I was thinking of changing all my salmon reels from mono to Power Pro braided line, but it seems I've heard that braided or wire line slides through the downrigger clips and doesn't release very well. Any one have any expereince with this and how to correct it if it is a problem? thanks

I have no problems with braided line and DR clips. I use Scotty "PowerClips" or whatever they're called. I do recall having issues with Cannon-style clips.

Remember that with braided line, the reduction in gripping force due to the smaller diameter is roughly offset by the reduction in water drag.

I have not had a problem with the PRO RELEASE and braided line for 3"-6" plugs 120'-145' down.

I had the problem at first because I was using 15# (or something like that) Power Pro. At that test it was pretty thin - like 8# mono. Once I went up to 35# Power Pro I didn't have the problem because it was the thickness of 12 or 15#.

Of course your mileage may vary.

No worries with the Scotty Clips and 65 Spiderwire. We had some issues with toughline until the "newness" wore off. It works quite well.

Pro Release is the only one that i have foun will hold when you are using thin braided and a flasher at trolling speeds. The line will slide out of most others I have found.

I really only noticed that braided line slipped when I was using a flasher, or hit a jelly. One thing I have used on ocassion is to tie on a 20-30 ft tippet of mono. Makes for a good shock absorber, yet does not strech enough to notice it. You also be more consistant with the distance that your gear is behind the boat. I guess if you were pulling plugs you may want more line out, but then theres not as much drag as a flasher, and it should be OK.

NEN

When I am fishing out in the ocean at Westport or thereabouts, I never use my rods loaded with the power-pro. I use 25+ mono, it gives somewhat, allowing you to get that fish that you fell asleep on, as well as it allows me to get the line out faster with less worries about the line getting tangled on the tip. Powerpro does not give you a second chance to make a mistake, ever seen a rod explode when a rookie (sometimes a pro) tries to set the hook with the rod loaded. Another thing is mono does not cut into your hands as much as powerpro when trying to release the fish properly.
I do use Powerpro in PugetSound for blackmouth fishing, the smaller diameter allows me to fish the bottom depths easier. I usually use the pro-troll releases.

Steve

I've always run the 50 lb power pro with the medium off shore clips. Never have a problem unless the pads wear down. I have had problems with the same line and the scotty clips? I think the near no strech is a real advantage

I had terrible problems with power pro and the Scotty "pincher" style release while trolling flashers... I swithed to a blacks release and the problem was solved. I know that mono is supposed to work better because the blow back on mono keeps some tension on the release.... I dont buy it... I rarely lose a fish that trips my release...unless I do something stupid at the boat! I ran two rods for a week at Port Hardy... one with power pro, the other mono.... there was no difference in somewhere near a couple hundred releases.

In Summary:

Use whatever you like, you will have to use a different release for braids w/flashers.

This past summer I was using reels loaded with Power Pro and ended up using the Scotty Hairtrigger releases. I have been a die hard Offshore medium user for years and could not get the line to stay in the clips. It may have been that the Offshore clips I was using were worn but I really liked the Hairtriggers once I got them adjusted right.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

I am not a big fan of braided lines unless I am really dredging deep water 180+. However, it is mainly going to depend on your trolling speed and depth. A secondary concern would be the gear you intend to use, i.e., flashers:

Hair Trigger- simply awesome for all lines and trolling speeds/depths. I use these about 85% of the time.

Pro Release- probably the best for braided lines.

Power grip- wouldn't recommend for braided lines unless they are worn (broke in). However, at slower speeds, we will use a "haystack twist" (a loop) in the line before placing the grip.

Offshore- will work somewhat efficiently however, your pads will take a beatin' from the line. Best to use a "haystack twist."

Lastly, carry a few each of different types to change for conditions or wear and tear.

Use the scotty clips with the peg. i think they release much more consistently with any line.

I also recently switched to the Scotty Hairtrigger on a 48" line. I got tired of mono slipping out of the pinch type release pulling a flasher down deep. They also work even if the line gets slick from Pro Cure or Smelly Jelly on your fingers. It's too bad so few places carry the hairtrigger for sale. I usually have to get them online.

The Offshore heavy works fine with 50 pound Power Pro, you just need to bury the line all the way into the release. This stuff is great for downrigging, especially deep as there is little blowback and no slack. I never set the hook with this stuff, just reel into the bite and fish on.

I started to use braided for trout 6 years ago and had lots of problems with "pre-release".
I fopund that with the light braided i was using that twisting the line around your finger and putting the clips on the twisted part of the line worked very well. it just makes the line thicker. you can also wrap the line around the clip. go thru the clip then around one side of the clip and back thru again.