Tips for Kayak Downrigger Fishing

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More and more kayak anglers are interested in using downriggers on kayaks. While the downrigger has yet to catch up to the kayak fishing phenomena there are small compact manual downriggers available on the market suitable with and without modification for kayak use. In this video I cover some tips and make recommendations on modifications and use of downriggers on the kayak.
Products featured in this video:
- Cannon Lake Troll: amzn.to/3aZU5tt
- V-lock: v-lock.com/
- Mack's Shuttle Hawk: amzn.to/3Ox2CBA
- Scotty Mini-Clip (for trout and kokanee): amzn.to/3B9N048
- Scotty Power Clip Plus (for larger fish): amzn.to/3orySvy
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[@coolhand411luke6]

I love how chill you are in your actions. Even your great catches and lost fish are subdued. The ability to do 3 or more things at once is a rare skill.

[@georgefitzhugh6455]

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing!

[@rickw9169]

I tried a number of different downrigger releases and finally found the Scotty hairtrigger downrigger releases. I have modified them by removing the cable clip and attaching the release with 50# mono directly to the ball. The release tension is very adjustable and just work better for me than any other release for lake fishing.

[@johnspecht7449]

Great info, very helpful.

[@alexwilson1913]

Great info, thanks.

[@johnnypea43]

I am switching to braid for my kayak downrigger! Coming from a Great Lakes boat fishing background I never considered the risk of becoming tangled in the cable and hanging up a ball was no big deal, but those are both real concerns especially in offshore situations. Excellent suggestion.

[@jaynecobb5774]

Thanks man...new to PNW fishing and had no idea what a downrigger was even for

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

Awesome fish and info! I can't see my downrigger ball on my finger unless I am almost stationary; might have to make some adjustments. I currently just use the line counter on my rod to see how much line I have out and try estimate depth from there.

[@LovingIdaho]

I have been kayak fishing for over 20 years . But , I am still a greenhorn with using a downrigger on my kayak . I also bought a scotty manual lake downrigger . I am not hating it yet . I am in lure 11.5 . I bought the scotty because I was trying to stay as light as possible . I am still making up my mind on the new fishfinder . I plan to keep my old one that I have mounted by my bow . I have a motor in my pod area , so use the bow fishfinder is mainy to give me warning to protect motor . But , does work decent on finding fish .

[@thehonfleur]

Great vid! What size bolts did you order for your backing plate?

[@TwoStageTrigger]

I fish the 4 lb weights on my small boat. The fish shaped ones seem to have less blow back than the cannonballs. Mine are the cheap Scotty ones that fit in the Scotty rod holders mounts. I think blowback is ok, as long as you can see the ball on your fish finder to make sure your depth is ok.

[@taylorstassens9834]

Great content, love watching your channel. Was wondering with this really hot weather and it being kinda miserable out in the heat of the day if you've ever considered night fishing jigging kokanee with a submerged green light? It would be interesting seeing you explore that avenue of the sport and outrigging the kayak for night fishing.

[@spiltmilt]

I’ve never done the night Kokanee thing might have to try

[@kevintaylor1659]

I run a 4 lb ball and have been fishing down 100-110' lately. I do not notice significant blowback at kokanee lure speeds. Running for trout with lures like speedy shiners where I might run 2.5mph - 3.0mph I do see a lot more blowback running that weight. However, if you pedal and run a bigger ball at higher speeds you will feel it quite quickly. Makes for a pretty short day unless you are a decathlon athlete so I stick with the 4 lb. I have compensated a bit by running a smaller diameter braid on the downrigger as well. The best release I have found for kayak downrigger fishing is the Black's release. I love those vs. the clip style. A little smaller than the Chamberlain's and works pretty well.

[@dougsparks66]

Such an amazing setup...I just wish my back wouldn't hurt every time I see you turn for your net 😮😮

[@wreck96]

You mentioned using down riggers for walleye fishing. Being new to both the world of fishing kayaks and walleye fishing, I was wondering if you could talk a little bit about that. I just got a sportsman 120 PDL and I’ve taken it out twice and was highly successful on both trips and it has absolutely changed fishing for me so thank you for all the great Intel on how to do this!!

[@spiltmilt]

I have a video on the topic here How To Catch Walleye on Crankbaits kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIK4qmyXpNmCoqM

[@Utopia_Outdoorsman]

Another great video. I’m running a 6lb ball on my setup. Do you happen to know of any blow back charts for various depths and speeds with this weight? I’ve only seen them for 8lbs and heavier. I am still playing around with my fish finder to be able to see my ball on sonar. I will have to try adjusting the angle of the transducer a bit

[@spiltmilt]

I don’t sorry.

[@hsoloman]

I've managed to learn to work the Scotty Laketroller wind knob and brake with 1 hand, and switch between working that and the Hobie rudder control with the same hand. Not ideal.

[@traildadd]

I don’t have any problem using my Scotty Laketroller one handed. It’s mounted in front of me and I always position the handle so it is pointing at me so to speak. Then I put my palm on it and I can loosen or tighten the brake knob with my fingers while my palm keeps the spool from moving. I have to use my left hand and it still not difficult. I also use a shuttle hawk. It doesn’t go up and down quickly but it still beats reeling the down rigger up and down all day.

[@troypattillo4100]

Great video tutorial! I've noticed in the last few videos you're not using the quick drops unless you've edited that out. Is there a particular reason you wouldn't use them consistently? Thanks again and that lake is gorgeous! Is it wakeless? I never see other watercraft in your posts.

[@spiltmilt]

I mix it up with weights slip or clip. This lake has wake restrictions until 9 am

[@Jarom.M]

For the partial metal ring, a brass grommet that's been set, notch cut, and filed smooth should work well. If it does, please share!

[@spiltmilt]

Good idea

[@xzacto]

i loved this information! I also see that you have the same issues I do when kayak fishing. I need antacid with me EVERY time i go. (might i recommend the berry flavored pepcid AC the brand matters, 1 lasts me the whole day and it's instant when you eat it.)

[@spiltmilt]

The good news is my acid reflux completely went away after losing 50 lbs

[@xzacto]

@@spiltmilt congrats!!! I could use to lose 10 or 15 - driving a bus all day certainly doesn't help.

[@ryanclark1841]

Are relying on the depth gauge on the end of the boom or your electronics for your depth. I have the same downrigger but dont care for there depth counter

[@spiltmilt]

I generally rely on my fishfinder

[@johnhallum1924]

What rod holder are you using with long arms.

[@harryjayne5306]

Have you tried a 3 or 4 mylar blade attractor on your down rigger ball? I learned that technique from Todd Wittwer in CA.

[@spiltmilt]

I haven’t but can’t hurt

[@lukebronstein9617]

how did you manage to install the backing plate for the v lock?

[@spiltmilt]

There is in hull access under the seat and I took the rod tube off so I could more easily see.

[@nwpete]

How do you like your Canon Lake Troll compared to Scotty Laketroller or Depthfinder? Thanks.

[@spiltmilt]

I prefer the Cannon downriggers over Scotty because the orientation of the handles and spools makes it occupy less space. It will all depend on how you configure your kayak and what brand and model you have.

[@tombee4536]

What size vlock mounting plate were you using

[@spiltmilt]

6" medium plate

[@michaelmccune1821]

You have used that lake in a lot of your videos are you willing to share your location?

[@rogerharris1561]

Did you post your old town kayaks for sale? Is it still available?

[@spiltmilt]

Yes it’s available

[@f.v.saltydawg5971]

What kind of rod is your preference for Kokanee fishing and what weight and action does it have? And what kind of reels are these on the video?

[@spiltmilt]

Here are my thoughts on rods Kokanee Rod Comparison: High end vs Mid-priced vs Budget kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHLCc6KbrdiVh7s

[@spiltmilt]

And my review of reels Best Line Counter Reels for Kokanee [Walleye too!!!] kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ3cqJuMmbmqfas

[@johnmace1245]

What test pound braid would you recommend using to replace the steel cable?

[@spiltmilt]

150 lb is what I use. You could probably go lighter for less blowback.

[@johnmace1245]

@@spiltmilt Thanks. I've noticed quite a bit of humming from my steel cable at 1.2 mph. I've heard some say that attracts fish, and I've heard some say that it repels fish. Thoughts?

[@waynet484]

What kind of rod holders are you using? Thanks

[@spiltmilt]

You can save 15% on the RAM website by using the code "HICKS22" RAM Rod HD Rod Holder: www.rammount.com/part/RAP-433-421 RAM Extension Arm: www.rammount.com/part/RAP-114-APB2U.

[@wkillam]

Any downrigger installation advice for kayaks?

[@spiltmilt]

Use a backing plate if you plan on going over 6 lbs on the ball unless you are using Hobie rails. Otherwise I cover everything else here in the video

[@nwpete]

Does the location of your downrigger being slightly behind you ever cause you discomfort when you crank it up? I just bought a Pescador Pilot and want to install a Cannon Lake-Troll but only have enough space to my right slightly behind my hips exactly where yours is. Some folks on NW Kayak Anglers say install it by your thighs so it's in front of you and more comfortable. You don't seem to have any issues with it behind you but I was still wondering what your experience has been over time at that location. Thanks.

[@spiltmilt]

I love it behind me. It keeps my cockpit less crowded and I have zero issues reaching it.

[@nwpete]

@@spiltmilt That's awesome. Thanks!

[@danmcleod5492]

I was wondering why you prefer one reel RH retrieve and one reel LH retrieve?

[@spiltmilt]

So I can reach the handles while they are in the rod holders.

[@seththompson4559]

What rods are you using now? Do you like them? Those aren't the Santiam ones anymore.

[@spiltmilt]

Yes these are the Paulina Peak rods. Better suited to heavier weights up to 5 oz

[@seththompson4559]

@@spiltmilt the PPTK8?

[@user-hp9nj1dj6h]

what poles and reels are you running ? rod holders ??

[@spiltmilt]

This video goes over my rigging kzbin.info/www/bejne/a56zkq2Kgdtoeas

[@spiltmilt]

I use Paulina Peak Kokanee rods

[@Newtrous]

Great information as always! What size v lock insert are you using for the cannon lake troll?

[@miamiwax5504]

How much distance do u need between the lure and the clip?

[@spiltmilt]

It can be as little or as much as you want