Could an Electrical Problem be scaring away all the fish??

[50's OMC]

We have a 1992 Trophy 25 ft with an '01 225 HP Evinrude and an '04 Yamaha 8hp kicker. We owned it about 3 seasons and regularly go salmon fishing in the summer. We have tried all the techniques/tricks (trolling, mooching, downrigger, ect) but we haven't caught one salmon while boats 10 ft away are getting their limit of salmon. We've heard from two different people that an electrical problem could be the cause. What is the best way to test for a problem and how should we go about fixing it?

 

[O-fishal]

Re: Could an Electrical Problem be scaring away all the fish??

If you are fishing stainless line on your downriggers take a voltmeter with you next time you are out and set up your gear and start fishing....... now test the voltage on the line..... if it higher than .7 volts you have a problem. Usually a bad ground ....... some of this can be eliminated by checking your grounds and fixing them, replacing your anodes, and switching to braided downrigger line....... good luck and tight lines I fish 4 Scotty electrics with braid on my trophy and catch fish!!!!!

 

[joed]

Re: Could an Electrical Problem be scaring away all the fish??

How would you measure that voltage? Between the line and what?

 

[O-fishal]

Re: Could an Electrical Problem be scaring away all the fish??

any grounding spot... a bolt, a cleat, something metal

 

[M9.9]

Re: Could an Electrical Problem be scaring away all the fish??

You may want to look at boat/engine noises and vibrations finding it's way down the rigger or rod line? To reduce this possibility (it happened to me), insulate rod-holders and down riggers between: holder/rigger mounts and boat using rubber the thcker the better. Also insulate inside the rod holders where the but of rods contact holder itself. Good luck!! It sure made a difference for me.

 

[O-fishal]

Re: Could an Electrical Problem be scaring away all the fish??

What speeds are you fishing OMC 50, leader length, length from downrigger clip, etc etc and a bit of luck all play factors.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Could an Electrical Problem be scaring away all the fish??

Are you a smoker? Nicotine will definately deter a bite.

 

[50's OMC]

Re: Could an Electrical Problem be scaring away all the fish??

No smoking on our boats. We try many different speeds, leader lengths ect. One time two Pink Salmon followed my line right up to the boat, when they were about 3ft away from the boat, they quickly swam away. I could have been reeling in too fast but idk. Thanks for all the input.