I have used the nylon cord on my downriggers for years. I just put the cord which is about 3/16 thick through the hole in the downrigger ball and tie a simple know. I used the big snap swivel at the end of the cable to attach the cord to the cable. The length of the cord is important as I have it long enough to keep the balls in the water when swinging them towards the boat. I use a release that is about 5' long and use the same stick I use to release fish to retrive the release or I use the tip of my rod. No need to swing the ball in everytime at all....The cord simply makes it easier to grab onto when you need to.