Downrigger crab p puller

[hewesbob]

Just wondering if any body has built something so you could use your electric downrigger to pull crab pots? I have an idea about a rig that would slide down the pot line with a grab hook that would get hung in the harness. Just wondering if any body has tried this before.

[rcthepirate]

I would definitely be careful about how much weight you are pulling up with your down rigger. A pot full of crab can weigh quite a bit more than your downrigger is designed to pull, and there is a good chance you could end up breaking it.

[hewesfisher]

I would definitely be careful about how much weight you are pulling up with your down rigger. A pot full of crab can weigh quite a bit more than your downrigger is designed to pull, and there is a good chance you could end up breaking it.

Same concern I would have. I'd contact the downrigger mfr to find the max weight your downrigger can pull AND ensure your mounting location can handle that kind of weight.

[hewesbob]

Ya that's the kind of stuff I was wondering about, I would rather learn from somebody else's mistakes rather than make them myself. Thanks for the input

[G-Man]

Pulling a recreational crab pot is really not that much effort if you use a pulley. It's not like you are at shrimp pot depths, are you? You can get yourself a Scotty "Trap Ease" pulley that fits in a rod holder mount or you can make something similar yourself.

[Bodofish]

Downriggers are designed to pull up the 10 to 15 pound balls. Not a 40 to 60 pound crab trap. Now lets talk current......
I would rather not ruin my downriggers pulling up a crab pot a few feet.