The Outdoor Line Forum

Nelly; when trolling plugs which release do you use red or black??

Hey EC!
Let me back up a second for those new to the downrigger release strength conversation.
My favorite release is, has been and in all likelihood will always be the Offshore Release.

The Offshore is a simple, consistent and reliable release that comes in three tensions that are color coded.

Red Offshores are a high-tension, double spring pinch style release that are no less than ideal for flasher/gear trolling for saltwater chinook.

Black Offshores are single spring, medium tension release that's perfect for trolling bait or dodger gear and or slow trolling for pink salmon.

White Offshore releases are light tension and are designed for light biting kokanee and other, smaller species.

For trolling salmon plugs in salt water, either the Red or Black Offshores would be fine but I tend to "zing" my plugs, trolling a bit faster so its Reds for me while fishin plugs!