Downrigger Steel Cable Breaks at Surface

[Marley]

Hi Guys

Was fishing yesterday and my downrigger cable snapped at about 4 ft below the surface. Didn’t hit anything it just let go lost about 80 ft of cable and the cannon ball. I looked at the cable there is no corrosion at the break so I am trying to figure out what happened. Cable is only a year old and I rinse with fresh water after every use. Should I just replace the cable? Should I go with braid?

Thanks

 

[Coyote Spooner]

Go with braid. Cable should be replaced every year, IMO, or else this will happen. When you loose a ball, with braid, a simple knot and you’re fishing again. In rough conditions, this is a big plus. You’re not looking for crimps and crimping pliers, etc…With braid, like our rods, every so many trips you can re-tie. I’ve had the same braid for 3-4 seasons, so there’s value there too.

 

[17 ft sea ranger]

your downrigger was telling you 'get with the times man......wrap me up with some braid!'

no.....in all seriousness....get braid.

 

[James_d]

This exact thing happened to me a couple of weeks ago. The line looked like it had hit something (a few of the steel wires were bent right back on themselves. I have come to the conclusion we hit the wire with the prop while turning in a swell (and didn't notice for a few minutes until we had finished the turn). $100 mistake...

 

[tinboatrobb]

People still use wire???

 

[RiverBoy]

get braid . i’m on my 13th year of 250 lb braid. never one issue ever

 

[Loghauler]

The wire seems to be lessor quality if I had to guess
Wonder who the supplier is

 

[Fishalot]

If you decide on braid check pulley closely. Any nicks in it from wire can cut braid. Pulley is cheap.

 

[Ancient Mariner]

People still use wire???

Yes they do.

 

[scott craven]

Die hard wire guys won't change.
They believe in it.
I've been using braid for 15 years and
would never go back but it's all personal choice.

 

[Rain City]

Yes they do.

This from the Ancient Mariner. You can't write this stuff.

 

[Ancient Mariner]

Die hard wire guys won't change.
They believe in it.
I've been using braid for 15 years and
would never go back but it's all personal choice.

I think some of the Top guns on this site use wire.

 

[Tips Up]

I might not be a Top Gun but I like wire. I'm either afraid to change or too old to change. Either way... I'm not changing. I have very few issues with wire and think it gives me good vibes. Keep an eye out for frays and use tuna cord from stopper to weight and connect your clips to that. Have to assume you had a fray that you did not notice. Wire is tough stuff. I replace every few years if needed.
I had more issues with braid getting nicked on a boat I ran for a few years.

 

[Clint r]

0

I might not be a Top Gun but I like wire. I'm either afraid to change or too old to change. Either way... I'm not changing. I have very few issues with wire and think it gives me good vibes. Keep an eye out for frays and use tuna cord from stopper to weight and connect your clips to that. Have to assume you had a fray that you did not notice. Wire is tough stuff. I replace every few years if needed.
I had more issues with braid getting nicked on a boat I ran for a few years.

Same. Plus….black box and stuff.

 

[Samnjoe]

There are actually two ways to go......BOTH ARE BRAID!!!
My braid is from 2006.
Old Scotty blue. I will pass it on to my grandchildren.

 

[RiverBoy]

I think some of the Top guns on this site use wire.

i miss the way it hums when you’re trolling. other than cable angle that’s when you know you’re going the right speed

 

[Aces]

People still use wire???

Yep. Seems to work for me. Those 9 chinooks and 14 coho we got today concur

 

[Marley]

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[wolf]

Yep. Seems to work for me. Those 9 chinooks and 14 coho we got today concur

YES i agree one look at my website page photos tell the tale....

I have used it at the lodge its ok the slipping of the downrigger clip bugs me the most and then used the quick stop set up. extra stuff extra money .ill stick to wire the way i use it ....

 

[Samnjoe]

Some people still have land lines as well. Whatever works for you.