Question on stacking downriggers

Sakana · 06-03-2009, 11:42 AM

I have question for all you DR experts. I have two downriggers and will be fishing three people. I plan to stack one of the DR's with a Scotty clip, but I don't know how much distance to put between the two releases. Also I would think that one one the lines should be shorter than the other, but is it the bottom line or the top line or does it matter if you run the same length? Thanks for any relpies.

Jedcraft · 06-03-2009, 12:02 PM

I've not had too many tangles by running the bottom line out further than the upper line. If searching I'll run my bottom stacked line at say 75' then the single at 50' then the upper stacked line at 25'. Try to keep the rods on the stacked rigger at severly different angles in the holders. If you run your stacked lines fairly close make sure you lower them slow or they'll tangle on the way down.

Klamanite · 06-03-2009, 12:08 PM

How deep are you planning on fishing, what species and type of lure(s)?

fish-on-bend · 06-03-2009, 12:16 PM

I usually put 20' between lines if fishing with long set-backs. Make sure if you have a sinking or deep diving rig it goes on the bottom and floating plugs that dive shallow on top.

Sakana · 06-03-2009, 12:22 PM

On the stack DR I was thinking ford fender with wedding ring on the lower clip and dodger and hootchie on the upper. I'll be fishing either Merwin or Yale, but don't know how deep until I see what depth the fish are at. If I see fish at 40' I was thinking of separating by 10', but don't know if that's too close and I'll have trouble w/tangling up lines.

Klamanite · 06-03-2009, 12:32 PM

Since you're running lures that will essentially be straight back from the ball (not diving plugs), then 10 feet should be fine. If you need to be closer, than I would shorten the set-back on the stacked rod and follow the other advice already mentioned. Good luck

AWoods · 06-03-2009, 01:35 PM

I fished Merwin last week and fished 4 rods on two downriggers. I never had a tangle with the lines clipped 10' apart. The only thing is that it is kind of a pain when you need to reel 2 rods in plus the ball, and then put both back out again every time you hook a fish. I think this weekend I will just have a rod on each downrigger, and longline 2 heavier rods out the back with lead and be done with it. The fish arent down so deep yet, that you can reach them pretty easily with a little lead. We were picking them up at 25' to 35' ft.

Klamanite · 06-03-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWoods

I fished Merwin last week and fished 4 rods on two downriggers. I never had a tangle with the lines clipped 10' apart. The only thing is that it is kind of a pain when you need to reel 2 rods in plus the ball, and then put both back out again every time you hook a fish. I think this weekend I will just have a rod on each downrigger, and longline 2 heavier rods out the back with lead and be done with it. The fish arent down so deep yet, that you can reach them pretty easily with a little lead. We were picking them up at 25' to 35' ft.

That's kinda what I was wondering about. Why not use leadcore or a lead dropper and avoid having to stack at all?

Jedcraft · 06-03-2009, 02:28 PM

Your speed may be an issue. A ford fender works at one speed while a dodger/flasher works at a different speed. Try it and good luck.

moknots · 06-03-2009, 02:45 PM

I hate stacking, but that's just one strong opinion! I'm with Awood and Kalamite -- run a surface line down the middle, and don't be surprized if you hook (I didn't say LAND) more fish on that line this time of year. I carry crescent sinkers in .5, 1, 1.5 and 2 oz, and there are times when I favor that approach over downriggers.

Sakana · 06-03-2009, 02:45 PM

I think I'll just pick up a canon mini troll or a Scotty laketroller at Bi-mart and clamp it on the transom. It's just more fun fighting the fish w/o a weight attached. Thanks for the suggestions.

Doc_Rhen · 06-03-2009, 08:35 PM

I have heard a few opinions about the Shasta tackle shuttle hawk but personally I like them for stacking. I hang both my setbacks clip the first onto the ball and drop it then clip the second into the shuttle hawk and run it down. I have my stopper set at 10 feet above the ball. It is nice if you hook up on the upper line since you just have to grab the hawk and run it back down once you are ready again, but a hook-up on the bottom line does require the full reset of your rigger. I think that the last time I saw a thread on stacking they suggested a shorter set-back for the lower line to reduce chances of fouling the upper line when lowering both at the same time. I can see both the hawk and the ball on my depth finder so I know for sure that the hawk is getting down to the stop. Questioning the depth of the hawk is the most common knock I have seen against the hawk so it was nice to see it on the graph and be sure. Because the hawk runs on water pressure instead of weight, at very slow speeds it does not dive as fast and can take some monkeying around to get it where you want it. At 2-2.5 it runs beautifully, I was running 1.5 in dad's boat the last couple times using it and didn't have any problems. A kink or fray in your DR cable can be a sticking point.

chartreuse moose · 06-04-2009, 05:42 AM

I run Dipsy Diver rods , with Dipsy Divers and Slide Divers , just so I don't have to stack rods. The dipsy will get you down 125' and away from the boat with no tangles with your down Rigger lines. I have caught Coho, Kings, Kokanee, Rainbow , browns and some nice Mackinawa off this set up.

jzell · 06-04-2009, 11:13 AM

I'm with moknots on stacking....once you spent the time untangling a mess you'll never stack again. If you stack it's only a matter of time until you will tangle. Enjoy your time on the lake and you'll do that by managing as few a lines as possible.

FallRiverGuy · 06-04-2009, 11:21 AM

While stacking is not my first choice, I have never regretted using that option. A few tangles, but not enough to make me wish to stop.