Release

Sharksucker

A release is a device that is used both to secure fishing line to some towing mechanism (downrigger cable, planer board tow line, or outrigger) and to free it from that mechanism when a fish strikes or when the angler wishes to change lures. Most re­leases have adjustable tension settings to allow for changes in pressure exerted by the object being towed. Most of the time, a release is used in trolling, but it can also be used for live or cut-bait fishing.

Releases are critical in many forms of trolling and present a lot of room for experimentation, as well as problems. The release must free the fishing line when a fish strikes or when the angler chooses to detach it in order to retrieve it (otherwise, the line must be brought in to manually free the line).

In downrigger fishing, releases can be attached to the weight, to the downrigger cable at the weight, and to the cable at any location above the weight. In planer board fishing, releases can be attached to the board and to the tow line at any location ahead of the board. When using outriggers, a release (also called a clip) is used on a short length of line attached to the outrigger, and generally placed midway up on the outrigger.

In all releases, the fishing line is clamped into it under variable pressure. Some feature a trigger that can be set to open under greater or lesser tension. Some feature spring-loaded jaws capped with rubber pads; how far into the pads you set the fishing line determines the tension. A release used on a downrigger cable should be small and streamlined to avoid causing drag. A release used on a sideplaner should be able to slide freely down the tow line.

With some releases used in downrigger and planer board trolling, it’s a good idea to make several twists in the fishing line and place the loop into the releases. This prevents the line from slipping through without tripping the release. However, on outriggers, when fishing on the surface for big game, it may be best to set untwisted line into the release so the distance that the lure is set back can be quickly changed.

If the line has been placed properly, when a fish strikes, the line immediately pulls free of the release, which remains attached to the tow device. If the line frequently pops free of the release under rough water conditions, increase the adjustable tension. If fish strike and pop the release but seldom get hooked, the tension is too light. However, when the tension is set overly tight, small fish may not be able to free the line from the release.

Anglers can free a line attached to a release by pointing the rod directly at the release, reeling up all slack, and then snapping the rod back. Give the trailing lure a moment to rise, sink, speed up, or slow down before reeling it in, as a following fish might pounce on it when the action changes.

See: Big-Game Fishing; Downrigger; Downrigger Fishing; Flatlining; Planer Boards.