Amount of line for downrigger reel.

[MarkD]

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!

[Deer Wrastler]

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.

[MarkD]

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?

[MarkD]

Albright Knot is the good one?

[glen]

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.

[MarkD]

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.
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...

[finsfurfeathers]

I wish I could understand it better... Sorry I'm quite new in the field.
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.

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. ?

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.

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.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

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.

[glen]

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.

[glen]

That’s why I like my boat.
Because I am the captain.

[MarkD]

Thanks a lot for the explanation.

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.

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.

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....