Hey Easy,

Riggin balls are a personal preference for everyone.

Pancakes can be modified to swim away from the boat by slighty bending the fin- opposite for the other side rigger. However, keep in mind, it is the weight of the ball, wire diameter, and speed through the water that causing blow back. The shape, however slight, causes minimal effect- especially with 15#'s of weight. The pancake shape might work good for shallow fishing, i.e., Summer Kings, but once you start fishing deeper you'll run into problems with the weights swimming closer and possible tangling. This would especially true fishing across the current.

My personal choice would be the Scotty tear drop. (1) it is cast iron and (2) it is hollow- I like "ringing the dinner bell." Again blow back is minimal with this larger ball. I have had a hard time procuring these lately.

Second choice is the Cannon platic coated ball with fin. They appear smaller in diameter and slightly reduce blow back. These are an excellent choice for trolling a littler fast than normal.

Just my 3 1/2 cents!

Downriggin'