Free: Contests & Raffles.
I run 40# braid on all of my rods, downrigger included. Exception is the 60# I run on my halibut rods.I do exactly as CP suggests - splice in a length of mono that is longer than the length you like to drag your leaders behind the release. On my downrigger rods, I usually run a 50' section of 40# mono. It makes it really easy to know how far back you are that way, too - once you reach the splice, clip in on the mono just under it and you're set. I think 50' of 40# provides plenty of shock absorber action along with a dedicated downrigger rod.