Downrigger question

[JasonJ]

I have noticed that the stainless downrigger cable hums when I am trolling. It hums at a different frequency depending on the kicker rpms. I can't help but wonder if this could be affecting fish. If I am hearing it in the boat, I can't imagine the fish are not sensing this. I can hold the stainless line and feel the vibration.<br /><br />The kicker runs very smooth, but is obviously creating a vibration that is passing through the mount, hull, downrigger, to the line. Is this even something I should be concerned with? Has anyone else experienced this? If so, should I think of a way to dampen it by placing rubber between the downrigger mount and the hull? Thanx for any help...

 

[dmonwai]

Re: Downrigger question

Downrigger cable hum is very common. It does not bother me at all but it does bother some people a lot. I don't think it affects salmon and trout fishing at all, some people say it helps when salmon fishing.<br /><br />A couple of things that are supposed to help are using a different downrigger weight, either more weight or less. Or putting a cork or float on the cable so it floats where the cable meets the water. It supposed to dampen the vibrations from the cable, the cable vibrating makes the hum. <br /><br />I have not tried either one of there because the hum does not bother me at all, or affect my fishing.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Downrigger question

Thanks dmon, I don't mind the hum, I just have worried that it may be spooking the fish. I have had dismal success this season and am trying to troubleshoot why.

 

[jt57]

Re: Downrigger question

I have read and reread a great book called downrigger techniques by **** Poole.According to the book ,and i belive this to be true,that stainless steel cable will definetly create a electrical field that will affect the fishing.Couple this with a alumium boat moving thru the water,and the electrical field has been increased.A alumium boat will create this affect it self as it moves through water.Two things that i have done to try to reduce this from happening,was to go to heavy braided downrigger line.I use 200 ft of 150 lb test on my downriggers,it dont hum ever no matter how fast i troll.Secondly i ran a ground wire between batteries,the book said that this would help to break the electrical field created by the boat moving through the water.Did these two things make that much difference ,I belive that they did.As i fish for nothing but kokanee salmon from may thro august. This year i caught more fish and also caught a personal best for kokanee .If you can obtain a copy of the book i would highly recommend it.

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Downrigger question

That hummmm as you put it is music to my ears. I actually get really bummed out if I don't hear that sound at least once a week. I really don't think that it bothers the fish at all cause I usually do best when I hear that wonderful sound. To be honest that's on key to letting me know I'm at about 2.5 to 3 mph. if it bothers you you could always just turn up the stereo. <br /> As for creating a negetive or extreme positive electrical field there are many varibles to this problem. here is a link that may offer more info.<br /><br /> http://www.protroll.com/blkbox.html#anchor85354