[onemorecast]

Has anyone ever tried this?

Even though I have not yet got my 1st yak (soon though) I have been thinking a small downrigger might be good to try in a few different spots including around some moored boats. I have a very small one with a 4 lb weight. Don't know if this would make the yak a bit too unstable.

Eric

 

[Peril]

I've not tried it. I know yakman (not seen him post for many months) has one. Can't see that it will create handling problems. I troll with a paravane that generates a fair bit of drag and had no handling problems

 

[kingfisher111]

Hi Eric,
I`m also interested to set up a down rigger for my kayak. I will make it one of my next projects. I`m sure Scott has experience with down rigging from his kayak. I`m sure he will find this post. Steve.

 

[onemorecast]

Hi Eric,
I`m also interested to set up a down rigger for my kayak. I will make it one of my next projects. I`m sure Scott has experience with down rigging from his kayak. I`m sure he will find this post. Steve.

Steve,
Hopefully I will order my kayak in the next couple of weeks, and like you it will be a Hobie (haven't decided to on the Outback or the Sport) so I'll be interested to see how you go with your downrigger too.
Eric

 

[Daveyak]

OK I give up, what is a downrigger?

I've seen them referred to in previous posts and have been meaning to research about them on the 'net but have been too busy/lazy so am hoping some of this forum's very knowledgeable members can fill me in. :roll: I mean explain downriggers to me...

 

[onemorecast]

OK I give up, what is a downrigger?

I've seen them referred to in previous posts and have been meaning to research about them on the 'net but have been too busy/lazy so am hoping some of this forum's very knowledgeable members can fill me in. :roll: I mean explain downriggers to me...

It’s a way of trolling a lure or bait at a depth of your choosing.

Basically you hang a heavy weight (sometimes called a bomb) over the side or back of a boat. The bomb has a short line attached to the back of it with a clip on it. You attach your fishing line to the clip and slowly troll the lure/bait behind the bomb.

There’s a fishing guide in Sydney (Pittwater) that fishes almost exclusively this way and has a pretty high success rate with Kingfish. Seems to me it would work from a kayak just as effectively especially since you only troll very slowly (2 – 3 knots)

Eric

 

[Guest]

I can't see any reason why it wouldnt work

 

[Davey G]

the downrigger bomb would also make a great anchor in calm conditions/sandy bottom.

only negative to using a downrigger is that you need to know exactly the depth that you're trolling at and ensure that it doesnt hit the bottom as you're paddling along. It may be a bit tricky to paddle, keep an eye on your siounder screen for depth and adjust the bomb depth, but I'm sure it can be done!

 

[kingfisher111]

Yes your right Davey, a bit tricky but dooable. I`m setting one up mainly to fish at anchor with big unweighted gummy baits a couple of feet off the bottom. Got the idea from Scott who has used the technique. Great for fast current fishing as hookups are unhindered by big sinker weights. Steve.

 

[Scott]

Mate have a look at this thread started by Russ about downrigging. http://www.akff.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2330

Catch ya Scott

 

[onemorecast]

Mate have a look at this thread started by Russ about downrigging. http://www.akff.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2330

Catch ya Scott

Thanks Scott,

Seems like it can be done, so I'll give it a try when I get the Hobie.

Eric