DIY Steel finned downrigging weight

[jusfloatin]

A friend of mine dropped off a couple of coke balls (might be called something else) to make one finned rigger weight The second one would be just a bottom bouncer.

The steel balls weight almost 5lbs but depending how long I make the fin and how many coats of paint it see's it should make five + easily .

The balls are approximately 4" and the plate is 3".

My questions are:

1- how long to make the fin and is there any end shape that works better.
2-what is the best color to paint them.
3-I got a bunch of different color prism tape so is there a good color to do the fin with that would also help to attract

This one will be used going after Trout if that would help or make a difference.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: DIY Steel finned downrigging weight

They might ring a little since they are steel and not lead. High antimony recycled "lead" rings too- 100% does not. This was actually demonstrated to me recently. Just a thought.

Secondly, as far as color for weights and attracting colors- I would pick black as the most nuetral and lean on the lure and whatever bling you use to attract fish. Again, just my opinion. But you can change lures if they aren't getting hit- but if your cannon ball is a turnoff it is not so easy or practical to change.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: DIY Steel finned downrigging weight

They might ring a little since they are steel and not lead. High antimony recycled "lead" rings too- 100% does not. This was actually demonstrated to me recently. Just a thought.QUOTE]

I heard some where probably this forum thats why you paint them to help buffer the ring.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: DIY Steel finned downrigging weight

rubberized undercoating in a spray bomb... Paint does basically nothing but add color.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: DIY Steel finned downrigging weight

It sings like you would not believe Mark_VTfisherman.

I humbly stand corrected.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: DIY Steel finned downrigging weight

I broke down and bought a lead ball or did I?

I got a chance to give it a try and it hummed a loud tune also, now I did not bring the steel one to compare as I thought it was a problem solved deal.

I know I have to expect a small bit of hum as to why they build a black box but when is a hum too much or did I get a lead ball that is/was made of recycled wheel weights.

Is there anouther solution other than to purchase a black box.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: DIY Steel finned downrigging weight

I broke down and bought a lead ball or did I?

I got a chance to give it a try and it hummed a loud tune also, now I did not bring the steel one to compare as I thought it was a problem solved deal.

I know I have to expect a small bit of hum as to why they build a black box but when is a hum too much or did I get a lead ball that is/was made of recycled wheel weights.

Is there anouther solution other than to purchase a black box.

The hum is the cable, not the ball. The ring from the steel or wheel weight lead will transfer up the cable some, but most of THAT sound will be under the water and not heard aboard the boat.

The black box will not reduce your cable hum or the ball ringing, BTW. It only changes the electrical characteristics of your boat. If you download the ProTroll manual, you can use the method described to test the electrical potential of your boat. You may not need a black box. In fact, if your are grounded and bonded properly, you might not benefit from one either. IMHO.

The hum and ring (even the slight ring of a pure lead ball) is what causes fish to become "ball shy."

Hope this helps you.