BY MARK ROMANACK
Those anglers who fish using downriggers quickly discover what works and what doesn’t regarding line releases. If a downrigger line release has too much tension, it becomes difficult or impossible to trip the release when switching out lures. If the downrigger line release is too light, false releases and missed fish will plague the day.
The key to having a successful day using downriggers is to select a downrigger line release that’s ideal for the job. Off Shore Tackle produces a host of downrigger line releases designed to cover everything from spring coho and walleye, up to trophy salmon, striper and saltwater species.
OR4 LIGHT TENSION DOWNRIGGER RELEASE
The OR4 Light Tension Downrigger Release has been a staple in the Off Shore Tackle line up for decades. Designed for targeting smaller fish such as spring coho, brown trout and walleye, the OR4 features an oversized jaw that holds the line firmly while trolling, but the line can be tripped easily with a short snap of the rod tip.
OR1 MEDIUM TENSION DOWNRIGGER RELEASE
The OR1 was the first product produced by Off Shore Tackle and continues to be one of the best selling products today. The work horse of downrigger fishing, the OR1 has just the right amount of tension for trolling spoons, plugs and spinners when targeting steelhead, lake trout, striper and salmon.
OR8 HEAVY TENSION DOWNRIGGER RELEASE
The OR8 is the heaviest tension downrigger release in the Off Shore Tackle line up. Designed for faster trolling speeds and pulling heavy gear like rotators, dodgers, cowbells or saltwater lures, the OR8 won’t let you down.
OR7 DOWNRIGGER STACKER RELEASE
The OR7 is a light tension stacker release designed to allow two fishing lines to be fished using just one downrigger. This stacker release features two OR3 Light Tension Releases connected using a short and slightly longer length of steel cable. The release on the short cable is attached to the downrigger cable and the release on the longer cable is used to add a second line to your downrigger set up. A coast lock snap is also placed over the downrigger cable to prevent losing the stacker release when a fish is hooked.
OR2 MEDIUM TENSION STACKER RELEASE
The OR2 Medium Stacker Release features two OR1 Medium Tension Releases connected with a short and slightly longer length of coated steel cable. Designed to allow two fishing lines to be fished with just one downrigger, the OR2 has just the right amount of tension for targeting lake trout, steelhead and salmon at normal trolling speeds.
OR6 STACKER STRIPPER/ WEIGHT RETRIEVER
The OR6 is a great addition when stacking two lures on a downrigger. As the weight is raised, the Stripper will automatically strip the stacker release from the cable so you won’t have to stop the cannonball. The automatic stripping eliminates the grooves worn into the stacker pads from them sliding on the cable.
The OR6 also doubles as a Weight Retriever to bring the weight into the boat for resetting lines. Using the Retriever cord will also reduce cannonball sway.
DOWNRIGGER RELEASE TRICKS
In most cases getting the best results from a downrigger release requires placing the line near the back of the rubber pads. This simple step increases the amount of tension required to trip the release, working to ensure a solid hook set is achieved before the line pops free from the release.
Another commonly employed option for using downrigger line releases, especially with the heavy tension OR8, is known as the “loop trick”. Before placing the line into the downrigger jaws, wrap the line around an index finger and twist to create a small loop of line. Place the twisted line between the downrigger jaws while allowing the loop of line to protrude beyond the release jaws.
This rigging option increases the purchase at the release jaws, eliminating false releases while at the same time making it easier to trip the line from the release when switching out lures or when a small fish has been hooked.
The “loop trick” works flawlessly and is especially handy when fishing at maximum depths.
SUMMING IT UP
The key to enjoying success when trolling with downriggers is choosing the right line release for the job. Unfortunately, one size doesn’t fit all, but thankfully Off Shore Tackle produces the widest assortment of downrigger line releases on the market. No matter what species is being targeted or what trolling speeds are employed, Off Shore Tackle has a downrigger line release for the job.
