Releases for downriggers

[joeczar]

what are the best release to buy for downriggers I know there are a lot of different ones could someone tell me which are good and which are not also what kind of tension should they have
thanks in advance
joe

[BobB(MI)]

I think alot depends on what you are fishing for, the conditions you fish in and of course, personal preference.

For instance, I like using the Big Jon rubber band hook releases as well as the OffShore releases - for both salmon and walleyes. In rough water, the OffShores are very easy to use and hold solidly (I use the heavy tension for salmon mostly). I know some folks who now use the Heavy OffShore releases exclusively for salmon now...they are one of the most straightforward, simplest out there that do work. In calmer water, I like to use the rubber band releases as you can see the rod "bounce" a bit on a lite bite.

I have a friend who uses the rubber band releases and just reels up the walleyes with the downrigger and nets them! They never broke the rubber band. Works well on the small fish.

Again, just my personal preference - no "right" answers. I'm sure many others who feel the same about different methods. Experiment with a few to see what you like best.

Good Luck,
Bob

[4-given]

I use the black Off-shore clips on about a 15" lead tied directly to the cannon ball.

[SUPERTROLLER]

I prefer the Walker releases. They are fully adjustable to whatever tension for whatever line size you are using. Pull a loop on the plunger and they are ready. No rubber bands to worry about if they were deteriorated or weakened before use. The walkers will also hold more of the line and you won't have the false early releases due to heavy waves as can be expected with the Off-Shores. I've never found anything better for downrigger use. (my two cents worth)

[vetspet(ind)]

i fish primarily for salmon and rubber bands are the best way to go for salmon...most all the charters use them...on erie the rubber bands do not work for me at all...the walleye hit but do not break the rubber band most of the time...it is even difficult (for me) to tell if they are on the rod...often i pull up the rigger and there is a 3-4 lb walleye on!!!! frustrating as even 1-2 lb coho break the rubber band...so for walleye the rubber band is not as good as it is for salmon...steve