If using the Offshore release with the pin place a sufficiently strong rubber band (this is something that often takes some experimentation with to determine) behind the pin and loop knot the other end to the wire. It shouldn't damage the 19 strand if the right strength rubber band is selected. You just want it to hold the setup and break when a fish hits. There are many different applications for rubber bands in fishing and in each case the strength of the band and amount of stretch should be right for that particular application (e.g. from downrigger release, on fixed sliders, or from boards etc.). If the band selected is the correct strength the wire shouldn't kink. I've even used bands in the past with seven strand from boards experimenting without damage, but again the correct rubber band strength needs to be chosen. On my boards I don't want the thing to release as I take the boards off when reeling in the fish so a different set-up.
Although the 30 # braid may cut through the water and breaking strength not being a major factor as most braid is very strong anyway the reason I use 50 lb is that the smaller diameters of braid can develop loop knots from out of nowhere sometimes and the 50 is much less prone to it and still has a pretty small diameter compared with mono. There are many effective ways to do this stuff so whatever works on your particular boat set up the way you have it is fine. We all get kinda used to our own systems and perhaps think it may be "superior" but it still boils down to whatever works for you is the way to go
ifishy - When fishing the water that is also inhabited by big pike a short titanium leader (smaller diameter and stronger than others) can prevent snap-offs and it may also give some additional action to some lures (stiffness).
Both these guys have given you very good advice. I would add that mono stretches - even the higher pound test and when used with boards you may not get as good hook-ups with it. The #50 braid isn't "overkill" either especially when using boards, and if the core is run down the chute the braid cuts through the water a little better than the mono.
I use Tilex shower cleaner for the non skid fiberglass floor via scrub brush wiped up with old towels, and Tuff Stuff for the fiberglass interior. It comes out pristine.
one of the things that works well (for the lakers) in the winter along that line is running a Seth Green with a set of cowbells and peanut or Spin N Glow at the bottom with a 40 oz weight and a 25 or 30 ft leader about 3 ft above with a spoon or crank bait etc. Run it right near the bottom out deep and/or through the bait balls.
Longspurs - i have fished Honeoye through the ice since the late 1960's and it has always been an "on and off" bite there and although somewhat better fishing in the distant past it remains a tough place to consistently hit the bite and especially so with the Eyes and Crappies.
Justin has hit the nail on the head and the responsibility even goes beyond the sports. Frequently I see fast food bags and soda containers strewn about the roadways and it is obvious that they didn't just blow out of someones trash container waiting for the trash guys to retrieve.
I recently spoke with the Sutton staff and it was indicated that the origin of the plating problem is changes in the government guidelines for the properties of the plating relative to environmental concerns but that there has been a recent improvement in the plating (for what it is worth).
I can run 4 if I want to and Whaler hardware as you know is top notch so the recessed built in holders are very sturdy. I do have swivel bases on the Cannons and that is real convenient
Bill I have been using the gimbals set up that way for 16 years and never a problem and I have the extendable booms etc.. They are really the way to go ....easy removal if you want to safe guard riggers or just go cruising without them.
Yesterday when my son and I were were walking out on the ice at Conesus I stared at a spot on the ice in disbelief. It was littered with dead shiners, dead gills, a pile of charcoal briquettes, a garbage bag with trash, an empty propane tank, and an empty full sized brandy bottle all embedded in the ice. It was the most disgusting example of why some people spoil things for the rest of us whether hunting or fishing. Unfortunately, trying to retrieve the stuff was impossible as it had frozen right into the ice. Several other fishermen I spoke with had seen it and were enraged....really sad. When we came back in I noticed that someone had been able to free and collect the garbage bag and propane cylinder at least.
250 or 300 good choice in my opinion as you can add weights to get them deeper if needed and can get them in fairly quick (about like a ten color leadcore) to save on arms and fishes life.