Can angle of rigger cable be used for speed?

[lavarock64]

I don't have the dough at the moment for a down temp./ speed set-up.

Off the wall ? (I'm in the office way to much)- If I were to always place one rigger ball at say 80 feet, then use a square to mark the cable agle to the side of the boat, would I be able to determine my down speed? I realize boat movement is a veriable, so let's say given calm conditions. Just curious if anyone else has tried this.

[rustyrat]

For me the best way was to use a thumper rod down the middle. I didn't get my depth raider till this year and I caught lots o kings with out speed and temp using the thumper with an 8 in flasher fly rig with a 1 lb ball.

I've had the cables way back and almost straight down and still going the right speed, so I don't think cable angle will do it for ya. Ya just don't know what kind of current is down there.

RR

[Yankee Troller]

Id rather watch your wire rod arch. Make sure she is bent over!

[keithg]

the three things i check when i don't have a probe.1)bend in the dipsy rods.2)the action on the thumper rods tip.nice even pull 1 2 3 .....4 is perfect.3)the pitch of the rigger cables hum.when all three look good i am generally pulling fish.