downriggers

ok I read the article downrigger 101 but just curious as to how many people actually use them and what ones are good to use on a yak... been looking at the scotty 1050/1060's but seeing how Ive never used them on a pb except for one occasion on my uncles boat for salmon in Puget sound... still curious as to how one sets out a rigger on a paddle yak (im thinkin that obviously on a hobie itd be a lot easier to accomplish this)

There are quite a few sweet threads on downriggers in the forum archives. Some of the designs are pretty darn impressive. If you haven't read them I'd do a quick search and get brought up to speed.
That being said, what are you planning to fish for them? I have mine primarily for Kokanee. Everything else I can get by with a diver or a slider swivel (unless you're talking ocean fishing in over 100 fow).

Downrigger and mount for a Hobie Revo. Could possibly be adapted to a T13.

http://www.demonick.com/kayak/HMR/Downrigger/00.HMR.Downrigger.Mount.html

Your looking at the best down riggers IMO or kayak fishing. That auto brake is really nice. I have mine mounted behind me in the center of the cargo area on my outback. I tied 550 cord to the brake handle.

I get going along then Gently pull the cord to release the brake. I watch the ball fall on my fish finder and just release tension on the cord when it hits the desired depth.

This sounds easy but its still tricky! I hardly ever use it. Mostly cause I don't need too. Most of my trolling is done in 30 feet or less and a 8-10 oz banana weight works just as good with a lot less hassle.

That being said I lose a lot of fish. I'm wondering if all that weight and big flasher inhibit proper hook setting or work against me during the fight. Next time I troll I'm going to use the down rigger to see if my catch rate improves

Oh and I actually mounted the downriver mounting plate directly to the hull. I found the lower you can get the center of gravity down the better so the kayak tracks smoothly. But it means permanent holes! Course they can be refilled down the road with a little plastic welding or just leaving the bolts in

I mounted my base permanently to my outback as well.  Unlike others, I prefer a soft side bag for my tackle so I didn't have any issues having it permanently mounted.  I see others have done some great rigging that is less permanent I like.

Like Rimfire says, I have so far only used it for kings.  SUPER effective.  The downside, now that I have done both, is that the ball plus big flasher plus gear feels almost exactly like you are towing another kayak as far as the additional resistance.

I am seriously considering putting the standard fins back on for Downrigging applications.  Maybe I just suck it up and increase my leg strength. 

I think its absolutley necessary  for any fishing uner 40ft for trolling.  I say 40ft, because last week I used a 16 oz banna sinker, biggest ever, and at faster trolling speed with a quite a bit of line out (65 lbs braid) I don't think I was ever lower than 35 ft down.  Another useful application I hope for the downrigger is amount for a camera. 

My set up

What with the loose wrist velcro on the Kokatat drysuit?

There are a number of threads on using downriggers.  Some of the highlights are:

Replacing the cable with braid.

Use Sampo swivels for flasher and other terminal gear.

Ball weights - I use a 6#.  Tried a 4# but not heavy enough for the salt.  I keep it for freshwater.

DO NOT simply drop the brake to stop the ball.  The sudden jerk can break even stout braid.  Ease on the brake, then reel it up if you past your depth.