Thread: Depth marker

I use orange braided line- Suffix 20lb test. Don't laugh- it's the same diameter as 6 lb mono and doesn't kink in the winter- I use a black Sharpie to mark it at the depth I want. I black it about 3" and you can see it on the reel as your line pays out. I usually mark it at 28 ft- that lets me keep the black mark just out of the reel and fish 20 ft. deep with an 8 ft. rod.
Most of the small ultra light open face reels also have a little hook on the back of the spool where you can loop the line and it stops line from paying out. It's not foolproof and it's somewhat difficult to hook the line when you're wearing gloves. And if you want to go a little deeper, you have to get it unhooked and let out line and rehook it. But it does work. I've tried the bobber stops, but the simplest is the Sharpie mark on the line. Using 20 lb. line, I don't have to retie very often.

If I'm using a 12' rod I pull the line out and measure it that way and adjust the line as to how far the rod tip is oft the water monk uses the little bobin stompers

I use the bobber stops starting at 12' on a 12' rod. Then just let it out 2' at a time. The rod is marked from the reel face out 2'. Just the way I was shown. Any method will work if you remember.

After dropping to the depth that they are holding I will but a small rubber band around the spool. The rubber band stops the line coming off the spool at the same depth each time.

I measure how many inches of line my spinning reels pay out on a full turn when reversed and do the math to the depth I want. I just disengage the lock and back them down to my desired depth. Don't forget to lock back up.

I use a 12' rod alot of the time and the water I fish is usually less than 20' deep, so I Just use the rod as a depth guage most of the time. Otherwise, I use a "string" bobber stop and slide it to the desired depth on my line.

Originally Posted by BANJO

I measure how many inches of line my spinning reels pay out on a full turn when reversed and do the math to the depth I want. I just disengage the lock and back them down to my desired depth. Don't forget to lock back up.

Been there - done that and the first time you try to set the hook, you will discover the ugliest backlash you ever saw.