DIY downrigger

[Brooks85]

Hey everyone!

This is my first post and I wanted to share the downrigger I just put on the boat. I wanted to get into Kokanee fishing but did not want to spend tons of money on something i've never tried. So I started looking at downriggers and decided, I can do that!. I used an L bracket from the pipe fitting section at lowes, A piece of 3/4 inch rigid emt I got off my dad (he's an electrician) and two minis (pipe connectors) from him as well. I bought an old pen 65 reel from ebay for 15 bucks including shipping and a cannon mini downrigger boom end and pulley for 13. In retrospect I should have got a mini pulley and had my buddy weld the pieces together so they do not swivel, you can get them off amazon for 5 bucks or so. Ah well, still works. I connected the L bracket to the oar lock holder. Next week we will be using metal plumbing straps and 550 cord to make the pulley more permanent and a mini U-bold to keep the reel in place as well as using PVC to mount a rod holder. Also we will be modifying the reel so we can use a battery drill to bring the weight up. I'll be using a 6 lb cannon ball and 100 lb braided test. I have a Okuma reel with a depth counter so I know how deep ill be. I think I spent around 30 bucks so far. LMK what you guys think!

[SuperD]

Welcome Brooks! I like what you have done in concept. Once you start field testing you will see if the 3/4" conduit is up to the task of a bouncing weight with a long moment arm like that. Worse case scenario, dad gives you some 1 1/4". My only other piece of constructive criticism is that and old line counter reel in lieu of the Penn would have be a little nicer to know what depth you are lowering to. The line counter on your reel will be highly inaccurate for depth due to belly in the line, which can vary greatly with trolling speed and wind/current conditions. Overall, you've done great though. It will just take some time on the water to work out the bugs.

[Brooks85]

Definitely! I didn't think about what you mentioned with the reel counter being off. Live and learn I guess. Maybe someday the old lady will let me buy another nice reel with a line counter, lol. I am sure i will be changing/fixing a lot of things after the first time out. I'm getting super impatient already to get out there that's for sure!

[Brooks85]

I also thought about getting the color coded line to help keep track of about where I am at.

[sawtooth]

Looks like the handle is a little close to the gunnel of your boat. Could be a knuckle buster. Other than that looks like it could do the job.

[SuperD]

Brooks,
Here is a picture of my planer board mast that I fabricated. I have yet to test it.

[Brooks85]

Brooks,
Here is a picture of my planer board mast that I fabricated. I have yet to test it.

I just saw this, looks good! Lmk how it works! I'm about to post more pics of my downrigger. I went a different rout that made it more secure.

[Brooks85]

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Here is my new setup. It's more stable then the last and i dint lose my oar locks. I just need to beef up the bench a little, put a plate on the bottom and run a couple bolts through the winch and box i made to it.

[Brooks85]

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[TRUBBS]

your pictures didnt load

[Brooks85]

your pictures didnt load

Did you try clicking on the attachments? That's what it's showing on my end. I'm trying to figure this forum out still. Lol

[Brooks85]

Nvm, i thought it was working. I'll have to try from the computer after work.

[Brooks85]

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[Brooks85]

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Hopefully it works now.

[Brooks85]

I should add, that altogether it cost me about 120 bucks. That is counting a old reel I was going to use in place of the winch, two rod holders, the 8 lb downrigger weight, 150 lb test color coded, braided line (not in the pictures), a cannon terminator clip and a light release. I already had all of the screws, connectors, the batter drill and I got the emt conduit for free (its 3/4 with a 1/2 conduit inside of it). The box is made from the pull out platforms that were under the benches. I did not like them and the foam in them was rotting. Plus they were nice spider nest . The batter drill holds the weight in place but it you pull on it, it lets some line out. So it will work well if I run into a snag or get hung up. Still have to test it on the water but I cant wait to start fishing next week!

[Bill]

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Hopefully it works now.

Nope I see nothing.

[Ed J]

try using IMGUR


http://imgur.com/gallery/XVmc8