MAST,BIG BOARDS & RUBBER BANDS?????

[RANGER]

I read a couple of threads last week regarding using rubber bands and shower curtin hangers as releases for BIG BOARDS.

Would you folks share this methodology with me? I'm new to Big Boards and it looks to me as though you have a tried and true method for pulling baits!!! I would like to know how to go about this (band size, type, hangers etc.). I have a WILLE mast and Big John Otter Boat boards.

I do not have e-mail as this is my company's PC.

Thanks,

RANGER

[FreeByrd]

Ranger,
Here's what I do - There are others on here that probably have different twists that work better for them.
First just let out your lure to desired line out length, then loop a rubberband through itself around your line. Cinch it up pretty tight. Now for the release - Either a conventional planar board release with pads on a clip, or just using the "shower curtain" hanger part. If using conventional release, just clip the band in the pads about half way down the free end of the band, clip your release over the tow line and slide it down. If you find that the bands are continually slipping out of the release, clip the release through the loop in the band so that the band can't come out. The band will break if a big enough fish hits, or you may have to break it by giving the rod a couple quick snaps if you get a small fish or just want to bring in the lure. "Shower Curtain" alternative - connect the band to your line same as with using conventional release, then just loop loop the band inside shower curtain hook, close shower curtain hook over tow line and slide it down. Now in all cases, the band must break. I personally prefer to not have to break the bands. I bought several size bands from an office supply store for a couple bucks. I use a different size band depending on the pull I expect from the lure. Factors here are 1)lake conditions - more pull when it is rougher because more surge in the boards, 2) trolling speed - faster = more pull, 3) lure - ie Reef Runner Deep Diver pulls much more than a Shad Rap, or a Shallow Diver. I have size 12, 14, and 16 bands. The 16 bands held in the pads in rough conditions with Deep Diver Reef Runners last week on Erie. I try and use the lightest bands that will hold. NOTE: Some peopel questioned a few weeks ago about bands being dropped into the lakes. This rarely ever happens. The band is cinched around your line. You can reel it into your reel (and often reuse the same band) or just break it off when reeling in. Bands are good for a couple reasons: They absorb some of the surge of the boards that would lead to false releases, and they can cinch down well enought on Superlines to hold them in the release.
This is MUCH easier than it probably sounds in the book I just wrote above.
Steve

[jimbo2]

Heres my method, go to the tackle shop and buy as many "Laurvick Releases" as you will need. They are as simple as you can get,you can set them as hard as you want and they won't break the bank.
If you don't have them where you live look up www.marinegeneral.com. They can fix you up.
good luck!

[RANGER]

Really a clever system!!!! Thanks for sharing that! I'll definitely give it a try this year. I have had problems with commercial releases and the Fireline I like to use. This sounds like my solution!!

I kinda' had the idea of how this must work but wasn't sure of it. I really appreciate your sharing this.

I have to agree with other posts and threads - this is a GREAT site and you folks really make it happen!!!

Thanks Again,

RANGER



KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD!!!!!

("Hans" is not the only one to have his/her personal "saying") just kidding, Hans

[Bob Z]

I have one little addition to Steve's system when attaching the rubber band to the clip. I do not attach the clip to the rubber band directly opposite where the rubbed band is looped around my Fireline. I attach it at about 90 degrees rather than 180 degrees. This allows for one strand of the rubber band to 'pull the load', stretched out and the other strand is hanging limp. (A bit difficult to explain)
Now if I get a small fish on or a weed gets on the line the 'hanging limp' side also stretches and can be readily seen.
I use #18 rubber bands that are 3".

[cisco]

In addition to the tips given, you can also use rubber bands to secure a "slider" as a second lure on a downrigger rod line. Simply snap a snap swivel over the line from the downrigger rod, using about 4 ft of trailer line to the 2nd lure -- take the rubber band and loop it around the downrigger rod line and thru the snap. The rubber band will break when a fish takes the slider lure. You can set sliders at any depth above the bottom lure that you may want (or, some guys almost always run sliders "free" with no rubber bands). The advantage of the rubber band secured slider is that you know the depth it is running. Good luck.