Braid vs wire downrigger cable?

[die9895]

I am thinking about switching to braided downrigger line, but I am concerned if fleas are an issue with braided line.

[Sk8man]

Yes it is a concern but it is with wire too when they fishhook variety are thick. Everyone has their preference and the braid may be quieter (e.g. stealth) but nobody is sure whether the hum of the wire attracts or repels either. In the end it is a preference issue. If tyou run two downriggers change one to braid  and the other to wire and decide for yourself.

Edited March 4, 2021 by Sk8man

[FishingFool34]

  On 3/3/2021 at 8:15 PM, die9895 said:

 

I am thinking about switching to braided downrigger line, but I am concerned if fleas are an issue with braided line.

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Depending on what brand of rigger you have, switching from wire to braid can affect some functions of your downrigger. Specifically Cannon down riggers with the auto/short stop feature. Changing to braid will disable this feature, just something to keep in mind.

[Great_Laker]

I sold my cannons last year and bought Scotty's specifically to run braid so the auto-up function would work (it wont with newer cannons with braid). I switched because the humming was really bad at times with wire and i wanted to see if there was any difference with electric current on the wire vs no electric current on braid. I didn't see much of a difference in hook-ups but the quiet trolling with braid was well worth the switch. I use the scotty 2200K premium braided line in 250 lb test. Its thick, maybe even thicker than wire and flees don't seem to stick to it. In my opinion, switch to braid if your equipment allows it. Quiet, no wire fray or kinks, better to bounce bottom with for lake trout and its easy to cut and tie without crimps or special terminals.

[anniep]

ANY WAY to run braid on cannons t make short stop work

 

[Great_Laker]

  On 3/22/2021 at 3:42 PM, anniep said:

ANY WAY to run braid on cannons t make short stop work

 

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Not to my knowledge, the short stops works by electrical current. When the current is broken (with the water) as the wire termination comes out of the water, the cannon shuts off. No stainless wire, no current, short stop doesn't work. You could use the old style switches which are either on/off not auto-up, but you would still need to turn the motor off before the ball smacks the boom end. Scotty downriggers use a switch that turns off when a bead or a swivel runs through it. Some guys like them some don't, but that's one way to run braid with auto-up still functioning

[anniep]

Thanks so much for the info. Just trying to get away from cable balling up on the spool .Maybe someone has a solution to this problem. 

[anniep]

Does anybody on the forum have a solution for cables balling up on cannon riggers while retrieving?

[Yankee Troller]

  On 3/24/2021 at 4:38 PM, anniep said:

Does anybody on the forum have a solution for cables balling up on cannon riggers while retrieving?

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I've utilized the cannonball hook to center the cable coming onto the spool. We run braid and this is how I remedy the situation. I don't know what repercussions cable going through that hook might do?

[Fat Trout]

  On 4/1/2021 at 12:46 PM, Yankee Troller said:

I've utilized the cannonball hook to center the cable coming onto the spool. We run braid and this is how I remedy the situation. I don't know what repercussions cable going through that hook might do?

I do the same with cable. It takes a while but it starts to cut into the hook.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

[Frogger]

  On 3/24/2021 at 4:38 PM, anniep said:

Does anybody on the forum have a solution for cables balling up on cannon riggers while retrieving?

Are these for the side downriggers or are they off the back?


Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United mobile app

[BRsnow]

What braid brand are you all using?

[Yankee Troller]

American Fishing Wire 150lb downrigger braid here.

[wet the net]

I need to replace the cable on my Canon mag 10. Anyone have an opinion on what brand is best?   Appreciate any feedback

[Yankee Troller]

I believe there is 200' of 150lb on a Mag 10. Make sure you buy the same amount of cable to keep the counter accurate.

[Andre wallyandre]

  On 3/3/2021 at 8:15 PM, die9895 said:

 

I am thinking about switching to braided downrigger line, but I am concerned if fleas are an issue with braided line.

 

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I have a Scotty braid spool for sale never use

[wet the net]

Thanks Rick, that's good to know.  I'm wondering if one brand is better than the others.  

[Big Tom]

I'm about to respool a Mag 5 with braid after losing perhaps 40' of steel cable due to bottom bounce spindle wrap. I had read somewhere that the braid could be attached to and put OVER the remaining steel cable. However, Rich's comment leads me to realize  that combining the two types will throw off the line counter.   I should just remove all the steel and start fresh with the braid.  Correct?  Kinda embarrassed to ask.

[Yankee Troller]

  On 5/6/2025 at 1:14 PM, Big Tom said:

I'm about to respool a Mag 5 with braid after losing perhaps 40' of steel cable due to bottom bounce spindle wrap. I had read somewhere that the braid could be attached to and put OVER the remaining steel cable. However, Rich's comment leads me to realize  that combining the two types will throw off the line counter.   I should just remove all the steel and start fresh with the braid.  Correct?  Kinda embarrassed to ask.

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I'm not 100% sure. On my Optimum's I can go in and change the algorithm for the counter by telling the downrigger what line type/size and amount I have on the spool. On Mag 5/10's I'd reccomend sticking with what was originally on there unless you want to experiment and tinker. 

 

Just note that braid on a Mag 5/10 will not allow the short stop at the surface to work.