[Albafly]

Hi there,

Is it possible to run a fly rod and reel off a downrigger? I know I’d need different rod holders, which is no probs. I guess if the drag was on full and was a solid enough reel it may work?

My main worry is that putting a lot of stress on a reel for extended periods could damage it in the long term? Specifically it could hurt the drag?

Also, can it damage a rod if you bend it over like a normal downrigger rod for long periods?

Anyone who has tried and failed, or succeeded at this, I’d appreciate any feedback!

Thanks

 

[the_marshal]

I have a spool of mono w/ backing that I run on a small downrigger..... works fine.

 

[chumsalot]

The Marshall hit it right. If you use a larger diameter fly line (I tried wf8s), there is far too much drag on the line. Mono cut the water better and allows you to keep the drag backed off a bit so the initial strike will not snap your tippet.

 

[swiftwater]

Use mono only with backing on the reel. I would use a salwater rated reel though and preferably one made of metal such as an Islander because if you fill the composite ones with to much mono they can get warped or worse crack.

otherwise fly rods work great for mooching and they will work on a downrigger but you might not see much action on the rod until it gets popped off the clip

 

[Albafly]

Thank a lot, that makes a lot of sense that fly line is too thick and would drag in the water. I'll need to get an extra spool and try it out with some mono. What strength and brand would you suggest?

 

[chumsalot]

Don't use 40# on a light rod. Use your best judgement. 30# on an 8 weight is probably lots. 6# on a 3 weight is lots. Make sure you don't overstress your rod.

 

[Big Green Machine]

I would use a saltwater rated reel though and preferably one made of metal such as an Islander

If you are going to use a high quality reel like an Islander fly reel, just spend a little more and get the mooching version of the Islander and pair that with an 8 or 9 or 10 wieght rod. Are you fishing the salt? If not, a cheaper mooching reel like a Tyee XL or Shimano would work also. If you are not targeting really large fish then a fly reel with a decent drag paired with a 9 foot fly rod will work.