Cheat sheet for leader lengths, flasher setups, etc.
Trolling Downriggers:

Standard downrigger flasher trolling setup
Distance from downrigger release clip to flasher
large plastic flashers – 8 to 15 feet
small plastic flashers – 10 to 20 feet
large metal flashers – 6 to 10 feet
small metal flashers – 8 to 12 feet
Sockeye fishing-4/5ft from release clip
Notes:
Make sure flashers rotate correctly to fish effectively; they should turn over rapidly when trolled to create the noise in water to attract salmon.
Use 40/50lb leader on non-action lures (hootchies, flies) behind flashers and add scent (Smelly Jelly) or a small piece of herring to the front hook as a scent teaser.
Spoon fishing: Start with shorter length leaders for blackmouth and coho and longer for fall chinook.

Scotty Downrigger with rod set for proper bend while trolling

Downrigger release clips: Scotty Power Grip, Scotty Hairtrigger, ProRelease

Downrigger ready to attach flasher & lure to release clip
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