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Looking at adding some free slider rigs to my down rigger program. I was curious what lbs test line do you use, how long, swivels at both ends or neither end? Any other pertinent info on making them?

Swivels at both ends I either use floro or big game mono and typcially between 36 and 45 inches enough to get behind a fish's tail so the spoon on the slider doesnt hook the fish's tail or other parts if they hit the main line. Sliders are a great addition and they are easy to send down. The allow you another lure in the water withour counting towards another pole. When a fish hits a slider they usually dont pop the rigger so make sure you watch the tips and when a slider fish hits pop that rigger and reel like hell to gain pressure on the fish. You do lose more fish on sliders than other presentations because of this but they also add fish you would never have had.

Swivels both ends. Larger swivel to connect to main line. Ant swivel at spoon end. 5-6’ length and 20 # line. To fix the slider in place above the main cinche a rubber band above the slider. This will keep the slider from riding to the bow of the line which should be approx mid rigger depth.

Though some do, I don't run sliders if the bottom lure is a dodger or flasher combo. It's a tangle just asking to happen. That being said, I often run a 6" dodger and fly on a slider. Also jointed rapalas and other lures that aren't particularly deep divers.

Yes don't run them with paddels unless you want to become really good at un tangling lol

Thanks for the info guys. Good to know about not running with paddles; I wouldn't have thought of that and been cussing rather than fishing.

As long as you have a heavy leader from you paddle to the fly it’s not a big deal. Unclip the slider from the main line, grab the fly with one hand and pull the spoon with the other. It’s usuall just wrapped, not tied in knots, at least my experience. I run pretty short sliders, usually only 2-3 feet though. Another option is to put a bead on your main line and peg it with a toothpick about 4ft up from your main lure. When your line releases the slider rig will stop before it gets to your bottom rig, a fish will just slide it down. None of it is that big of a hassle imo. Bro Nature turned me on to the d/f on a slider a few years ago. That’s been a fish producer for me on several occasions.

Sliders are my favorite way to catch a fish- especially when you get 2 at once. We use 25# Bloodrun Floro and use good ball bearing snap swivels at both ends. There's nothing better than having a rigger pop and you reel up in a frenzy to the slider and have a King run 200 ft in 5 seconds flat.

Don't forget about fixed sliders. We used them with great success when we fished contests. Most when going deep for Lakers. You set your bottom bait & run it down 10' to 20' which ever you feel best. Then take your slider hook it to the main line. Then half hitch a rubber band to the down rigger cable. Connect your slider snap to the rubber band. This gives you 2 baits running near the bottom. And yes it is great to get 2 at once.
Almost forgot to say. Don't forget to hook the snap to your main fishing line after connected to the cable. It's not the right way but makes for a very interesting time if you get 1 to bite on the bait hooked to the rigger cable only. LOL

I'm gonna need a picture and graphics for that tim...lol