Rookie salmon advice

Sounds like a hassle, stay home, sell it, and spend more time with your spouse.
Just kidding you, don't have a clue.

Pro- Check out this link.  http://www.protroll.com/books/?id=2&p_id=4 

When fishing the great lakes we use 15LB balls and 20LB Mono. Most defenetly use mono as a high amount of stretch in the line is needed bettween the fish strking, the down rigger release popping, and then fighting the fish. Some braids with stretch may work, but I would get some higher quality 20LB Mono for sure. 10LB balls should do fine depending on depth and speed. Graphs are important in true salmon waters to mark fish and baitfish to put the balls at the right depth. Are you running 2 or 4 rigs? I would reccomend running 2 and working up to 3, then 4 as I'm sure you know it can be a cluster if not prepared. Best of luck, my only Salmon in N.D. came from down rigging in the tailrace.

http://www.bigjon.com/dealers.asp?State=ND 

Pro, thi link says that there are 3 dealers of Big Jon in ND. It lists Cole's Bait and Tackle in Manadan   Good luck bud.

Big J

I have never used anything heavyer than a 10 lb ball, and 20 lb test mono.     A gps is the way to go for speed control, which is critical for proper motion.

I've always used either 8 or 10lb balls.  I like the fish shaped ones as they seem to have less drag.  As for line, if fishing in the Dakota's 17lb should be more than enough.  20lb if you go to the Great Lakes.  I like Berkley Big Game.  As for super braids, we use them on dipsy and other specialty set ups but not on our downriggers.  The 8ft rods could be a bit short for using superlines with zero stretch.  Also, it's harder to get your releases to hold the line well since it seems slip more.  If you have them too tight you can end up dragging fish around not knowing you have one.  Good luck.  Now if the salmon fishing in ND could turn the corner and get better.....

Thanks guys.

You cant catch Eyes, what makes you think you can catch Salmon????

Check out "Great Planers Trout and Salmon Club Salmon Rigging Demo" under salmon fishing forum.

I heard that there was some decent salmon fishing on Sakak from a friend of mine in Bismarck.  Lake Michigan was good as usual.

Hey Luv, u keep up those wiseass comments and your gonna catch a left hook to the chops!  (grin)

If you're going to be up @ the Lake this weekend, give me a call (I'll email my phone # if you wish) and I can walk you through some of the salmon fishing tips that I've learned over the last 10 years in person.  I use Big John electric downriggers but I also have experience with Cannon and Scotty's as well. 

If you're interested, we're also have a club outing this weekend with a salmon boil on Sunday.  If you've never had salmon boil, it's a treat.