Downrigger release

[Rivercamp72]

A little help please.

I bought a new Scotty 1050 and have been using the release that came with it. I've changed to braid for my rod line and have the problem of the line slipping out of the release when I have to power up a little on the Columbia between Vernita and Priest Rapids Dam. I've set the line in as deep as the clamp will allow. I've been told there is a downrigger release available that has a stronger grip that can be used for braid. That person couldn't give me a product name, but said it is used for fishing off shore. Does any WA Lake folks know what I'm talking about? Maybe have a product name?

Thanks in advance for the help.

[Bodofish]

Sure it's called a Scotty and you just need to switch the clip the hard position. I've tried all of them, even the ones that "are good for braid" if you have to wrap the line around anything there will come a time when it won't release and you'll be reeling in the fish with your 1050.

Just get the line in the back of the clip and give it a squeeze.

[MarkFromSea]

For a TEMPORARY solution only, I throw a bit of paper towel or tissue around the line before I put it into the clip. Only temporary until you find your new clip.

[Mike Carey]

Sure it's called a Scotty and you just need to switch the clip the hard position. I've tried all of them, even the ones that "are good for braid" if you have to wrap the line around anything there will come a time when it won't release and you'll be reeling in the fish with your 1050.

Just get the line in the back of the clip and give it a squeeze.

I believe you are referring to a product called a "Pro Release" which uses a wrap around method. Anton Jones uses these exclusively when he fishes macs, and he goes down 300 ft plus deep. I've used them, and you are correct, they are finiky. If you don't get them just right and they don't go down just right they will "lock up". I tried them but switched back to clips because of this.

YOu could give them a try and see if you like em. Try locally or they are on E-Bay:

Pro Release on E-Bay

[The Quadfather]

I assume that you are using a level wind reel in your riggers, so you cannot just keep a seperate spool of line that is not braid. But... if you are using a spinning reel in your rigger, keep a seperate spool of mono/fluro etc. I say forget about braid when on the down rigger. I've been through the same thing when I first started downrigger fishing. Just ask yourself if you really have to use braid when fishing from a downrigger. I think it's a PIA for deep trolling.
Ya, there are clips made for it, but I would go to regular line.

[Rivercamp72]

Thanks for the replies. I've gone to braid because of the level wind. What little experience I've had with mono on a level wind is enough to make the change to braid. So, again, thanks for the help.

[G-Man]

Check out this past forum post, it is pretty much covers the exact same question that you have. There are a few pics to help you figure out how to set the Scotty clips to their max setting. Also, as was previously mentioned, if you want to increase the holding power even more, take a small bit of paper and fold it around the line before putting it in the clip. You may need to do this if you use braid that is under 40lb as it is so thin. Cannon makes a variable tension release that is supposed to handle braid of any size, but I haven't had a need to give them a try and I run 30lb TufLine on my salmon setups.

http://www.washingtonlakes.com/forum/yaf_postst7829_Downrigger-Release.aspx

[Bodofish]

I almost forgot about that thread. Thx G.

Tighten those Scotty's up and give them a squeeze before letting go. Maks on a Pro Release, sure. You guys all know I fish for them too. Trust a King or a big Coho to a Pro Release, not a chance. Too many things to go wrong especially if you are fishing in swerly Columbia water. If you want to borrow mine, knock yourself out. The first time you loose a big fish reeling it up with a downrigger will cure you. The other trick with braid is not so much tension on the line, it doesn't stretch. I find most people pull them loose from the top, not the business end.

A lot of variables and things to think about when running downriggers. I wouldn't be so quick to blame the clips for troubles.

PS most of the time I use the baby scotty's with no trouble.

[curado]

what size braid are you using. scotty releses with braid for me i set them in the middle or all the way back and i just dont crank the rod completely loaded

[Rivercamp72]

I've been loading the line tight. I'll back it off. I'll also fiddle with putting the squeeze on the line too. I'm running 40 lb test braid. It's all a learning experience and I appreciate the feedback. I'll try the paper too if the above does not work too well. It is cool running a downrigger and adjusting things, depth, speed, etc.

[MarkFromSea]

Just get the line in the back of the clip and give it a squeeze.

I read this yesterday and a funny thing happened today, I caught myself giving the clip a squeeze even though I never had in the past. Even the greasy scent paste didn't cause a premature ejac,,,,, ejection of the line from the clip. LMAO Thanks Bodo!=d>

[A9]

Straight from the manual. Just what Bodofish is talking about, Pull that tension adjuster back and your clip will strengthen significantly
[img=http://www.tackletour.com/images/picscottypp101.jpg]Downrigger clip tension[/img]

[MarkFromSea]

Straight from the manual. Just what Bodofish is talking about, Pull that tension adjuster back and your clip will strengthen significantly
[img=http://www.tackletour.com/images/picscottypp101.jpg]Downrigger clip tension[/img]

The tensioner, I read that on the package when I bought the clips a year or two ago. I thought Bodo was talking about squeeze the clip, "give them a squeeze before letting go." Maybe I misunderstood. It worked well. I thought. Kinda like maybe it put an extra divit/dent in that yellow rubber.

using scent sometimes, it would get on the line and the line would be more apt to slip out prematurely. I use mono, big game. used some other fancy mono one year, slipped out all of the time, hence, I came up with the paper towel idea while I was 10 miles off shore and needed to do something ASAP. LOL

[G-Man]

If you tie your own release clips, and I highly suggest you do, be sure to leave room to move the tension adjuster. I use a Rapala knot with the heavy braided nylon cord I use to make my 5' releases.

[Bodofish]

Straight from the manual. Just what Bodofish is talking about, Pull that tension adjuster back and your clip will strengthen significantly
[img=http://www.tackletour.com/images/picscottypp101.jpg]Downrigger clip tension[/img]

The tensioner, I read that on the package when I bought the clips a year or two ago. I thought Bodo was talking about squeeze the clip, "give them a squeeze before letting go." Maybe I misunderstood. It worked well. I thought. Kinda like maybe it put an extra divit/dent in that yellow rubber.

using scent sometimes, it would get on the line and the line would be more apt to slip out prematurely. I use mono, big game. used some other fancy mono one year, slipped out all of the time, hence, I came up with the paper towel idea while I was 10 miles off shore and needed to do something ASAP. LOL

Oh yeah, always give them a squeeze.... Ahhh errr both but give the clip a squeeze before it goes over.