Hopefully I got the attention of some of the downrigger gurus...

I'm outfitting a 26 ft Carver with Scotty 1106's (with swivel bases) and I'm looking for advice and set-up ideas.

If you're using swivel bases AND you also use parachute cord (or those green shock cords), how do you keep the downrigger ball from swinging and causing mayhem when you swivel the boom to grab the release? I've never fished with anyone who had swivel bases and didn't attach the ball direct to the cable and raise it all the way to the end of the boom. So, I don't know what folks with swivel bases do to deal with "ball swing" if you aren't raising the ball completely.

For those of you who do use parachute cord, what weight cord are you using and do you have any tips on making the connections?

I also see folks using those weight retriever cords which bring the cable to hand without having to lean out from the boat. I've never used those and am thinking they are redundant with swivel bases. Any thoughts?

Any other good tips?