Downrigger Steel Cable Breaks at Surface

[Aces]

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

Cel service sucks where i live so...

 

[Whole in the Water]

Braid is not without its problems. If it gets nicked it will break easily.

https://sportfishingbc.com/threads/braided-line-breaking.63705/

 

[tigerprawn]

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

You might have had a kink in the line .
Wire can tell you a lot about your boats electrical field. I run wire and I also run braid I prefer wire, but wire should be replaced every couple years depending on how much you use it.

 

[pescador]

Braid is easier to work with fosho. But be aware you need to re-tie knots every year. Braid can fail and knots made on terminal gear will wear and break. I’ve lost 2 balls this way.

 

[tinboatrobb]

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

I do have a land line also

 

[wolf]

Braid is easier to work with fosho. But be aware you need to re-tie knots every year. Braid can fail and knots made on terminal gear will wear and break.

I didnt really find it easier to be honest and your lst statement is on ANY gear be it leaders hooks etc

 

[scott craven]

Don't ya get sick of fraying wire that jabs you ?
Hated that.

 

[Clint r]

Don't ya get sick of fraying wire that jabs you ?
Hated that.

After years of dealing with these Hawaiian snaps, a few pokes with some wire is nothing. Coincidently, when you do get poked that’s the secret sign it’s time to change your wire

 

[scott craven]

Nothing wrong with a poke now and then.
Just not a sharp wire.

 

[gone fishin]

Wire for me....I get Scotty to replace it when I get my downriggers tuned up.
But then, I am so old I hate my cell phone...so go figure

 

[Samnjoe]

I do have a land line also

So do I. When it rings its either a telemarketer (trying to sell me downrigger wire) or my mother in law.

 

[TMan]

So do I. When it rings its either a telemarketer (trying to sell me downrigger wire) or my mother in law.

Who do you end up talking to longer?

 

[Samnjoe]

Who do you end up talking to longer?

I actually get along with my mother in law so her

 

[TMan]

I actually get along with my mother in law so her

Well that's good! Me to.

 

[Marley]

So I did a quick repair as I am on vacation and wanted to keep fishing. Caught a couple chinook yesterday so it was worth it. Going to switch the one rigger to braid when I get home and see which I like better. Then possibly switch the other over if I prefer the braid. I feel the winter season will be the best comparison as the fish will be deep.

 

[Rockfish]

I have used both steel and braid and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Steel does get metal fatigue especially in the last 10 or 20 feet before the ball and at crimp conectors so it is not a bad idea to cut off 10 or 20 feet every so often off and redo the conection points. If you break a strand you will be cutting off to that point also. If you are breaking a number of strands at different locations, its time for new cable. If you want to increase the life span of the cable use tuna cord and a snubber before the ball. That system will also act as an auto stop so you will not need to put stops of any kind on the cable as they all weaken the cable at the point they are installed. No stops on the cable its-self increases the life span of the cable. Finally do not use balls heavier than you need for the specific conditions. If we are catching chinook at 20 to 50 feet, a 12lb ball will do the job and puts a lot less stress on your cable and terminal gear. If we are fishing deep in heavy current or stacking, we go heavier but that extra weight and drag also wears out your cable and terminal tackle faster. We just replaced the cable on one rigger with new Scotty brand cable and it was $50.00. and balls are now apparently made of gold. Inflation is hammering fishing costs like everything else.

Something to consider is that braid also will break off after a fair bit of use and unlike steel cable has not given us any warning it is getting ready to let go. Cable will sometimes let you know there is a problem with it that needs attention such as a broken strand, before it breaks off.