Best Downrigger Release?

[slowtroller]

I have tried several downrigger releases and am still hunting for the "perfect" release. Sometimes a smaller fish will not trip the line and the fish is dragged around for a while costing precious time and fewer fish. Some of the friction pad type releases let the line slip when loading the rod tip. What is the best all around release for walleye?

[Green Bay Angler]

I use premium rubber bands....size 19. I use ugly stik rigger rods and really crank them down tight. If a small fish hits, you can usually still see the tip pumping and need to release it.

Another method I have heard people use for smaller fish is a lighter 2-3 pound ball. When a fish doesn't break the rubber band it pulls back on the ball and is easy to tell one is on.

good luck

GBA

[Green Bay Angler]

Forgot to include the fact that you could try a lighter rubber band.

[FreeByrd]

Best I've found is the Roemer release - design allows you to fully load the rod and not worry about false release but small fish will still trip it. If you use any of the pinch pad releases, try putting a dipsey snubber between teh ball and the release. It will help you detect the little guys.
Steve

[pwrfshn]

Freebyrd,

Is this similar to a Blacks Release? Don't think I've seena Roemer.

Got a link to a picture??

Thanks,

[FreeByrd]

Mexico,
Here ya go:

http://www.roemerrelease.com/prod01.htm

I've never seen / heard of a "Black's Release" so I don't know if they are similar.

Steve

[pwrfshn]

Very similar to a Blacks Downrigger Release in concept, but it looks more complicated, but it also looks like it may work better for being able to bend the rod tip more without a flase release.

The Blacks attach to a snap swivel, the ball on the bottom of the release and then it has a wire that snaps into an adjustable tension release.

Here is an ok picture, but I attach the way I described above, not like the diagram with egg sinker.

http://freespirit.fishnj.com/images/article_downrigger_a_full.gif

I'll have to try a Roemer.

[FreeByrd]

Here is another more detailed diagram / description of the Roemer. It looks / sounds a lot more complicated than it actually is (at least if you have someone to actually show you how to rig it)

http://www.roemerrelease.com/releasediagram2.JPG

Roemer works well on many different line types, from regular mono, to Flea Flicker mono, to 8-12 pound diameter braided line like Whiplash, PowerPro, FINS, Spiderwire, etc.
Steve

[pwrfshn]

Thanks, that was much better, I'll give one a try.