downrigger

I was just thinking of setting up a downrigger system for pike as the winter is coming fast and I started reading a bit about them becoming more popular here and in the Uk for sea fishing.
Would anyone have any advice on them ? I dont plan on forking out for something I might never use, more of a homemade job.

My plan was a copper/stainless steel 6" pipe about 10" long .Ill make a half sphere shape in the sand and fill both with 8lbs of lead.Then flatten the end .And what ever other bits I need.

Check this viewtopic.php?f=14&t=37679
Shouldnt cost too much

Check this viewtopic.php?f=14&t=37679
Shouldnt cost too much

I seen that but it doesn't give much on them.

Never seen one used for pike fishing even on deepwater venues like lough owel or derravaragh. Heres some alternatives though http://www.thefriendlyfisherman.co.uk/a ... ticles.asp

Never seen one used for pike fishing even on deepwater venues like lough owel or derravaragh. Heres some alternatives though http://www.thefriendlyfisherman.co.uk/a ... ticles.asp

Am I right in thinking that the law states that only rod and line may be used in fresh water ? That might explain why you haven't seen them used for pike .
I note that one of the threads mentioned above has been locked without apparent explanation . Same reason perhaps ?
The alternative you give does employ a rod , not just a spool
ATB

Im sure there perfectly legal to use and have seen them used for salmon and char fishing but my point was more to do with the fact that pike can be on the feed at varying depths and most baits are fished slowly so the speed of the boat and type of bait will alter depths and this can be done easier and faster by hand especially if your in the weedy snaggy areas where pike love if you get me .Also most judge there trolling speed by watching the action of the tip of the rod so maybe its down to finesse to .

One rod applies to salmon, trout and sea trout. I dunno about other freshwater species. I've only ever fished for pike with plugs/lures, not baits.

the law clearly states "It is prohibited to fish for pike or coarse fish by any means whatsoever other than by rod and line."
http://www.fishinginireland.info/regulations.htm
in my interpretation of the above, this clearly cuts out the use of a downrigger system. When the downrigger is clipped onto the line it is not fishing with the rod anymore, it is fishing with the downrigger. FWIW.

the law clearly states "It is prohibited to fish for pike or coarse fish by any means whatsoever other than by rod and line."
http://www.fishinginireland.info/regulations.htm
in my interpretation of the above, this clearly cuts out the use of a downrigger system. When the downrigger is clipped onto the line it is not fishing with the rod anymore, it is fishing with the downrigger. FWIW.

Cheers for clearing that up.But my original question is if anyone had used them from a boat at sea ?