Okay, I'm going to throw an alternative idea out there that we use almost exclusively and effectively. A couple of the guide boats noticed early July when we were in Nootka.
Our flashers are connected directly to our downriggers with a 6' length of 100# mono. Then off the backside of the flasher is 18 to 24" of 80# mono to the release clip.
The rods have flouro leaders 30-50" to whatever we are using (bait, lures etc.) doesn't really matter much because we can adjust the length between the flasher and lure at the release clip.
Benefits; once you set your depth, tighten a bend into the rod and you can watch the flasher action "pump" the rod tip (looks like you have a little shaker hooked) Now if that pumping stops, you either have a little fish or your gear has been fouled with seaweed/jellies/whatever. This is what the guides noticed, they though we were missing hookups. Any decent size fish will pull free of the release because again the flasher is not on your rod line which makes the last point. Your fighting a fish with nothing between you and it.
6' between ball and flasher is long enough to allow the flasher a full range of motion and 100# mono wont tangle, 18" to the clip is short enough to transmit motion to the lure/bait. The combo is long enough to clip in while the ball stays safely in the water.
If you want to go "dummy flasher route just clip in with a full more pulls out and the flasher wont move the lure.