Downrigger weights - coated or not

[T-Bone]

Heard from a buddy of ours that you need to make sure your downrigger weights have the lead coated with a rubberized material, armor coating, etc. Any truth to this and if so why? Also, we've been told about fishing an area called Harrison Ridge by the rockpile. Can't find it on the chart and would appreciate any help we can get.

[Miss B Haven]

The only reason to coat lead that I know of is to keep from marking up your decks if you drop 'em. :whazzup:
If downrigger balls have to be coated then why do trolling, back bouncing, mooching etc weight not have to be ????

[Fishplay]

Coating is not needed. I don't know what purpose it would serve other than what MisB has stated.

Not familliar with Harrison ridge. What did you hear about it?

If you ever get down to the Squeeze Inn tell the old codger at the end of the bar I said Hi. He shows up daily and answers to Jim. He should know me; he help spawn me about 40years ago. :grin:

[Birdnest]

T-bone,

Here are a few links that discuss the possible electrical effects of a bare weight. I have heard both sides of the argument, with most falling into the area of some type of connector that seperates the weight from the cable thus breaking the circuit. I also found one site that mentioned Mel's comment concerning dropping the weight and not marking the deck. I wonder if a painted ball hit your foot if it would still leave a mark?

It is sometimes hard to seperate good marketing from good advice. Happy reading.


http://www.protroll.com/blkbox2.html

http://www.pugetsoundanglers.org/Fis...forsalmon.html

Birdnest

[Popeye]

T-Bone....this is from Harrisons Ridge



Stop by the Julie Rose III and I'll give you the #s

[T-Bone]

Thanks for the info. Had to wonder whether it was scientific or marketing.... Popeye, we'll look you up. Heard Harrison Ridge was a possibility and you just confirmed that, now we're just hoping for good weather next weekend.

[jcarufo]

Too often the lead is contaminated with other metals causing havic with the normal galvanic action around the boat. If you believe in the theory of optimum voltage of .6 to .7 volts boat to downrigger cable, you want the lead as pure as possible. The easiest way to deal with the issue is to just use the Scotty Downrigger Ball Clip at the end of your wire. It isolates your downrigger ball from the cable, effectively taking it out of the equasion no matter what it is made of or covered with. Bond together all of your electrics on your boat and use the Scotty clips: You'll notice a big difference.
Jean

[T-Bone]

Thanks everyone for the info. Will definitely go with the Scotty clips. Figured we'd make a few extras as my wife gets as much lead as we want from her work. Now I just need to find ball weight molds.