Setting Up Downrigger Brakes.......???

[Seafever]

I usually have mine so that when the brake handle is engaged, there is no allowable downward pull on the line with a weight on it. Last time I lost a ball, it broke the d/line.....but no further damage.

Was advised yesterday that the brake should be set up so that if you get hooked on the bottom/rocks
the line will start to pull out instead of breaking....

That's a pretty tricky adjustment to do that and still avoid "line creep" at times.

What do YOU think about that and how do you set up yours?

 

[Canso]

I use a fish scale, when I pull its about 25lbs, I use 12lb balls. you would need more if your running bigger balls

 

[GDW]

Mine will pay line out and never creeps under normal use. Its saved me a ball or two. Once you set it up you don't need to adjust it. Be careful if your relying on your cable to break you could bend your boom (the only thing scotty won't warranty) or far worse rip the downrigger off your boat. Wouldn't be the first time.

If you've got a solid boat with a solid installation it won't rip off but on older boats with some guys amateur DYI installs its a risk. I'd take the time to properly set up your rigger it should never creep under normal use and deffinetly pay out line if you hang up.

 

[spring fever]

mine pays out and doesn't creep although I've had to replace the turn plate stop lever twice after hang -ups. Better have a fast reverse on your kicker!!!

 

[adrianna3]

Scotty sets the brakes at about 40 lbs, I believe. Just had mine serviced in Sidney. They are awesome.

Dave

 

[black dog]

I usually give a good pull when adjusting, I would guestimate a good 60-80 lbs pressure. Enough to hold the ball (with a some rocking) but not too much where the tension will hold. When you hit a sharp reef at least you some hope of freeing up.

 

[reelfast]

the scotty site recommends using a scale and setting the brake to slip between 35 and 40#s, pretty easy to do.

 

[Statler]

Setting the brake tension correctly is indeed important. With the new HP models from Scotty and although off topic there is something else to keep in mind. The motor on those units are HIGH torque motors. Was out a while ago with a buddy and got hung up dragging bottom. Before I could get the kicker in neutral and then reverse the retrieve was unfortunately engaged on the downrigger. Only took a few seconds but the arm was drawn straight back and you could hear the pin shear off the "indents" on the swivel mount. Ker chunk, ker chunk, ker chunk and it also split the plastic housing that envelops the pin. Was able to rotate the mount and it is still servicable but approximately a $90 piece to replace. Was quite impressed with the motor though. Although not something I would recommend to do on a regular basis. A reason why I now keep a pair of cutters handy.