Review: Scotty Braided Downrigger Line.

While there still seems to be a “braided line vs stainless steel wire” debate around what to put on your downrigger for salmon trolling in salt water, I switched to Scotty braided line decades ago and have never looked back.

Back in the day, stainless steel wire was more commonly used, and while it works, the braided line offers many advantages.

Braided line is thinner than steel wire, creating less drag in the water especially when trolling deep. It is also more pliable, easier to work with, much easier on the hands, and stronger than wire.

Steel wire carries a lot of memory, leading to kinks, and over time, the wire will also fray slightly along its length leading to frequent wire cuts and pokes on your hands when you need to grab the line.

Also, you can tie knots in braid, so when you do break your line on a snag or your prop (which will happen from time to time), you can easily lengthen your line and re-attach your gear without the need for crimps and crimping tools. And finally, braid is a lot kinder than steel wire on your prop on those really bad days when you happen to run over your downrigger line…(they will happen too.).

I’ve used the Scotty 250lb Braided Line for many years with no issues. I use it on both my boats, for downrigger weights between 12 and 18 pounds. And while my usual trolling depths are between 30 and 80 feet, I also regularly troll deeper than 160 feet which is where you really see the benefits of reduced drag with the thinner braid.

When using braid, be sure to add a 3 - 5 foot length of tuna cord between the braid and your downrigger weight to hold your release clips, and use the Scotty Auto-stop beads on your line to trip the stopper on your downrigger. Tight lines!