Downrigger releases

[scrod]

Since it sounds like there are a few downrigger users around I wonder if there are specific brands or types of releases you use. Is there a better one for specific targets? Say one for the little kokanee, a different one for monster lakers, maybe something else for silvers...It seems as though there are at least a dozen different styles and I don't know anything but the one I've always used. Any help is appreciated. images/icons/confused.gif

[4Salt]

For most salmon applications (ocean, Puget sound etc...) Offshore medium release is the way to go. I have also used them for rainbow/kokanee fishing as well. For light tackle trolling, I clip the line about 1/8th to 1/4th the way in. With 6lb. test, the trout and kokanees can usually trip the release. For salmon, set the line at least halfway, to all the way into the release, depending on how big of stuff you will be towing around, and what speed you will be trolling. There are other types of releases on the market, and there is another thread on downrigger fishing techniques here on the board that has some very useful info in it about them.

Good luck, draggin' your balls images/icons/grin.gif images/icons/grin.gif

[scrod]

Hey 4salt does that one have foam with slots or is it smooth plastic? Have you tried any adjustable tension devices? Fishing in the Sound currents at 150 ft with 15 lb line and large spinners seems to be a lot different than a lake with a wedding ring with 4 lb at 60 feet. images/icons/smile.gif

[4Salt]

Scrod,

It is the spring tension, clothespin type release. It works just like a clothespin. You pinch it to open, then insert the line.
How far in you put the line determines how much tension it takes to release. It has rubber pads that grip the line. I've used other types, such as the kind that you attatch a small piece of plastic to your line, that inserts into the corresponding end attached to the downrigger ball. These just weren't very reliable, and were hard to get to release when you want to reel in to check your lure. I know that there are many other types out there too, but I don't have any experience with them. For my money, you just can't beat the Offshore release clips. They have worked very well in all of the situations that I have used them in. Most tackle stores carry them also.

[Jeffhead]

I second what 4salt says, I have used all kinds and like the Offshore release mediums the best. I run riggers in Puget Sound to 150 ft and run 25 or 30 lb mainline. Have no problems with them holding or releasing when a fish hits, unless it's a shaker but if your paying attention you will see those hit the lure. I used to like the Scotty clothespin type but they changed the rubber in them and I do not use them anymore.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff images/icons/grin.gif images/icons/grin.gif

[FallRiverGuy]

For Kokanee I like the releases made by either Sep's or Vance's tackle. These are spring loaded and have nice rubber pads that release well and are easy on line. The ones from Shasta tackle that are only hard plastic but adjustable will fray your line and are hard to adjust. I just bought a Scotty relase for Kokanee and trout, and don't like the pads as well as the above two. They also use mono instead of cable between the clip and the release which I think is cheep.

[Roeboat]

I basically only troll for salmon or the occassional halibut) Gotta go with Jeffhead on the release. The Offshore medium has been the best we have tested and we have used a great many including the microadjustable B.S., etc. The new yellow scotty releases are a second place bet IHOP. I have had the very best results with the modified Offshore medium (see post on ilwaco downrigger problems from a few days ago on how to build them). The custom releases are the result of being way too fanatical and too many hours of experimentation. If you are not a obsessed, the Offshore medium is a great way to go. Good luck!