Down rigger voltage?

[TelStar26]

They tell me you want about .5 to .6v off the downriggers. I was wondering what difference the cannonballs with rubber around them make? also, What about this new downrigger line thats not even metal? Whats going to happen there. And one other question: When I was measureing my voltage yesterday I wasnt sure If I ground the multimeter to the block (Inboard) or will any piece of metal do?
Thanks Again,

O yea,

Went out sunday to otter untill the wind forced me in, Saw one caught.
Went out to possesion wendsday from 1 till 4:30 didnt see one fish,
went to to possesion yesterday (thursday) 12:30 till 6 ish. Saw about 6 caught. Talked to the guys: They were all between 75 and 95 feet.

 

[TenMile]

Rubber around the cannonball makes a bit of difference, however, if you have a bad voltage issue, it's not going to make that much of an impact.

The new dyneema lines make a huge difference. They will still conduct a current when wet with salt water, but are not as conductive as a steel cable and will insulate stray voltage better. I also find it lasts longer and is much easier to handle. You can buy the Scotty stuff, or, get it in bulk from Trotac or online. 200lb test Dyneema is what you are looking for (but the 100lb will work too and is thinner).

When testing with a multi-meter, ground it to your engine block. Any piece of metal that is grounded will work, but many pieces of metal on your boat aren't grounded. Engine block is the best ground.

 

[juandesooka]

Thanks for the info TenMile.

I have always tested by connecting negative of multimeter to negative battery terminal. Is there a reason it is better to connect to engine block?

I moved to nylon downrigger cable to avoid electricity issues and not need a black box. But with the slow fishing on my new boat (coho, rockfish, doggies, no springs yet), I am going to test the electricity. Your post is the first time I've heard of the nylon conducting potential. So...going to check the electrical voo-doo, in an attempt to rule out one more variable...

[in addition to going to Renfrew, fishing from dawn to dark and into the next day if needed, until there's a good one aboard... ]

 

[TheBigGuy]

quote:Originally posted by TenMile

Rubber around the cannonball makes a bit of difference, however, if you have a bad voltage issue, it's not going to make that much of an impact.

The new dyneema lines make a huge difference. They will still conduct a current when wet with salt water, but are not as conductive as a steel cable and will insulate stray voltage better. I also find it lasts longer and is much easier to handle. You can buy the Scotty stuff, or, get it in bulk from Trotac or online. 200lb test Dyneema is what you are looking for (but the 100lb will work too and is thinner).

When testing with a multi-meter, ground it to your engine block. Any piece of metal that is grounded will work, but many pieces of metal on your boat aren't grounded. Engine block is the best ground.

Hey, Tenmile.

Just curious what your source is that says spectra is concuctive. I'm sure even a wet noodle could conducct a miniscule amount of electricity if soaked in saltwater. However, I think spectra is a pretty good insulator, and can't see it carrying more of a charge than the surrounding saltwater.

 

[Island Fish Lifter]

Like ive said many times before, dont waste your $ on that ****! Its a myth. Go fishing, have fun. If youre not catching fish, no black box is gonna help you! Make sure you have enough zincs to do what theyre designed for... protecting your components. Thats it!

 

[Gypseas]

IFL x2
cheers

 

[TenMile]

quote:

Just curious what your source is that says spectra is concuctive. I'm sure even a wet noodle could conducct a miniscule amount of electricity if soaked in saltwater. However, I think spectra is a pretty good insulator, and can't see it carrying more of a charge than the surrounding saltwater.

Hey BigGuy,

I agree completely. Anything in water will conduct a little, but I'd expect only a very little voltage from the Dyneema. Likely the deeper you go the less voltage you'd expect to see present.

IMHO the Black Box and knock off's are better at catching fishermen

 

[yo mama]

Roger that fish lifter. People forget to that there gear is behind the boat 30-60 feet down a monofiliment line. no voltage would ever get down to you bait especially if it started at you boat at such a small voltage. Worry more about a good bait with a nice roll, keep you gear clean and in the water and at a proven depth in a proven location, and stick and stay make it pay.

 

[weedeater]

quote:Originally posted by Island Fish Lifter

Like ive said many times before, dont waste your $ on that ****! Its a myth. Go fishing, have fun. If youre not catching fish, no black box is gonna help you! Make sure you have enough zincs to do what theyre designed for... protecting your components. Thats it!

MOST EVERY COMMERCIAL TROLLER HAS A BLACK BOX, AND HAVE FOR YEARS, ITS A BIT OF A MAD SCIENCE BUT WILL HELP, NOT SO MUCH IN CATCHING FISH THAT ARENT THERE BUT NOT CATCHING THE FISH U DONT WANT WASTING YOUR TIME AND BAIT

 

[teamchachi]

Dialing the voltage in probably isn't going to help fill the boat. However, having a "hot" boat (ie way too much voltage due to electric problems) will probably repel fish from your downrigger line and decrease your catch.

The best way to avoid having too much downrigger voltage is to run the Dyneema line from Scotty instead of steel cable. Its also a lot easier to deal with if you hook up on the bottom or need to tie on new terminal gear.

I've been running the Scotty Dyneema line for a couple of years with good success. I won't be going back to steel.

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