Black Box

ChinookSlayer · 01-30-2010, 10:08 PM

OK, so as I am getting things ready, at least in mind, I was thinking about the use of a black box to adjust the electrical field around my downrigger cable. I've read things, but have never used one before.

So, what are your thoughts? Have you ever used one, and been able to tell if it helped or not?

Favorite voltage?

I know a while ago, there was talk about how to make a cheap and easy one yourself with a diode. I even put one together this way on a bench top, and was able to adjust the required micro-voltage. Just never ended up using it.

Kokonuts · 01-31-2010, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChinookSlayer

OK, so as I am getting things ready, at least in mind, I was thinking about the use of a black box to adjust the electrical field around my downrigger cable. I've read things, but have never used one before.

So, what are your thoughts? Have you ever used one, and been able to tell if it helped or not?

Favorite voltage?

I know a while ago, there was talk about how to make a cheap and easy one yourself with a diode. I even put one together this way on a bench top, and was able to adjust the required micro-voltage. Just never ended up using it.

I've never used one because of the cost. Where did you find the info to make one?

Thanks....Kokonuts

Splash · 01-31-2010, 08:16 AM

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?p=698001

moknots · 01-31-2010, 12:07 PM

Doh

. I HAVE a black box and have for 3 years without hooking it up!! Why? Because I already catch, and because I am not fully convinced, and I keep forgetting to hook it up -- THANKS for the reminder. Besides that, FRG has one, and sometimes he kicks my butt!

Here I go -- it will be hooked up within an hour. No more excuses. Really looking forward to trying it while still fishing and jigging. A cannon ball in the mud to keep the boat from swinging, and a clear opportunity to access whether, as one manufacturer claims, fish will school up under my boat because I am giving them .65 volts of stimulation.

Splash, THANKS for the geek link! I feel mildly taken by the $100 price tag of my BB, given I could use a $.79 part from Radio Shack, but the reality is, it's a kit, ready to go, easy to install, with cool doodads that don't require me to "clip in" (and remember to upclip!) when I want to let cable out or in. AND it comes with a book that spells everything out.

sucker · 01-31-2010, 12:24 PM

I have one on my boat but it doesn't seem to make a difference; however, the voltage from my aluminum boat hull to the downrigger cable is 0.5 volts without the black box. The optimum for Kokanee is 0.65 volts so it is pretty close without it. If your boat is fiberglass you will need to check the voltage from the motor or other grounded metal part to the downrigger cable if it is in the 0.5 volt range the black box probably won't do you much good for Kokanee.

SilverBullets · 01-31-2010, 02:10 PM

I installed one a couple years ago. The voltage on the boat wasn't that bad before and I had no trouble catching kokes but figured why not give it a try. Since installing it I really haven't seen much difference, but I feel more confidant being able to get to the exact voltage. Be advised that the Pro Troll connection plugs don't last long if you remove your downriggers while trailering. For a better plug check out the quick disconnect plugs at Radio Shack.

Splash · 02-01-2010, 05:21 AM

Moknots I know what you mean by the geek link. If I understood half of what was being said I would be highly tempted to steal my own lunch money.

Some day I will break down and get one of them gadgets. That fish finder thingy-ma-jig turned out pretty good.

Jedcraft · 02-01-2010, 05:39 AM

I have a ProTroll model and thought it would help when deep(100-250ft) trolling for ocean chinook back in the day. Supposed to lose the effectiveness of positive output every 50ft or so on cable. Didn't notice any catch rate difference.

Smalma · 02-01-2010, 06:26 AM

Given the low conductivity of freshwater in general and kokanee waters in particular it is hard to envision given the weak voltage being talked about that the electrical field around the downrigger cable could be large enough to effect kokanee. The field would be so small that the physical distribance of the cable passing through the water would spook way more fish than the potential electrical field.

If one is really worried about electric field issues a cheap fix would be to extend your drop back from the downrigger ball. Or think about converting from a metal downrigger cable to one of the braids.

Tight lines
Curt

Pounder · 02-01-2010, 06:48 AM

Try not to high jack your thread, But I have fished Kok's for ever and Never have I needed elc. to catch them...corn always worked!

moknots · 02-01-2010, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pounder

Try not to high jack your thread, But I have fished Kok's for ever and Never have I needed elc. to catch them...corn always worked!

You probably haven't tried dynamite either, but I hear that works

I just want to know how long I have to drag around the lake before electrocuted fish start floating to the surface? .65 volts probably isn't enough though, huh. Got it set up yesterday, along with an extra rod holder or 3. Ready, set, WAIT.

Pounder · 02-01-2010, 07:03 AM

I hear it matters what Lake you fish and how Deep it is, when elc. is used. What lakes do you fish? I also hear that if the elc. curnt. is off one way or the other it could put the wrong effect out....IDK! Keep us posted on YES or NO

ChinookSlayer · 02-01-2010, 06:52 PM

OK, so the definate vote is: Maybe.

I have checked my aluminum boat in the past, and if I recall, it was around the .5 volt range. I might still make one for the $2 it will take. I already have a volt meter from Sears to check the volts. If you're interested, just watch the Sears adds, and a couple of times a year, they have a little red meter on sale for ~$9 if I remember right (about half price).

Thanks for the info everybody!