Downrigger bottom walker weight?

[metlhead]

So I was out chasing blackmouth yesterday and got to wondering about changing out my 15# ball to sumpin similar to what I use trolling kings in the Columbia. Instead of a round ball, using a 4' heavy rod to drag along bottom with release on top. Seems less snaggy and allows constant contact with bottom. Anybody here try anything similar?

[Bullkllr]

Sounds similar to the old "meat line" concept. I still fish that way in the South Sound.

It should work. The bottom walker rod is an interesting idea. How heavy a weight are you thinking ? Line angle will still be a factor in hangups

[metlhead]

15-20lb

[metlhead]

For my river setup use a halibut spreader backwards, instead of a mono dropper with weight. Easy bottom contact

[Bullkllr]

I think you could be onto something.

Old timers used window sash weights with a cotton cord- they didn't really care much if they lost a few.

Really rocky areas you'd still be tempting fate, but I could see it working in a lot of places. Like to hear how it works out.

[metlhead]

So maybe I shall try
. Figrd a 40" piece of 1" copper with enough lead poured in to make weight similar to a ball. Connected on top to rigger, it could be lowered to just tick and stir up bottom. Gear would drag a few feet up. Good for halibut also

[Mfowl]

Not sure how you plan to attach your release but a straight piece of pipe will probably spin as you're dragging it along. Downrigger balls have a fin on the back to keep them tracking straight. You might consider some type of rudder. It is a solid idea and worth a try.

[CP]

Or maybe just use a standard DR ball with a bottom bouncer tied a foot or so below it.

[metlhead]

The pipe would be on a large offshore swivel and release hooked above that. Pipe can spin freely. Whole rig would need to be solid so it would transmit back to boat that it is actually touching bottom. Got all the components now so I'll get it built. Used the DRs last year at B10 and they did awesome dragging the bottom for kings. Mostly just sand so wasn't too worried bouts snags

[hookr88]

The pipe would be on a large offshore swivel and release hooked above that. Pipe can spin freely. Whole rig would need to be solid so it would transmit back to boat that it is actually touching bottom. Got all the components now so I'll get it built. Used the DRs last year at B10 and they did awesome dragging the bottom for kings. Mostly just sand so wasn't too worried bouts snags

Love to see some pics of the finished project.