Black's & Bands: The Science of Downrigger Releases

Adapted from Capt. John King's article "Black's & Bands – The Science of Downrigger Releases," first published January 17, 2011 on MichiganSportsman.com. Read the original.

Capt. John ran Black's style downrigger releases with latex rubber bands for years. He believed this simple setup landed more fish than any mechanical release.

Why rubber bands work

• A latex band breaks at about 4.3–4.4 lb of pull.
• Before it breaks, it stretches 18–30". That stretch drives the hook home as the fish pulls.
• The release keeps the cannonball hanging straight down, so your depth reading stays accurate.

Setting up

• Set the release arm to at least 4 lb.
• Double up the bands when fishing deeper than 100'.

When a rigger fires

• Don't grab the rod. Leave it in the holder.
• If fishing deeper than 70', reel up the slack fast until you feel the fish.
• Then take the rod out and fight the fish.

Hooks matter

John tested how much pull it takes to drive a #1 VMC treble past the barb into tough gristle: about 13 ounces. Sharp hooks and the band's stretch together are what set the hook.

Depth changes through the morning

A bite that starts at 60' (50–54°F) at 7am often moves to 100' or deeper (38–44°F) by 10am. Follow the fish down, and lean on attractors when you're deep.

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