downrigger

Boat Angling - everything welcome. The opinions expressed here are those of the private individuals, and we accept no responsibility or liability.

Moderator: JimC

Message
Author
Ric0shay
SAI Hammerhead
Posts: 277
Joined: Thu Nov 03, 2011 5:57 pm

downrigger

#1 Post by Ric0shay »

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.
User avatar
donal murphy
SAI Hammerhead
Posts: 218
Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2005 7:19 pm
Location: Dublin

Re: downrigger

#2 Post by donal murphy »

Ric0shay
SAI Hammerhead
Posts: 277
Joined: Thu Nov 03, 2011 5:57 pm

Re: downrigger

#3 Post by Ric0shay »

donal murphy wrote:Check this http://www.sea-angling-ireland.org/bull ... 14&t=37679
Shouldnt cost too much
I seen that but it doesn't give much on them.
User avatar
Preston
SAI Sea Dog!
Posts: 487
Joined: Sun Aug 07, 2011 1:30 pm
Location: cork

Re: downrigger

#4 Post by Preston »

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
2013 species : coalies,flounder(pb),whiting,dogfish,5 beard rockling
2012 species : cod,whiting,coalies;flounder,5 beard rockling,bass,dogfish,dab
blowin
SAI Hammerhead
Posts: 361
Joined: Sat Mar 12, 2005 1:20 pm
Location: tubbercurry , Co Sligo

Re: downrigger

#5 Post by blowin »

Preston wrote: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 :wink:
ATB
User avatar
Preston
SAI Sea Dog!
Posts: 487
Joined: Sun Aug 07, 2011 1:30 pm
Location: cork

Re: downrigger

#6 Post by Preston »

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 .
2013 species : coalies,flounder(pb),whiting,dogfish,5 beard rockling
2012 species : cod,whiting,coalies;flounder,5 beard rockling,bass,dogfish,dab
User avatar
Tanglerat
Moderator
Posts: 3117
Joined: Wed Jun 02, 2004 12:45 am
Location: Co Donegal

Re: downrigger

#7 Post by Tanglerat »

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.
User avatar
The Austrian
Ctrl A, Ctrl C, Ctrl V
Posts: 2589
Joined: Wed Oct 29, 2008 4:25 pm
Favourite Rod: Conoflex, ZZiplez, Fox, Shimano...
Favourite Reel: Shimano, Daiwa, Abu, Mitchell.
Favourite Fish: all above 50cm...
Location: Baile an Doire

Re: downrigger

#8 Post by The Austrian »

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.
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.” - Dalai Lama
“Learn from Yesterday, Live for Today and Hope for Tomorrow.” - Albert Einstein
Ric0shay
SAI Hammerhead
Posts: 277
Joined: Thu Nov 03, 2011 5:57 pm

Re: downrigger

#9 Post by Ric0shay »

The Austrian wrote: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 ?

Return to “Boat Angling Q&A / Forum”