05-15-2007, 04:57 PM
I have fished with downriggers for several years and have caught a lot of Kokane at the Gorge. What I like best are the Okuma DX20, with the line counter. They cost around $40, have an excellent drag system. I use them primarily because I have my younger boys with me all the time, and if something happens to them they are easy to replace. I also find it extremely important to know how far your line is behind the boat. Early in the year like now, it is important to get the line back behind the boat when the fish are near the top. I would not buy a reel for downrigging unless it had a counter on it.
Also I like the previous comments on the 7-71/2 ft rods. They are fairly easy to store and give you just enough length to get the action you want off the downrigger. As far as line, I use a monofilament in 12lb test for all of my downrigging needs. Hope this helps.
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Also I like the previous comments on the 7-71/2 ft rods. They are fairly easy to store and give you just enough length to get the action you want off the downrigger. As far as line, I use a monofilament in 12lb test for all of my downrigging needs. Hope this helps.
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