Downrigger blowback is a crucial concept for anglers who use downriggers to control the depth of their bait while trolling. It refers to the angle or horizontal distance between the downrigger weight and the downrigger itself, caused by the resistance of water as the weight is pulled through it. This phenomenon can significantly affect the actual depth at which your bait is presented, making it essential to understand and manage for successful fishing. Factors such as boat speed, weight of the downrigger, and water conditions all play a role in the extent of blowback, and mastering these variables can make the difference between a productive day on the water and a frustrating one.
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- Blowback
- Blowback Chart for a 8 lb Weight
- Blowback Chart for a 10 lb Weight
- Blowback Chart for a 12 lb Weight
- Video- How to Reduce Downrigger Blowback
Blowback
Simply stated, blowback is what happens to the downrigger weight when you pull it through the water behind your boat. As your speed increases, so does the horizontal distance between the weight and your downrigger. The faster you go, the farther the weight is behind you. The farther the weight is behind you, the shallower the weight is. For example, if you are trolling at 4 MPH with an 8 pound weight and you have 100’ of cable in the water; the downrigger ball is actually at a depth of 80’.
The following charts will provide you with blowback information for three sizes of Cannon downrigger weights pulled at three different speeds with no lures attached and with no current. Current drag, water salinity and the use of non-Cannon products will affect your trolling depth.
Click here for additional information on Cannon Weights.
Blowback Chart for a 8 lb Weight
Blowback Chart for a 10 lb Weight
Blowback Chart for a 12 lb Weight
Video- How to Reduce Downrigger Blowback
