Marking Downrigger Cable

[7mmWSM]

I had a friend give me a small downrigger, clamp on style with a 2 1/2 pound ball. The problem is that there is no depth counter or marks on the cable itself. Does anyone have any good ideas on marking the cable at say, 5 foot incements? Thanks!

[orchard frank]

Might be easier to measure how much line is payed out with each rotation, then count turns. Years ago I had a small rigger like that, and marked the spool in one place so we could count easier. Seems like that one was pretty close to 2' for each rotation. Might be able to use small pieces of shrink tube or liquid tape, not sure if it would stick. Shakespeare makes a clamp-on counter for rod/reel combos, not sure it it would handle cable or not. Getting paint to stick to stainless cable would be tough

[Burr]

Are you going to be able to mark the ball on your sonar?

I don't do a great deal of downrigging, but when I do, I look at the screen to determine if I want higher or lower. Maybe I'm doing it wrong!

[Onefishtwofish]

I have a small clamp on down rigger, with a one lb ball..... Each turn of the reel lowers 1 foot of cable........ Works great! Easy to measure.."

[Phil T]

Realize the depth counters on downriggers really measure the turns of kthe spool, not the feet of cable that's been let out. A 1' indication at 20' of cable out is greater than 1' with 100' of cable out because the spool became smaller.

[REW]

7
The very simplest solution is to give away the current downrigger, and pick up one that has a counter on it. You will be well pleased with the use of the counter.

Just check out some of the on line auction sites. You can often find these riggers for under $30.

REW
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Big-Jon-8-Ma...item4ab6cf0d76

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RIVIERA-SPOR...item1e6daa5b81

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RIVIERA-down...item256ffb9c71

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Two-Riviera-...item3375688b33

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/an...971052833.html
http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/spo/2911902021.html