TOPIC:

Planning to try to run sliders off my downrigger rods to get 2 more baits/spoons in the water. What is a good starting point for slider length?

I usually run mine 4 feet or so. Long enough to in sure the slider will trail behind the fish if they hit the main line.

Agreed

What's the best way to attach a slider to your down line?

They can be used as free sliders with just a snap swivel and they should settle about half way down the main line or as fixed where you pin them wherever you want. This can be done with rubber bands or some companies make stuff to attach them. I use stacker stickers by Michigan Stinger and like them.

Pikesmith is right on with some good points made. Right now most guys are using what is called a free slider. As Pikesmith mentioned it will find its way down the main fishing line. There is blow back on the main line causing a bow. The free slider will find the point were that bow is at its greatest bowed out point. An example is your downrigger is set at 50ft. Your free slider will be around the half way point. Coho are great for hitting the free slider as they don't seem as spooky as other fish. Pinning a slider requires a means of pinning or holding the slider to a set point. I use rubber bands #16's and can pin a slider at any point I wish on the main line going down on the rigger rod.

Thanks guys. Great information.

Thank you that is the information I needed. I hope to use the suggestions next week.

All good information above. Length is usually 4-6ft as mentioned, things to remember the longer you have your leader the more line there is to tangle in the main line on retrieval and you need to be able to reach the terminal end with your net if you hook a fish on your slider so I wouldnt go longer than your rod length or net handle reach. On depth the slider will be slightly deeper than half way based on how much slack you have in your mian line. The more slack the more it will blow back as mentionedand the the bait will slide deeper to find that apex point. If you do not have enough slack then the slider could slide all the way down to the ball as there is not enough line to create a good apex, this is most likely to occur when fishing shallow on the riggers. I make my leaders from 20# flouro, this is a very stealthy presentation and has caught Kings, Steelhead, Coho, and Lakers.

I like mine with extra pickles and that spicy brown mustard.

Most people strictly use spoons, but don't rule out using a dodger fly on a shorter slider rig, they can be very hot at times. Adding a barrel swivel 3 feet ahead of you main lure will keep the slider rig from tangling up with your bottom lure.