Braid for downriggers ?

Getting set up to hit Superior with my boat next year and through a lot of help so far, I’m getting close to a basic set up, and most of the rod/reel/line set ups are figured out.

Except for the DR’s, I’m told 15 to 18# braided line is reccomended, but I seemed to have deleted the PM where they said what brand, any suggestions and where possible to buy bulk at a discount??

tia

Al

Hey Allen, i can resend ya that pm if you want. But if others are curious, i like PowerPro for all trolling purposes where braid is needed. And yes that 15 to 20 pound test range is a good one overall for everything.

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Hey Allen, i can resend ya that pm if you want. But if others are curious, i like PowerPro for all trolling purposes where braid is needed. And yes that 15 to 20 pound test range is a good one overall for everything.

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Thanks Grant, I have all your PM’s with stuff I should know but that one, I think I was on a suffix kick then and figured I had line brand/weight figured out..nope…:)

Anywhere to buy it cheaper???

Al

Never herd of people using braided line on their downriggers. I have only seen cable used. I may be misreading your post but I would double check with the manufacture of the downrigger. Make sure you are not mistaking braided stainless steel wire with braided line.

The braid was for the reels, I’m using 150# steel cable for the balls, sorry.

But come to think of it, over on the big lake forums they talk about using it for their DR weights.

Al

Yeah Allen, some guys will use it on their Rigger balls. It does reduce blowback and line hum. However, When braided lines are put under stress (tension) they are VERY suseptable to breaking from the slightest abrasion.

Aslo I am told you need metal DR spools as the braid will cut right into the plastic spools. I did consider it once but it lasted only a few minutes.

One thing to note about using Braid on your DR rods, some line releases work better than others. you have to remember that mono “grips” better than the “slick” braids.

Allen,
Braid or superlines work GREAT for dipseys or other divers. I use mostly mono on my riggers – I have a aggressive hook setter in my crew and he has snapped a couple of superlines. Also need to remember braid is messy to work with in a tangle but I am sure it is just me that tangles with 12 lines out of 19ft boat (hehe) The braid or superlines are VERY fun to catch salmon on! Braid or superlines work great as backers on leadcores or copper lines as well- get way more backing!
luv2rapala

i’m running braid on all my DR reels. I’ve liked it. it has less bow and you can stuff yardage onto the reels like to the horizon.

i used to be a lite line guy, but with the advent of braid, I’m suspecting that 15# is about right. I’ve gone with 10# and can’t seem to break it, even when i want to.

Ay braid you are going to go with is going to be VERY fine, so remember to bring along needle nose pliers to handle it when it is under tension. YOU WILL CUT YOUR HANDS AND DEEPLY, BT,DI. Careful with the stuff.