2008 Prototype

RIDGEBACK RATTLER DOWNRIGGER WEIGHTS
DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH

PROTOTYPE TESTING 2008

Ridgeback Rattler Downrigger Weights continually strives to stay on top of downrigger weight design and invention. The year of 2008 was no different.

 

Each year we field test and pour over suggestions and comments from faithful users. In the fall of 2007 it became clear that a growing number of captains sought to plum the depths of over 200 ft. for kings…and they were finding success doing so.

 

We decided to enter the fray and made a couple of 22# prototype Ridgebacks. These weights were/are being tested during the 2008 season.

 

The feedback we have received so far has been great and very encouraging to say the least. We are now in the process of bringing a 20# Ridgeback to market in the very near future.

 

To illustrate this process I will include some pictures of one of the test sessions.

 

The fishing excursion started aboard the NETMINDER out of Onekama, MI with myself and father and son Capt’s George and Chris Peplinski. Also in attendance was GLA editor-in-chief Dave Mull and sidekick Jake and very able first mate Nick.

 

The pics you see are the result of that 3pm-7pm fishing excursion.

 

Click any picture for a larger view.

 

Chip with king taken at 280ft behind 22# Ridgeback using new Big Jon Brute downriggers.

Chip with king taken at 280ft behind 22# Ridgeback using new Big Jon Brute downriggers.

Shows ridgeback just under the surface and evidence of "jet port" disturbance.

Shows ridgeback just under the surface and evidence of "jet port" disturbance.

George holding 22# Ridgeback, closeup.

George holding 22# Ridgeback prototype, closeup.

Downrigger depth numbers not normally seen on counter!

Downrigger depth numbers not normally seen on counter!

Picture of screen reveals track of 22# Ridgeback making its decent to 280 ft and also shows the paths of the two 13# Ridgebacks at 175 ft.

Screen reveals track of 22# Ridgeback making its decent to 280 ft and also shows the paths of the two 13# Ridgebacks at 175 ft.

Chris and George with 22# Ridgeback and king taken at 275 ft down.

Chris and George with 22# Ridgeback prototype and king taken at 275 ft down.

Below:
Two huge kings taken aboard the NETMINDER on 8-15-08 and 8-17-08 out of Onekama, MI.
Fish were 30.75# and 31# respectively. Capt. Chris Peplinski and first mate Nick did the catchin’!! The rest of the catch wasn’t bad either!! This makes for some very happy customers!!

One of Two huge kings taken aboard the Net Minder on 8-15-08 and 8-17-08 out of Onekama, MI.

One of Two huge kings taken aboard the Net Minder on 8-15-08 and 8-17-08 out of Onekama, MI.

Very happy customers!!