MyFishFinder Forum

MyFishFinder Tips and Techniques => Trolling => Topic started by: Santo180 on Apr 05, 2012, 05:37 PM

Title: downrigger ball
Post by: Santo180 on Apr 05, 2012, 05:37 PM
Hey everyone.

Got a boat and a downrigger to use this summer and have a couple questions.  Never really trolled much before and am looking for some advise on the size ball to buy.  I plan on trolling for lakers on various adirondack lakes and am wondering what size to buy.  Going to be trolling from a 21 foot pontoon with a 25 horse 2 stroke.  Also have a 56lb thrust trolling motor.  The downrigger is a manual cannon sport.  Didn't come with a ball or anything else, so I have some gear to buy.  Any recommendations?
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: maineduckhunter on Apr 05, 2012, 06:07 PM
You do have a depth/fish finder right?
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: Santo180 on Apr 05, 2012, 06:08 PM
yeah will have a depth finder
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: WildOutdoorAddict on Apr 05, 2012, 06:21 PM
an  8 lb ball should work fine for you, What about release is there one one the rigger?
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: Santo180 on Apr 05, 2012, 06:27 PM
No releases either.
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: maineduckhunter on Apr 05, 2012, 06:28 PM
No releases either.
Google, Chamberlain Release!!  :thumbup_smilie:
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: Santo180 on Apr 05, 2012, 06:31 PM
Thanks guys
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: Lake Raker on Apr 17, 2012, 02:51 PM
Rubber bands work fine for releases, just tie an alligator clip to the back of the ball using a 8-12" steal leader. 8lb ball should work well, but if you plan on trolling a plain spoon or stick make sure the ball has a tail fin or it will spin and wrap up your line.
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: er-e-is on Apr 29, 2012, 09:41 AM
8 lb ball should work fine, I like the "Offshore" releases.
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: fontona19 on Apr 29, 2012, 03:28 PM
8 lb ball should work fine, I like the "Offshore" releases.

I am with you. Offshore releases have always performed fine for me.
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: Santo180 on Sep 04, 2012, 08:33 AM
Thanks for the tips guys.  I finally got a chance to use the downrigger on a lake trout lake.  Spent the day finding fish and getting the ball where I want it and at the end of the day we were skunked....or so I thought.  Apparently I had the release much too tight because as we were headed to shore I raised the ball and low and behold a laker!  Wasn't a keeper but it was success and I can't wait to try it again (and get the release set correctly)

I was using the chamberlain releases but I think I'm gonna try the alligator clip and rubber band method too.
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: Tony on Sep 04, 2012, 09:43 AM
i have seen the chamberlain release go off on a 6 in perch so you have to adjust the setting. they are by far the best releases out there! check out his video on youtube and it will show you how to set them. you will never use anything else again.
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: Santo180 on Oct 01, 2012, 11:41 AM
Caught 3 lakers on schroon on saturday in the rain.  Getting closer to having those releases set correctly but still only had 1 of 3 trip.  It's fun getting this stuff figured out. 
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: fontona19 on Oct 01, 2012, 10:19 PM
Caught 3 lakers on schroon on saturday in the rain.  Getting closer to having those releases set correctly but still only had 1 of 3 trip.  It's fun getting this stuff figured out. 

I hear ya. I got two a couple weeks ago on LG and neither tripped the Chamberlin releases. They feel like they are set light enough, but obviously not.  :laugh:
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: justatrout on Oct 07, 2012, 05:33 AM
8lb ball ,  Chamberlain Release
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: trackerg on Mar 08, 2013, 10:06 AM
I like the Black's releases. It looks like a similar design to the Chamberlain, and I started using rubber bands to attach line to the release. Pretty pleased with the results.
Title: Re: downrigger ball
Post by: TroyTMG on Apr 14, 2013, 03:56 PM
Stick with the 8 lb. ball.  You won't want to crank up any heavier than that.  If you keep having problems with the Chamberlain release, try the Roemer release. http://www.roemerrelease.com/catalog.htm#1 (http://www.roemerrelease.com/catalog.htm#1)