Stainless and copper line for saltwater trolling

[lucky enuff]

Hi Guys....I have a question on the use of metal lines in saltwater. I mostly fish Salmon and trout in lake Ontario, and we use copper and stainless line extensively. I have heard of the use of stainless in saltwater, but have heard no mention of copper. My understanding of copper it that it is a noble metal, and will not corrode significantly in saltwater, but the less noble metal attached to it will corrode very quickly. Does this mean copper line would be suitable in saltwater using albright knots and no metal swivels? What would the effects be on stainless swivels?

45lb copper line has a sink rate of approx 22 ft per 100 ft of line out. It's been an outstanding trolling rig for Salmon on the great lakes.

The same question would apply to leadcore line....lead does not corrode either, so would this be suitable in saltwater trolling applications?

Thanks
Rod

[lucky enuff]

I think I may have found my answer

Metals are rated according to their nobility ratings. When dissimilar metals are in contact with each other in the presence of oxygen and moisture, the more noble metal will corrode the less noble. Copper is one of the most noble of metals and must be separated from other less noble metals. Contact between dissimilar metals should always be avoided. If contact cannot be avoided, the adjacent surfaces should be painted with bituminous or zinc chromate primers or paints.

So, I'd guess In theory Copper line should be fine used in saltwater as long as swivels of less noble metals are not used. We often times use albright knots with copper, so I'd guess that would be the way to go. I'm still curious if anyone has tried this, or heard of it being used. It's just gained popularity in the great lakes over the past couple years.

[IrishAyes]

I have used stainless and monel. Never an issue with either, except for kinks in the stainless. Never used copper and did not even know that it was in use.

Your guess does sound to be reasonable as you explained it.

[lucky enuff]

Copper is one of my favorite set-ups on lake Ontario. I fished with dieselhp a few weeks back and 1/2 of our Chinook came on the copper rod......guess what he went and bought on the way home  Many days it will take our biggest fish.

We use wire rods w/dipsey divers, downriggers, leadcore and copper mostly. Now I'm trying to figure out what to remove from the boat and what to leave on for fall stripers

[IrishAyes]

Now I'm trying to figure out what to remove from the boat and what to leave on for fall stripers

The only thing that usually gets removed on my boat is fuel when we go out.  Everything else stays. Don't know how it all fits.

[Still Running]

If you don't bring the copper rod I will!!!

[Reckless]

 Watch the lightning with all that copper!!

[ped579]

Be careful I hear copper is going for around $3.00 a pound someone just might see dollar signs with a spool of that stuff around.