- 1). Attach the weight to the release clip on the end of the downrigger's wire cable. The size of the weight depends on the current and depth you will be fishing at. For most fishing situations, 7 to 10 pounds works well.
- 2). Squeeze a stopper bead onto the cable at least 5 feet up from your line release clip. Stopper beads make the downrigger stop pulling in the cable.
- 3). Turn the "AUTO STOP" setting to "OFF" and connect the power source. Let out about 10 feet of line by turning the brake handle clockwise. Set the "AUTO STOP" switch to the "ON" position and bring up the weight. The line should stop automatically when the stopper bead passes through the gate.
- 4). Attach a line release clip to the downrigger cable. Attach the fishing line to the line release clip by separating the jaws and placing the line between the pads. You can adjust the tension of the line clip. For lighter tension, place the line closer to the tips. For heavier tension, place it further into the jaws. There is also a tension slider you can adjust.
- 5). Flip the line release on the reel so it spools out smoothly. Lower the downrigger ball slowly while the boat is in motion, to avoid the line being swept upwards and wrapping around the cable. Once you have reached the correct depth, reel in the slack line and place the rod in the rod holder.
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