Made some fish descenders

[Rokefin]

I saw on here or some other website rock fish descenders so I decided to make some with some larger hooks (I looked for the smallest diameter hook I could find for this size hook). Pretty easy to make this setup with the SST wire, hook and swivels, just add a 2 lb ball or larger and have a designated pole to drop the "illegals" back down.

The other style I saw was the same type of rig but lined with 60 feet of tuna cord, I think this may be quicker and easier to use - just release the descender in the water with the fish on it and let the line go (just as you would with a crab pot), have the line tied off to a cleat, when the line drops to the 60 feet the fish should just pop off....this would leave your hands free to get right back to fishing. Just don't leave the line in the water when you take off

Is 60 feet enough to get the fish to a safe release depth?

[AJFishin]

Looks good👍
I made a couple for myself last year, worked good. Sometimes the fish don't come off as easy, but a couple little jerks of the pole and the fish come off.

[StreamFixer]

Check out OCEAN's website...  https://oceaned.org/request-devices/  They are likely to help you out.  Feel free to mention you heard about that from me.

They put on the Annual Saltwater Sportsman Show in Salem each year.  Well worth attending...  Feb. 23 & 24 this year

I have found 100 feet to be a safe depth to release barotrauma fish caught at 150+ feet deep.  I have had a few pop up to the surface from shallower depths.

StreamFixer

[croaker stroker]

I'm in California. Very nice people who are in charge at OceanED.  They sent me several decenders and stickers to remind other boaters to "release at depth".

I delivered them to "The Longfin" in Orange and they distributed them for me.  :biggrin:

[tripper]

Hey Roke,  what size hook is that and where do you hook the victim.  Thanks

[kentakata]

I do a lot of bottom fishing on the California North Coast and have used many different designs of descenders.  The Seaquilizer Descender is, by far, the best the best device I have used.  It is easy to secure the fish on the device and it reliably releases at depth.  Unlike many "reverse hook" descenders, you don't have to worry about the fish slipping of of the device.  It securely clamps on the the jaws of the fish.

Rather than using  second rod for the descender, I attach it to my electric downrigger line with a tuna clip.  After attaching the fish to the descender, simply release the downrigger ball to the desired depth.   Once the fish is released, simply press the downrigger "up" button.   Saves a lot of time and effort.

Seaquilizer descenders are  expensive.  They run about $50.   To me it's worth convenience and time savings. 

[Rokefin]

Kentakata, I agree that 50 bucks would be worth the investment and am sure they would be most concistant. I thought I would make these and give them a go. My rock fishing is minimal due to my addiction to salmon fishing, my bride keeps asking for rock fish so I need to make a better effort at the bottom fish.


Tripper, I believe they were number 5 hooks, I am uncertain what they were designed for.  I used these because their diameter was small compared to larger hooks where the diameters were 2-3 times larger. You hook the bottom lip of the fish with the hook upside down and the weight on the bottom.....let it drop and you should be able to drop the fish to a desired depth - a couple light tugs should be enough to release the fish.

[Fishgriller]

Just saw today that West Marine is deeply discounting their descending device in their outlet section, $7.16.  Reviews are mixed due to stiff spring, however, in the reviews they also describe how to easily modify the spring for what seems like well functioning, easy to use device.  Probably worth a try for such a low price.

https://www.westmarine.com/outlet/buy/blacktip--catch-release-recompression-tool--12118527?recordNum=38

[StreamFixer]

2.5 stars rating...  Hmmmm...  I have usually found West Marine's products to be on sale for a reason...  usually because the product was an experiment that did not work out so well...  Like a medium size handbag with a small tooth aluminum zipper (shame on me for not catching that one).  Not wanting to say anything bad...  it really stays zipped closed... Does not accidentally open...   

Again, I recommend you contact OCEAN (see reply #2).  They will likely send a shelby descender and fish ID card even if you do not make a donation.

StreamFixer

[Red 22]

Just saw today that West Marine is deeply discounting their descending device in their outlet section, $7.16.  Reviews are mixed due to stiff spring, however, in the reviews they also describe how to easily modify the spring for what seems like well functioning, easy to use device.  Probably worth a try for such a low price.

https://www.westmarine.com/outlet/buy/blacktip--catch-release-recompression-tool--12118527?recordNum=38
[/quote

I bought one of those not worth the discounted price. Heck I could give you my old one for free and it's not worth that price. Get the Seaquilizer Descender worth every penny.

[Fishgriller]

Good to know, thanks for the advice

[StreamFixer]

Attend the saltwater show Feb 23/24 in Salem and you would likely 'win' a seaqualizer at the wheel of fortune.   :whistle:

StreamFixer

[Fishgriller]

Sounds like a really good event.  Unfortunately I won't be able  make it.