To all ya’ll downrigger fisherman: Do you prefer your downrigger ball to have a fin or no fin? Just wondering if it makes much difference on the lake.
I used a Cannon Flash with a keel(fin?) for trolling Murray and Clark Hill. 12# for Summer(deep) and 8# for Winter(up river).
Trolled mostly u rigs(day) and stacker rigs(bombers at night) during Summer. Smaller u rigs during Winter.
I think a brick would work if you drop it deep enough to get it down to the depth you need to be at.
When I’ve used a cannon ball it has always had a fin, but I prefer using a pancake weight, which has a lot less resistance in the water and doesn’t rise up as much as you fish it deeper. I also use 200 lb braid instead of cable which helps as well. It also eliminates the humming sound when you are trolling.
At shallower depths it doesn’t matter as much, but when you are fishing deep it helps to be using a weight/cable with as little resitance as possible so it will stay longer in the zone that is visable on your FF, removing any doubt about what depth the weight is actually at.
I have mine mounted on the front sides for that reason, but on most other boats thats not feasible.
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
FS90 Suzuki
Thanks for the advice. I’ve heard of using braid but it was recommended with stainless steel spools on the rigger (not really sure why- it would seem the opposite)and I believe mine are plastic. The part about keeping it visible on the fisfinder is exactly one of my favorite parts of downrigger fishing- you actually can SEE where your baits are. My concern with the fin (keel) was whether they might cross track- planer board style- or as striperskiff pointed out might provide more resistance thus having more rise than a non-fin design.
I didn’t mean to infer I thought the fin had anything to do with the rise of the ball…just that I like there is less drag with a pancake weight compared to a cannon ball.
I have heard the same about not using braid with a plastic DR spool, but I haven’t had any problems. Under normal pressure of trollimg it seems to do fine. I can see though, with it being so strong and thin it could crack the spool if you were to snag the ball on something while trolling. If I am trolling with the ball anywhere even close to the bottom or at a depth where I may run accross some standing trees, I always keep the clutch on the DR engaged just enough to keep the ball at the depth I want it…kinda like keeping the the drag set very light on a reel.
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
FS90 Suzuki
SS-Understood. Good advice on the clutch- appreciate it. I might check into braid when it comes time to replace. If nothing else to get rid of the hum. Since we’re on the subject of replacement- other than obvious signs (nicks, bad kinks) is there a recommended time to replace the DR cable/braid? Sure would hate to lose an expensive ball and Chamberlain release.
I personally like the hum of the cable when dr trolling. When there’s a pitch change, I know something’s going on… like a bite 
Guess it’s the band director in me.
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer
Wow. I didn’t know you were a band director. I bet you even know in what key they are humming!! 
On my previous boat I had my downriggers on the back and always enjoyed people who haven’t fished with them out on the boat and trying to figure out how, even while looking forward on a pitch black night, I would know the split second we had a hit.
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
FS90 Suzuki
Never thought about that! Maybe I should turn down the radio. It might help me catch more fish.
quote:
Originally posted by striperskiffWow. I didn’t know you were a band director. I bet you even know in what key they are humming!!
On my previous boat I had my downriggers on the back and always enjoyed people who haven’t fished with them out on the boat and trying to figure out how, even while looking forward on a pitch black night, I would know the split second we had a hit.
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
FS90 Suzuki
Lol! It’s been a while since I used riggers, but I could certainly find the pitch with the help of a keyboard or tuner app. I just notice the change in pitch. An angler has to use all senses.
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer