You are having the same problem as all of us- lots of shakers. It happens! You'll have to be persistent to get that keeper... hang in there!
I don't know how deep you're fishing, but as a rule of thumb the larger fish will generally be 125' plus feet of water.. As a matter of fact, all my Blackmouth over 9# this last year were caught between 145' and 195' with the largest at 170' or so.

After extensive experimenting, my starting point for Blackmouth is .600v at 100'. I add .01v for every foot of wire after 100' e.g., 180' of wire = .680v

Then you'll need to find a "comfort cushion" off the wire. This is usually less than 20'-25'. I keep mine in the neighborhood of 16'.

How long are your leaders?

Here's a great tool for you if you use Hotspots:

2 1/2 - 3" spoons - 42" of 20#
3 - 4" spoons - 45" of 20#
4 - 5' spoons - 48" of 20#
B-2 Mini Squid or 3" Hootchy - 35" of 50# FC or
38" of 60# FC.
4 - 4 1/2" Squirt (needlefish) - 37" of 50# FC or 40" of 60# FC
4 1/2" Hootchy - 38" of 50# or 40" of 60# FC

This list is my preference for Blackmouth. It is more or less my confidence factor(s) in leader lengths over the years.

Another thing that will make a difference is trolling speed. Blackmouth like a faster bait/lure. Gauge your speed according to your wire(s). Regardless of the tide, a 45 degree angle seems to keep the gear going at a good clip. However, for those that have followed me know that I have no problem hitting 5 kts!

As far as hooking that meatline up to the BB, instead of a sleave, connect an aligator clip to the wire. The only draw back would be the length of the leader being so long. And back in my meatlining days that was 35-50 feet.

See you folks in July....(Just in time huh?)

Downriggin'