DOWNRIGGER

downrigger: translation

1) a metal structure resembling an oversized fishing rod mounted on a boat and capable of being raised and lowered. Used to present lures in deep water on tight lines

2) an electric or hand-powered winch used to lower a wire line with a cannonball (heavy weight) to a selected depth; a fishing line from a separate rod and reel is attached with a quick release clip. When a fish is hooked, the fishing line is released from the downrigger mainline so the fish can be played on tackle without a weight