Downrigger weights: I’ve used many types of downrigger weights, cannonball (finned and no fin), pancake, fish-shaped, torpedo. I’m thinking about making some from iron bar or round...

1Bigfin Loc: Fowler, CA

I’ve used many types of downrigger weights, cannonball (finned and no fin), pancake, fish-shaped, torpedo. I’m thinking about making some from iron bar or round stock. Probably better than lead for the environment and cheaper too. Anyone make something similar or have any advice?

1Bigfin

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

This was on a post last month.

Hey all,
After losing a few Downrigger weights over the years and paying upwards of $50 for a 10 lb chunk of lead shaped like a fish. I bought a 10 lb ball mold and decided to melt lead myself. After doing this once, I realized it wasn't for me! I've allready had cancer once and that's plenty! So I came up with a different solution.
Have used these now for 3 seasons Kokanee fishing. They work great and because of the cylindrical shape they move through the water nicely (no blow back). I buy cpvc pipe, caps, glue and eye screws at Lowe's. Than head to sportsman warehouse and buy a 25 lb bag of lead birdshot. This will make three 8 lbers or two tens and a five or whatever combo you want. Total cost around $45 for 25 lbs of weight. Your thoughts?

https://www.bottomlinetackle.com/downriggerweight.html

Seon Loc: Lake Camanche, CA

I made 15# lead cannon ball weights for Salmon trolling. Works great.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

1Bigfin wrote:

I’ve used many types of downrigger weights, cannonball (finned and no fin), pancake, fish-shaped, torpedo. I’m thinking about making some from iron bar or round stock. Probably better than lead for the environment and cheaper too. Anyone make something similar or have any advice?

1Bigfin

Welcome to the Forum, 1Bigfin. I have downriggers, but I haven't used them for forty yours, I of little help.

bucky buckner Loc: murrells inlet SC

Gordon wrote:

This was on a post last month. br br Hey all, br ... (show quote)

what about filling with cement, way cheaper.

Doug Lemmon Loc: Rochester Mills, PA

bucky buckner wrote:

what about filling with cement, way cheaper.

Bucky, I was thinking the same thing!

bucky buckner Loc: murrells inlet SC

Doug Lemmon wrote:

Bucky, I was thinking the same thing!

cheap minds think alike

1Bigfin Loc: Fowler, CA

I’ll have to give it a try. What size pipe and length for approximately 12 lbs?

1Bigfin

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

1Bigfin wrote:

I’ve used many types of downrigger weights, cannonball (finned and no fin), pancake, fish-shaped, torpedo. I’m thinking about making some from iron bar or round stock. Probably better than lead for the environment and cheaper too. Anyone make something similar or have any advice?

1Bigfin

I use old window weights, they come in a variety of weights and track pretty good

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

ripogenu wrote:

I use old window weights, they come in a variety of weights and track pretty good

Rip, where do you find them at?

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

we have a couple of those "restoration" type places that have them. you might also may be able to find them at a junk yard that takes cast iron

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

ripogenu wrote:

we have a couple of those "restoration" type places that have them. you might also may be able to find them at a junk yard that takes cast iron

Good info. Thanks Rip

1Bigfin Loc: Fowler, CA

I’ll have to try the window weights. Thanks. BTW I use braided spectra downrigger line tipped with 10 feet of steel line for abrasion resistance and to clip to when I stack.

1Bigfin

Doug Lemmon Loc: Rochester Mills, PA

Gordon wrote:

Rip, where do you find them at?

Gordan,

Talk to any local remodeling contractor or window replacement company.. If you tell them what you want them for, they may be happy to just give you a handful next time they remove some!

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Doug Lemmon wrote:

Gordan,

Talk to any local remodeling contractor or window replacement company.. If you tell them what you want them for, they may be happy to just give you a handful next time they remove some!

Thanks Doug. Will give it a shot.