Sk8man

Just another couple things to think about . The decision regarding the size of weights also depends to some degree on the size/weight of boat as well. For large heavy boats a sixteen pound weight may be the way to go. For small boats a 10 or 12 lb weight may be appropriate. Something that hasn't been mentioned is the stress on the gunwales and transom. On smaller lighter boats with narrow aluminum gunwales the smaller weights may be desirable. Lifting a 16 lb weight while bent over in waves can be a problem depending on your physical situation too and if you run three riggers you are adding nearly 50 lbs to the back of the boat. On a big boat it doesn't matter but after previously fishing a 13 ft Whaler for 22 years I can tell you it does matter in a small boat. Blowback can be a problem at speed with lighter weights the deeper you go but you can also adjust according to marks on your fishfinder and/or slow up a bit drop down and still be into the fish. Some folks seem to think that having your downrigger wires straight down is critical to success but there are other things to consider as well. P.S. The shape of the weight is really more important than the weight in most cases. Sharks and torpedoes outperform other shaapes.

The public launch at Sodus Point is free. As Mike said Hughes charged $10 the last few years. There is a money box near the building that has envelopes where you write down your name and description of your vehicle and drop in the box with your money.

You will be happy with either option Unless you are trolling a lot of high speed and real deep water (e.g. 100 ft plus on riggers) 10 or 12 lb weights will be just fine)

check your other post

Hughes Marina near Pultneyville would be nearly a straight shot north on 21 then turn onto 104 east, then take Townline Road north and turn left (west) on old 104. Hughes will be on your right. Sodus Point is another option either the public launch just north of Arney's Marina on Rt. 14 (straight shot from Lyons) just before entering Sodus Point, or the launch at the Coast Guard station near the lighthouse near the beach.

The name of their store says it all and is absolutely correct

Small Spro #8 swivel from main Bloodrun Sea Flee 30 lb mono to 20 lb fluoro leader 20 ft long.Either dedicated rods without a leader (i.e. just the 30 lb mono with a solid ring ball bearing swivel) OR I just take the leader off and put a ball bearing swivel on the end of the mono for attractor use.

One of the pluses for the Blacks is that there is a large range of adjustment on them perhaps to the point of barely releasing if that is what is desired. It is one difference form the Chamberlain in fact as the upper end of the Chamberlain release is about 4 lbs or so. The difference can be important when using attractors with lures as it may require a relatively higher setting than with just a spoon or stick to prevent false releases. Normally for usual fishing conditions I have my Blacks set for 3-3 1/2 lbs. I use an inexpensive luggage scale to set the releases. If I run cowbells, flashers, or spinnys in conjunction with the lure I usually estimate upward on the tension to about 4 lbs or so as I may not have the scale with me in the boat. After using Blacks since the mid seventies I can pretty much tell even without the scale where I'm at P.S. I constantly monitor the tips of my rigger rods to spot possible "shorts" that may not have triggered the release. Chamberlains may be better at detecting them than Blacks for small fish and especially light hitters like Walleyes and Perch.

Lets hope not. Wanton waste in any sport is unacceptable.