Brief Summary
This video provides a tutorial on replacing steel cable with braid on a Scotty downrigger, highlighting the advantages of braid such as reduced hum, thinner diameter, and ease of repair. The video demonstrates how to flip the braid, reattach it to the spool using a Uni knot, and connect it to the downrigger ball, including the use of a rubber bumper and snubber. Additionally, it covers how to reset the line counter after replacing the line.
- Advantages of braid over steel cable: reduced hum, thinner diameter, easier to repair.
- Step-by-step instructions on flipping and reattaching the braid to the spool.
- Demonstration of tying a Uni knot for secure connections.
- Guidance on attaching the braid to the downrigger ball with a snubber and bumper.
- Instructions for resetting the line counter.
Introduction to Braid on Scotty Downriggers
The video introduces the process of using braid instead of steel cable on a Scotty downrigger. The presenter discusses the common practice of either stripping off a portion of the line or flipping the entire line end-for-end in the springtime to address wear. He promises to demonstrate how the braid is attached, as he hasn't found other videos showing how to thread braids through the steel cable system.
Advantages of Using Braid
The presenter outlines the benefits of using braid over steel cable for downriggers. Braid eliminates the humming noise produced by steel cables, has a thinner diameter that reduces blowback for a more vertical line, and is easier to repair by simply cutting off frayed sections and reattaching. Unlike steel cables, braid doesn't require special tools for repairs and is gentler on the hands. While braid may fail quicker than steel cable if not monitored, the presenter advocates for switching to braid due to its numerous advantages.
Flipping the Braid
The initial step involves removing the line from the spool. To facilitate this, the presenter suggests removing the belt to allow the line to come off more easily. He then proceeds to manually remove the line, preparing to flip it end-for-end.
Reattaching Braid to the Spool
The presenter details how the steel cable or braid is attached to the spool. The line is fed through two holes at the top of the spool and secured with a knot, or crimped in the case of steel cable. After cutting off the old section and flipping the braid, he demonstrates how to reattach the new end.
Tying the Uni Knot
The presenter demonstrates how to reattach the braid to the spool by feeding it through the end wheel and guides. He emphasizes the use of a Uni knot, which he finds easy to tie and adjustable. The process involves creating a loop with the two lines, wrapping the tag end around five or six times, and tightening while keeping everything aligned. The Uni knot can be slid into position towards the spool for a secure fit.
Attaching Braid to Downrigger Ball
The presenter explains how to connect the braid to the downrigger ball, starting with a rubber bumper (with the larger hole facing the downrigger) and a snubber designed to break under approximately 75 pounds of pressure to prevent damage to the downrigger. He uses a Uni knot to attach the braid to the swivel, running the line through twice for added security. The knot is tightened carefully, ensuring the twists remain aligned.
Final Steps and Additional Tips
The presenter reiterates the advantages of using braid over steel cable, highlighting its ease of use and quick repair time in the field without needing any tools. He also shows additional stops woven through the line to prevent sliding. He also mentions Scotty's Sure Stop sections as another option. The final step involves cutting off the tag end of the knot.
Resetting the Line Counter
The presenter explains the importance of resetting the line counter if the amount of new line differs from the old line. He details how to adjust the counter by moving the pegs on the wheel and spinning it by hand until it reaches zero.
