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Topic: Down rigger diagnostics. Major malfunction  (Read 1917 times)

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E Kayaker

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I went out on the local pond to test out my new down rigger to prepare for BSS4. I let it into the water a few feet and paddled towards the deep end. I didn't even get half way when I noticed the braid was slack. Everything was gone. Weight, shuttle hawk, release and snubber all gone. I don't think it broke at the knot because I had let out a little line and the break looked to be above the water line. It was hanging very close to the boat and may have been rubbing on it as I paddled. I'm looking for suggestions on what caused the line to break. I don't want that to happen again. Also I need some ideas for putting together a replacement system between now and the weekend. I don't have time to order online. Would a ball weight work as a temporary fix?
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.  ~John Buchan


Murfman

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Whats the end of the braid look like? Maybe a knot came loose? I've snagged bottom a few times and it about flipped my kayak...nothing subtle about it...

That's really weird!

-Murf


beenfishin

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Sounds like your knot failed and let everything slide free.  What knot did you tie, and what lb braid were you running?


AlsHobieOutback

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I'm running a really high braid, like 120-150lb, and have gotten hung up on the bottom and not had it break.   You should be able to hit almost any tackle shop for a new weight, and hopefully a clip, although I recall Ben once said he used a rock from the shoreline once.  There is a shop in Napa on the way to Lupine that should have whatever you need.
« Last Edit: April 23, 2014, 06:44:01 PM by Tote »
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E Kayaker

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There was no hang up that was noticeable. I am using 65lb braid. I don't think it broke at the knot. I let out enough line so the weight would be in the water. The broken end of the line did not seem long enough to reach as low as it would if it broke at the knot. It seems either there was a bad spot in the line or it was rubbing against the kayak and that broke it. Is it likely, possible that rubbing against the kayak could break the line? I will take a photo of the broken end and post it up.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.  ~John Buchan


sonoramike

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That is why I still run cable I hate losing shit!!! I always come home with more than I left with haha.
The only time I would consider braid on my dr would be if I was fishing any tidal water on a flat water lake no way no how it seems pointless to me.


AlsHobieOutback

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It could have been nicked when being deployed, or spooled up on the DR I guess.  Braid isn't know for its abrasion resistance.  Also 65lb may sound pretty strong, but I tried a line that was close to that and when I tied off my weight to a nail and droped it 2 feet which snapped it easily.  So I went with the much higher strength like 120-150lb (forget what it is exactly.) 
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FishWorks

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Use must have had a knick or bad not in that braid. You have to also remember that braid will slip out of certain knots. If your braid is brandnew then I highly doubt you had a nick or rubbing against the plastic kayak that did it. I agree with Al, 65lb is too thin. go with a 100lb. test. you should only need 100ft. Furthermore, most DR release clips WILL Not pinch well to braid cause its thinner and smoother than the wire and it will slide up your cable when trying to tighten the tension on your rod. To solve this, either put your clip on the DR lead ball if you can or make a small loop about a foot above the ball on your braid and attach the clip on the loop.
Just Slay
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E Kayaker

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The break.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.  ~John Buchan


E Kayaker

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That is why I still run cable I hate losing shit!!! I always come home with more than I left with haha.
The only time I would consider braid on my dr would be if I was fishing any tidal water on a flat water lake no way no how it seems pointless to me.
I read here that it was worth going to braid to stop the "whine" cable makes and to allow easier emergency cutaway if needed.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.  ~John Buchan


Tote

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That is why I still run cable I hate losing shit!!! I always come home with more than I left with haha.
The only time I would consider braid on my dr would be if I was fishing any tidal water on a flat water lake no way no how it seems pointless to me.

Snagging the bottom on a slow drift can flip your kayak faster than you think.
I was fishing UVR with a DR and unwittingly snagged the bottom on  a very slow troll.
Almost went over.
I'd rather break off or at the very least have the convenience of easily and quickly cutting the line rather then flipping the kayak.
You only run into trouble when you least expect it.
<=>


E Kayaker

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Use must have had a knick or bad not in that braid. You have to also remember that braid will slip out of certain knots. If your braid is brandnew then I highly doubt you had a nick or rubbing against the plastic kayak that did it. I agree with Al, 65lb is too thin. go with a 100lb. test. you should only need 100ft. Furthermore, most DR release clips WILL Not pinch well to braid cause its thinner and smoother than the wire and it will slide up your cable when trying to tighten the tension on your rod. To solve this, either put your clip on the DR lead ball if you can or make a small loop about a foot above the ball on your braid and attach the clip on the loop.
As I recall i used a palomar knot. I'm confused about the slipping clip and braid. The release clip is attached to the ball or in my case the shuttle hawk via the metal clip. The fishing line is squeezed by the release clip. If it came apart at the knot there should have been three or four feet of line hanging down from the pulley and there was a foot or less. I wondered if rubbing on the kayak could cause a friction failure. I suppose its possible I damaged the line at some point. If it is that easy to damage braid, then I should rethink using braid.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.  ~John Buchan


E Kayaker

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This photo shows how close the line hangs next to my kayak. Should it be that close?
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.  ~John Buchan


FishWorks

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Perhaps it did cut the line. If your using a shuttle hawk, then worries. If going straight clip to the braid, then I recommend making a loop. Hope you can get something going before sunday tdad. I'm sure many of us will help ya out on sat. if you still have problems
Just Slay
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rockfish

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A cut would not show strand separation like that.  I think your knot undid itself.  Sorry to hear you lost $45 in gear.
but this is just my 2c
Less Mental than before, Still savage AF tho <3

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