DR Clips and Braided Mainline

[KP-Skagit]

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?

[CP]

Add a mono leader.

[WSU]

Wrap the line around a toothpick.

[metlhead]

25' of 60# mono topshot. It'll last for years

[Mfowl]

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.

[carlyoungs]

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.

[Skillet]

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.

[Stein]

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.

[GWP]

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'.

[ASHQUACK]

I just twist a loop in my braid and pinch the loop in the clip.

[Utzie]

Chamberlain Downrigger Release

I really like these. I run braid also.

[Happy Gilmore]

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.

[Happy Gilmore]

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.

[WSU]

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.

[Happy Gilmore]

Canadians? Dont give them credit for that