have many lines out and thus they adjust the reels' tension so the fish can run more easily?
I have a small boat but on LO with two persons inside I'm trying to keep at least three lines out. It would be problematic for me to stop...
pet peeve of mine is guys not bringing in extra lines and dragging fish behind waving off others. If you got a good fish on clear the lines slow the boat down and if need chase it down to keep it under control near the boat. I feel I enjoy the fight better that way than keep all the lines out and dragging the fish in. Might as well just attach a bucket and pull it in.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkD
Braid is quite thin in diameter compare to equivalent pound mono. so backing is used so that you don't need 900 yards braid maybe just 250 mono. A full reel works better as less cranks brings in more line per turn of the handle. As for knots there is a special knot to connect braid to mono don't know the name but its included in the packaging instructions.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkD
I'd be more concerned what is causing the abrasion to the line. Might want to run a cotton swab around the inside of your guides too see if there are any nicks or cracks which will need replacing.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkD
People get a fish on and keep trolling at same speed OR keep trolling at less speed Or bring in lines and stop the boat/chase the fish.
Captain’s choice.
That’s why I like my boat.
Because I am the captain.
Thanks a lot for the explanation.
The guides on the rod seem to be OK. I think eventually everything is expected to wear out. If the line was in use for 2-3 seasons before and I used the third season... Maybe it's time to change.Quote:
I'd be more concerned what is causing the abrasion to the line. Might want to run a cotton swab around the inside of your guides too see if there are any nicks or cracks which will need replacing.
As for the drugging the fish in... I have a tiller. If I got fish on one line and have another line or two out, it is impossible for me to bring other lines in... Saying that I never had much problem before. I never got really big fish yet....
guides can look ok however if you swab them with a cotton tipped swab you might be amazed to find hair line cracks in the ceramics. the cotton will catch in any imperfection not visible to the eye. I run solo too. If you got one fish on and a line or two out by yourself you are doing something wrong. Its difficult yes but not impossible to bring in an extra line by yourself. Now if there is someone else with you than it shouldn't be a problem at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkD
Look up a double uni knot. thats all I ever use and the main line will break before the knot will. I use the double uni even for tying on a 2 foot leader of flouro on my perch or walleye jigging rods, works great and super simple you dont need to be a boyscout to tie it
https://youtu.be/u7u82XaS3JQ
thats great advice Im gonna try that with my rods at home, never thought about hairline cracks.Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
finsfurfeathers
Yes, thanks, I checked it with the cotton swab. Seems to be Ok. I think the line damage can come from other sources as well, let say from the reel's guide or cannon's clip/release or even from a cheater line...Quote:
guides can look ok however if you swab them with a cotton tipped swab you might be amazed to find hair line cracks in the ceramics. the cotton will catch in any imperfection not visible to the eye.
Not sure about this comment... I run two lines on LO alone and try to keep three lines if my wife is also in the boat. Not sure what's wrong with it...Quote:
If you got one fish on and a line or two out by yourself you are doing something wrong.
May be it's possible , but I just don't know the best/proper way to do that. I don't catch a lot of salmon, just a few so far and getting too excited every time it's hard to find the optimum way. I just don't know if I should leave the hooked fish on the line (and may be even speed up the boat a bit to avoid unhooking fish) and spool in the extra lines? ... Not sure...Quote:
Its difficult yes but not impossible to bring in an extra line by yourself. Now if there is someone else with you than it shouldn't be a problem at all.
Deer Wrastler
Yes, thanks, I figured it out too...Quote:
Look up a double uni knot.
[QUOTE=MarkD;1120768]
Not sure about this comment... I run two lines on LO alone and try to keep three lines if my wife is also in the boat. Not sure what's wrong with it...
May be it's possible , but I just don't know the best/proper way to do that. I don't catch a lot of salmon, just a few so far and getting too excited every time it's hard to find the optimum way. I just don't know if I should leave the hooked fish on the line (and may be even speed up the boat a bit to avoid unhooking fish) and spool in the extra lines? ... Not sure...
Sorry MarkD your initial comment was a bit confusing. yes you can have 2 rods out for every licensed angler on board.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkD
Just would suggest practice what you'd do when you catch the big one before the time comes.