Fly reels suitable for downrigger use

[profisher]

For those of you who want to use ultra light (8-10lb test mono) off the rigger with an attractor attached and a fly reel.... it can easily be done. I've used this for summer chinook up to 36 pounds. The gear is very specific though. I use 8lb main for this setup. I have a few of the old Super Release Dodgers which are key. I use a small bead chain at the end of the main to about 6-7 feet of 40 lb leader. The red pin that plugs into the back of the dodger is located on the 40 lb leader behind the bead chain. This pin is plugged into the flasher quite hard. (this 40 lb leader and the pin set the hook) The release clip on the rigger cable is set very loose as not to break the 8lb test. It only has to be set tight enough to allow you to crank the rod down in the holder and take the slack out without releasing. When the fish hits the 40 lb and the tight pin hook the fish, once the fish pops it free the release on the rigger pops easily. Now you are flasher/dodger free and playing your fish on 8 lb test!!! The only downside is that smaller fish can't pull the tight pin free and you have to bring the rigger up and release it all by hand. You can't release the tight pin by the rod and 8 lb test. I wouldn't use this in the winter...to many smaller fish around....but a blast in late May and June!!