What line/cable to use on downrigger for dredge?

[seavee32]

I recently started using a downrigger to pull a two tier dredge. I noticed the original cable that came on the downrigger is frayed in a couple spots and I don't want to take any chances losing the dredge. Would I be better off replacing it with a heavy dacron or braid? Thanks.

[whitey]

I use 200 LB Jerry Brown on a Kristal 651 to pull my dredges and have never lost 1 due to line breakage.

[Glenn W]

Until last year I've used 130lb Spectra and have never lost a dredge due to line failure (every other conceivable screw up though). I'll be using 200 lb Spectra this year as an added buffer.

[t bird]

Glenn, Whitey-
Ok….
How much braid??
What kind of backing ??
Connecting knots??
Thanks
T

[BTH284]

200 LB Jerry Brown for 2 season now. No failures. I do re tie all terminal connections before every trip.

[whitey]

Glenn, Whitey-
Ok….
How much braid??
What kind of backing ??
Connecting knots??
Thanks
T

Since I also use my 651 for tile fishing it is filled to capacity with spectra which I believe is around 350 yards of 200 LB. To attach the swivel I tie a 5 foot double line with a spider hitch or bimini twist and then put the swivel on with an offshore swivel knot. I put the double line on incase the dredge is pulled up to far and the swivel hits the rod tip. I did it once when I first got the reel and lost a double dredge when the line snapped. Since then I have been using the double line and have not had any problems. I also retie everything before every trip.

[rarhomes]

On my down rigger I use 400# mono. I like it better than wire, (it doesn't hum) and I don't like handling braid. I have never lost a dredge either.

Capt. Rick

[seavee32]

Thanks for the info. Glenn, I assume you are using that line on a downrigger also? Another question...i'm using the downrigger in a rod holder with the swivel base and turning it out 90 degrees when pulling the dredge. It's a Penn Fathom Master. Do you ever have a problem with two much drag on the swivel base causing it to snap back? That happened the other day but I think maybe we just got moving a little too fast going down sea and it put too much pressure on the base.

[Bert Rodgers]

Thanks for the info. Glenn, I assume you are using that line on a downrigger also? Another question...i'm using the downrigger in a rod holder with the swivel base and turning it out 90 degrees when pulling the dredge. It's a Penn Fathom Master. Do you ever have a problem with two much drag on the swivel base causing it to snap back? That happened the other day but I think maybe we just got moving a little too fast going down sea and it put too much pressure on the base.

You may want to just run it straight back and not worry about it.

Bert

[seavee32]

True. By the time it's 30 - 40 ft back it probably doesn't make much difference.