Planer rod vs downrigger

[Streamweaver]

Rookie question what are the pros and cons between the two. It seems the downrigger would be easier for reeling and wear and tear on equipment and boat.

[paul708]

Just curious, why do You think that? and what # tackle are you refering to?

[JMS-ILM]

i used to ask the same question.......but after having seen a "death from above" planer rod in action, it is by far the best tool for the job.

[Capt-D]

IMO Downriggers are just a pain in the ass, especally in rough seas. If your going for tuna, and the downrigger is wire line your screwed.


Too Much Noise!! Especally for YFT

-D

[Jesse Lockowitz]

i like the idea of the planner rods..


match them with a 50wlrs , some super heavy braid, like 130 or somethin, and they run through the water fast, smooth, and i guess alot more quiet than wire does.

when i get my boat, ima buy one, try it, if it works, and i like it. ill get another and have a set.

just some things you need to have sets of.


ie planner rods, outrigger rods, flat line rods.. king rods..i mean,,, another excuse for more tackle, right>?

[paul708]

i have only used downriggers for light tackle,....... SO if we are using 50's and 80's for this. a rod built like the planner rod MAY work for both.planner and downriggers?

[MakoMike]

I've use downriggers with a high speen z-wing for tuna, worked o.k. Do use the planer rod to fight the fish, or just to drag the planer around?

[paul708]

i gotta think you wind the fish in with them, or you really wouldnt need a 50wlrs reel,on it..BUT again i never did it..looks like i gotta build a rod a give it a try.ALL i need is that tip.Oh and a ride on a boat

[JMS-ILM]

a 50 does not have the drag capability to handle the strain of the planer.....at least the strain of a #24 old salty. marty insists on the 80 Tiagra.....and even with the drag buttoned down at full, line still creeps off the reel.

[Streamweaver]

I assume that downriggers are so-so and release to easy in rough seas by the comments. Also I have one downrigger rigged with 400 pd mono instead of wire which should help on the tuna bite. Paul I run 50 wides and have one 70 wide. On the planer rod could you use a avet 50 with the higher drag rating?