Who's been Snubbed?

[Red Monster]

Hey, I was wondering how many folks use snubbers? I don't, but maybe I should. And if so, how do you properly use a snubber while trolling for salmon?

Yes, I've gone to longer/flexible rods, and I know the line stretches too. And I use a strong leader (40 pound test), but I've still witnessed a big slab pull against the flasher and snap a hefty leader. Perhaps a snubber helps avoid line breaks?

Additionly, it may also reduce the chances of pulling a barbless hook from the mouth of a fish?

So ...is a snubber a good idea, maybe a bit of added insurance, or is it just a gimmick for the girlie-man who doesn't know how to fish<img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle>

Remember, it's called "fishing," not "catching."

 

[Rodbreaker]

I've never seen a snubber used with a Flasher-I know they used to be used with handlines.

that's why there's a warranty!

 

[mr.dean]

Never used them.

Some people like using them on "soft mouthed" fish, while others say it takes away the chance of lrg. Coho's popping the leader durring the strike. I say just don't set the line to deep into the release and you should be ok.

Some of your points seem sound but I couldn't comment.

It's all about ambiance.

 

[Tsquared]

We used to use them on the bottom snap (nearest the ball) on commercial trollers as there wasn't much give to the steel line by the ball. It used to depend on the size of the springs you were going for. The mono on the commercial troll setup was clipped directly to the wire and you only detached it when you brought the wire up to the surface, so it was necessary to build some give into the line. Once you had it to the surface and saw you had a large spring on, you clipped the mono line onto a 6' piece of surgical tubing hanging off the boom so that you had some give when the fish ran. Worked well, except when the spring had the tubing stretched out to 15 or 20 ft and then spit the hook out. I've seen a 5/0 stainless buried a 1/4 inch into the back of the wheelhouse--you did not want to get that in the face. When the fish ran and the tubing stretched out you'd have to duck down in the cockpit to avoid a spitted hook. It was lots of fun!
Tom

 

[GutZ]

To avoid the pull of the flasher, I have begun using the Breakaway flashers. They work pretty well.

The only snubber we use is between the downrigger cable and the ball.

It's good to have friends.
It's better to have friends with boats.

 

[Red Monster]

Thanks for the feedback and the great story T.

I guess the breakaway flasher setup would certainly reduce flasher stress on the leader and let the main line work better as a stetching sort of shock absorber. Hadn't thought of that.

Remember, it's called "fishing," not "catching."