Vector Downrigger Setup Guide – Legacy Electric Model

The following step-by-step pictorial preserves Andrew Hestelow's original Vector downrigger setup process. The photographs show the legacy electric model and its mounting hardware.

Vector Downrigger Setup: Step by Step

1. Attach the Vector downrigger to the baseplate

Attach the Vector downrigger to the baseplate mounted securely on the boat's gunwale.

2. Set the horizontal angle

Turn the downrigger to the preferred horizontal angle using the swivel base. Confirm that the boom, downrigger line and weight will remain clear of the motor and propeller through normal boat movement and steering.

3. Attach the downrigger weight

Attach the weight to the snap connection at the end of the downrigger line and close it securely. Keep the leader/release connection at a convenient point on the boat until you are ready to attach the fishing line, so you do not have to reach over the water.

4. Lower and lock the boom

Lower the boom to its horizontal fishing position and make sure it is locked before putting the weight over the side.

5. Run the bait or lure behind the boat

With the boat moving slowly and straight ahead, place the rod in a secure rod holder and feed the bait or lure back. The original Vector guide suggested about six metres (20 feet) as a general starting point for someone unsure where to begin.

Back off the reel drag enough that you can work with the fishing line without creating an overrun. Check that the bait or lure is swimming correctly before attaching the line to the release system.

6. Put a rubber band around the fishing line

The original method used a rubber band as the breakaway connection. Place the band around the fishing line so there is a loop on either side.

7. Twist the two loops in opposite directions

Wrap one loop down the fishing line two or three turns and the other loop up the line two or three turns. This creates friction on the line while leaving the band loops available for the release connection.

The original guide used size 16 rubber bands for many salt-water applications and varied between one and two loops depending on line class. Treat those figures as historical operating guidance rather than a guaranteed release setting: band strength, age, line diameter and fishing drag can all affect when a band releases. Test your own setup before fishing.

8. Bring the band loops together

9. Attach the loops to the release

Put the prepared rubber-band loops into the release connection and close it. Feed the fishing line cleanly over the stern, making sure nothing is wrapped around the rod tip or fouled around the downrigger line.

10. Lower the weight with the Vector electric switch

This step is specific to the legacy electric Vector downrigger. With the reel adjusted so fishing line can leave the spool smoothly, the original Vector procedure was to operate the down switch so the weight sank and took the bait down with it. Watch the unit's depth counter and stop the electric downrigger at the chosen depth.

Using This Guide With a Current Downrigger

The fishing principles still carry across: secure mounting, a separate weight, a clean release, controlled depth and careful line management. The operating controls do not. The current Downrigger Shop model is manual and lowers the weight by controlling the spool and spool tensioner.

For current setup instructions, bait setback guidance and depth selection, use How to Use a Downrigger: Setup & Fishing Guide.