Dodger/Cowbell Downrigger set up

[Thestanimal]

How do you guys run dodgers and cowbells (Dave Davis) when fishing bait and using downriggers?  Do you attatch the dodge/CB right to the ball and run your bait line with a release 5 feet above?  How far is the bait from the set up?

Looking for a couple of different set ups and trying to avoid tangles?  I'm fishing for Togue and Salmon.

[GAMBELL]

If you are dragging the bottom you will want to keep the cowbells or dodger at least 3 feet up the cable.  I run mine back 10' on calm days and 20' back on rough days.  If you are running suspended, you can keep the dodger or cowbells at the ball.

[Thestanimal]

If you are dragging the bottom you will want to keep the cowbells or dodger at least 3 feet up the cable. 

Are you running your bait right off the dodger/cowbell or further up the cable?

[GAMBELL]

I run all of my baits right off of the dodger,flasher or cowbells.

[Thestanimal]

Thanks for the info. 

[JDK]

I run my Davis off the ball and stack my line 3 feet up and 8-12 feet back.

[troutman]

There are two ways you can run your cowbells. The 7 blade Davis cowbell can be run off a hand line or hook the cowbell on your downrigger cable. I like to run the cowbell close to the bottom. The blades are bumping the bottom too. The metal blades are the best to use but they pull very hard if you use them the way the manufacture builds them. I tear mine down and rebuild them to the way I like them. Hardly any pull on them when I get done with them. Most guys today just hook the cowbell too there rigger cable and hook a release above the cowbell and let out about 10’ lead off the release. I don’t like this set up. It’s a lazy way to fish for lake trout. You can buy the 3 blade ones they have around the bait shops they work pretty good off a downrigger rod. I like to run mine off a hand line. I have total control of everything. when I feel the blades spinning I know I have them working right.