Scotty Downrigger - Handling Bottom Contact

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN
YOU HIT BOTTOM?
When your weight touches bottom while trolling, you will see the downrigger
boom bounce in a manner similar to a fish strike. You should immediately
wind up to a safer depth. WARNING! Be very cautious when fishing in strong
tidal current or on windy days. If the weight or wire snags on the bottom, the
force of the tide or wind on the boat can put terrific strain on the downrigger.
KEEP a sharp pair of wire cutters handy in case you have to cut the wire
in an emergency. Because of the built in tilt-up feature, the downrigger boom
may fly up quickly when the wire breaks, or is cut, so be sure to stand clear,
not leaning over the boom.
We always recommend you have a large scale chart of your fishing area and try
to know your position at all times when deep trolling. With a relatively smooth
bottom, if the lead weight hangs up on a small ledge
it can often be released by
turning around and pulling from the opposite direction, providing there is
relatively little tide or wind and your boat is easy and responsive in handling.
The wire line can be played out if necessary while you turn the boat to the
direction of the hang-up. After a hang-up the wire should be examined for any
broken strands. If strands are broken,
it should be cut and rejoined.
As a temporary alternative, the free strands should be carefully tucked and
woven back into the remaining lays. The wire is now reduced in strength and
if there is further and continued breaking of the strands, replace the wire.
The built-in Scotty brake handle stop will allow the brake to slip if you hang up
on the bottom. This will allow you to stop your boat while
it is slipping and
decide your best strategy. Most times you can turn the boat around, and while
pulling from the opposite direction, lift the weight free without losing anything.