collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: DR Clips and Braided Mainline  (Read 22261 times)

Offline KP-Skagit

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2015
  • Posts: 545
  • Location: Skagit Valley
DR Clips and Braided Mainline
« on: July 30, 2025, 04:09:04 PM »
In the last year I switched all my salmon reels over to use braided line. That may be a bit controversial to some, it has been with my fishing buddies. I went with 100# braid which has an equivalent diameter to a 20# mono specifically because I was concerned DR clips might have an issue holding anything less.

Nevertheless I did end up having some problems over the past king opener when I was dragging bottom in 100 to 120 FOW. Interestingly, its one rod in particular, I tried a brand new clip, same issues. I think that flasher had a little more action than the other.

These are full size Scotty clips, I bury the line to the bottom of the clip and put the max grip tab on.

Anyone have any insights to using braid in DR clips? A different kind of clip I can use? Some other trick?

Online CP

  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2008
  • Posts: 7136
  • Location: Mukilteo
Re: DR Clips and Braided Mainline
« Reply #1 on: July 30, 2025, 04:13:28 PM »
Add a mono leader.

Offline WSU

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 5510
Re: DR Clips and Braided Mainline
« Reply #2 on: July 30, 2025, 04:25:58 PM »
Wrap the line around a toothpick.

Offline metlhead

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 1703
  • Location: sw wa
Re: DR Clips and Braided Mainline
« Reply #3 on: July 30, 2025, 04:29:20 PM »
25' of 60# mono topshot. It'll last for years

Offline Mfowl

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4419
  • Location: westside
Re: DR Clips and Braided Mainline
« Reply #4 on: July 30, 2025, 04:40:51 PM »
You can try these clips. They do work for braid pretty well but I have mixed feelings on them as sometimes they are hard to pop out of if you are not hooked up on a fish. I actually broke a rod a few weeks  back trying to pop out of one.
I went back to using mono in full on my DR rods the last couple years.
Fish hard, hunt harder!

Offline carlyoungs

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2012
  • Posts: 1149
  • Location: Lynnwood
Re: DR Clips and Braided Mainline
« Reply #5 on: July 30, 2025, 05:06:21 PM »
Just curious why did you switch over to braided? I can't recall seeing anyone fish downrigggers with braided line. I've never had an issue with mono.

Offline Skillet

  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+43)
  • Old Salt
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2009
  • Posts: 5851
  • Location: Sitka, AK
Re: DR Clips and Braided Mainline
« Reply #6 on: July 30, 2025, 05:21:47 PM »
Wrap the line around a toothpick.

This for the easy solution.  I tried the bobbin clips for a while when I was running brain mainline, but had the same issue of difficult  releases as Mfowl had. 

I ended up going back to mono on my downrigger rods.  Lots more stretch, helping to keep the fish pinned with barbless hooks, imo.
KABOOM Count - 1

"The ocean is calling, and I must go."

"Does anyone know where the love of God goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?"
     - Gordon Lightfoot

Offline Stein

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+11)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Sep 2013
  • Posts: 13076
  • Location: Arlington
Re: DR Clips and Braided Mainline
« Reply #7 on: July 30, 2025, 05:30:06 PM »
Like others, I use a 50' topshot of 50# mono to clip into the downrigger release as well as give a bit of stretch if needed.  When fishing deeper, the braid has far less drag when trolling.  The topshot is also nice to know that when it comes back to the reel it's time to get the net out.

Offline GWP

  • Forum Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+27)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2010
  • Posts: 1781
  • Location: Big Sandy-By Westport
Re: DR Clips and Braided Mainline
« Reply #8 on: July 30, 2025, 06:04:50 PM »
I switched out to braid (80#) with and without mono for downrigger's and generally use either a magnetic release or the rubber band method. No issues with either. I kind of prefer the rubber band method as it has some give and will sort of slow down and speed up on its own, but does require breaking the rubber band if I want to pop it loose with the pole. Usually it breaks if a fish is on unless it is a pretty small fish.
I have also used the rubber band method WITH the magnetic release if I am using straight braid to have the 'stretch effect'.
Cuterebra are NOT cute!

Online ASHQUACK

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 977
Re: DR Clips and Braided Mainline
« Reply #9 on: July 30, 2025, 06:25:52 PM »
I just twist a loop in my braid and pinch the loop in the clip.

Offline Utzie

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • Join Date: Mar 2023
  • Posts: 2
  • Location: Brush Prairie
Re: DR Clips and Braided Mainline
« Reply #10 on: July 30, 2025, 07:31:46 PM »
Chamberlain Downrigger Release

I really like these. I run braid also.

Offline Happy Gilmore

  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 5149
  • Location: Ronan, MT
Re: DR Clips and Braided Mainline
« Reply #11 on: July 30, 2025, 10:05:27 PM »
I tried it on one rod. Nothing but problems and jellyfish goo sticks to braid especially bad adding to the issue. Have one with a topshot now and ill junk it after this season. Been fishing 250-300' consistently and have not lost or gained any fish with one or the other.
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt 1899

Offline Happy Gilmore

  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 5149
  • Location: Ronan, MT
Re: DR Clips and Braided Mainline
« Reply #12 on: July 30, 2025, 10:08:01 PM »
I've rigged up some clips im buying from a east coast supplier with long tuna cord. They work with braid better than scotty but, still best with 20lb. Im also starting to run a couple on 30lb for extra deep and swift currents.
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt 1899

Offline WSU

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 5510
Re: DR Clips and Braided Mainline
« Reply #13 on: July 30, 2025, 11:20:49 PM »
Wrap the line around a toothpick.

This for the easy solution.  I tried the bobbin clips for a while when I was running brain mainline, but had the same issue of difficult  releases as Mfowl had. 

I ended up going back to mono on my downrigger rods.  Lots more stretch, helping to keep the fish pinned with barbless hooks, imo.

I think the canucks have it figured out. Long limber rods and mono. Fish just stay pinned. even when your real is slow.

Offline Happy Gilmore

  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 5149
  • Location: Ronan, MT
Re: DR Clips and Braided Mainline
« Reply #14 on: July 30, 2025, 11:58:04 PM »
Canadians? Dont give them credit for that
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt 1899

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Sekiu boat accident in fog yesterday by MADMAX
[Today at 12:36:16 PM]


First chocolate bear by 92xj
[Today at 12:30:21 PM]


Knight discontinuing Ultralite muzzleloader by hunter_sean08
[Today at 12:25:18 PM]


Pointing Dog Trainer by DaMitt Mystagin
[Today at 12:04:14 PM]


Bigfoot / Sasquatch Reports by Dan-o
[Today at 11:29:13 AM]


Deal or no Deal? Cast Iron by Fidelk
[Today at 11:20:13 AM]


Pinks! by birdshooter1189
[Today at 11:16:21 AM]


American Legion Summer Raffle - $1000 Prize!!! by pianoman9701
[Today at 10:48:16 AM]


"Little" Pathfinder's Alaska Caribou Hunt by Pathfinder101
[Today at 10:34:45 AM]


Selling AR15 out of state by Alchase
[Today at 10:19:56 AM]


Identifying an old foothold trap by GWP
[Today at 10:06:37 AM]


Hunting alone - May need support by pianoman9701
[Today at 09:37:42 AM]


Let’s hear those early season tactics… by baldopepper
[Today at 08:18:06 AM]


Mountain View archery elk. by HntnFsh
[Today at 07:49:21 AM]


2025 Bear Story - “It’s the Hunt…” by Barodir393
[Today at 07:13:46 AM]


Grizzly recovery by Boss .300 winmag
[Today at 05:57:26 AM]


White River MF Bull Permit by scoutdog346
[Today at 02:38:24 AM]


AUCTION: 1 ton of livestock feed (poultry, cattle, pig) by Dan-o
[Yesterday at 09:53:42 PM]


I'm in the mood for a new spotting scope. by Magnum_Willys
[Yesterday at 09:19:08 PM]


Bear in 568 by b0bbyg
[Yesterday at 08:49:15 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal