If you’ve spent any time trolling for trout, kokanee, or salmon, you know that maximizing your time with lines in the water is the name of the game. Enter the Shuttle Hawk from Mack’s Lure—a deceptively simple device that’s become a must-have for seasoned downrigger anglers looking to stack lines efficiently, minimize downtime, and keep their edge on pressured fisheries.
A Brief History: Gary Miralles and Shasta Tackle Innovation
The Shuttle Hawk’s story starts with Gary Miralles of Shasta Tackle, a name many West Coast trollers will recognize. Miralles initially designed a simple diving plane to carry a release and lure down the downrigger cable. The first iteration dove well, but was sluggish returning to the surface—a real issue when you’re trying to reset quickly after a strike. By adding a weight transfer device to the bottom, Miralles created a system where, once released, the Shuttle Hawk would plane aggressively upward and return to the surface at about 1.5 feet per second—on par with many electric downriggers.
Mack’s Lure quickly recognized the Shuttle Hawk’s potential and brought it to a wider market. Today, it stands as one of the most effective downrigger stacking devices available.
What Is the Shuttle Hawk and How Does It Work?
At its core, the Shuttle Hawk is a downrigger release carrier—a “diving plane” that rides your downrigger cable. Here’s the magic: it carries your release, line, and lure down to a preset stop on the cable. When a fish strikes and the line releases, the Shuttle Hawk’s internal weight shifts, causing it to plane back up the cable to the surface. No need to crank your downrigger ball up and down after every strike—just reset and send it back down.
Key Features:
Stack Multiple Lines: Fish two rods on a single downrigger, each at a different depth.
Rapid Reset: After a strike, the Shuttle Hawk returns to the surface, ready to be sent down again.
Universal Compatibility: Works with both wire and braided downrigger cables.
Ultra Release Included: Comes with the adjustable-tension Ultra Release clip. It is also compatible with most downrigger releases.
Best Use Case Scenarios
Stacking for Trout, Kokanee, and Salmon - The Shuttle Hawk shines when you want to run two lures at different depths on a single downrigger—especially useful for targeting suspended fish or when you’re dialing in the bite window. It’s a favorite among kokanee and trout anglers, but equally effective for salmon.
Manual Downrigger Advantage - If you’re running manual downriggers, the Shuttle Hawk is a game-changer. As one angler put it, “I have manual Scotty 1050s and it would sure be nice to not have to raise and lower the ball after every strike… The Shuttle Hawk makes it so much faster and easier to get my rig back to depth”.
Kayak and Small Boat Trolling - Kayak anglers have found the Shuttle Hawk especially useful, as it eliminates the need to haul heavy weights up and down in a confined space. “Much easier than winding my downrigger weight up and down 40 feet,” reports one kokanee angler.
Tournament and Multi-Rod Setups - Guides and tournament anglers appreciate the Shuttle Hawk’s efficiency. Running multiple rods—sometimes five or more—becomes much more manageable when you can reset a line in seconds rather than minutes.
Anglers' Feedback
The Shuttle Hawk has earned a loyal following among experienced anglers:
“After using them, it is no wonder why he can’t keep them on the shelf. They actually work better than I expected, they are on every downrigger on my boat.” — Tyler, Kokanee Tackle customer
“The coolest thing is that you don’t have to bring up the deeper rod or deeper line. You can keep that line in the water and cover more water, more fish. The Shuttle Hawk helps you do that." — Lance Murs, Mack’s Lure Pro Staff
“I use a manual downrigger and I have the same idea of using the Shuttle Hawk to avoid raising and lowering the ball after every strike.” — Robert, Kokanee Fishing Forums
Essential Accessories
To get the most from your Shuttle Hawk, consider these accessories:
Trolling Snubber: Acts as a shock absorber to prevent pulled hooks during violent strikes.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Use the Shuttle Hawk
1. Rigging Your Downrigger
Attach your mainline and lure to the release at the downrigger ball (the “bottom line”).
Set your desired depth for the downrigger ball.
2. Setting Up the Shuttle Hawk
Place a Shuttle Hawk Downrigger Stop on the cable at least 10 feet above the downrigger ball.
Set your second rod’s lure back (usually 10–15 feet further than the bottom line).
3. Attaching the Shuttle Hawk
Attach your line to the Shuttle Hawk’s Ultra Release clip.
Slide the Shuttle Hawk onto the downrigger cable using the slot in its body.
Twist the line a couple of times before inserting into the release for a secure hold.
4. Sending It Down
Loosen the drag on your reel or free spool it.
Drop the Shuttle Hawk into the water, keeping tension as it dives.
The forward motion of the boat pushes the Shuttle Hawk down the cable until it hits the stop.
5. Fishing and Resetting
When a fish strikes the upper rod, the line releases from the Shuttle Hawk.
The internal weight shifts, causing the Shuttle Hawk to plane up to the surface—ready to be sent down again.
The bottom line remains at depth, so you’re always fishing, not fiddling with gear.
Pro Tip: Adjust the Ultra Release’s tension screw to match your line diameter and target species. A lighter setting is ideal for kokanee and trout; tighten it for salmon or when trolling in heavy current.
Expert Video Resources
For those who learn best by watching, here are some standout resources:
Gary Miralles himself shows the Shuttle Hawk in action, including tips for stacking and resetting lines efficiently.
Lance Murs from Mack’s Lure provides a hands-on tutorial, including how to adjust release tension and best practices for stacking lines.
A practical demonstration of how the Shuttle Hawk makes kayak trolling for kokanee easier and more productive.
Pro Tips and Advanced Strategies
Spacing Is Key: A 10-foot vertical spread between your bottom and stacked line is the sweet spot for most situations, but don’t be afraid to experiment.
Leader Management: Use a leader caddy to pre-tie and organize leaders for rapid changeouts.
Combine with Dodgers/Flashers: Pair your Shuttle Hawk rig with Mack’s Sling Blade or Double D Dodgers for added attraction and control.
Multiple Downriggers: On larger boats, run Shuttle Hawks on each downrigger for up to four lines in the water—just be mindful of tangles and boat traffic.
Manual Downrigger Hack: If you’re hand-cranking, the Shuttle Hawk will save your arms and keep you fishing, not winding.
Final Thoughts: Is the Shuttle Hawk Worth It?
For experienced anglers who demand efficiency and versatility from their gear, the Shuttle Hawk is a proven winner. It’s not just about stacking lines—it’s about maximizing your time in the strike zone, reducing hassle, and staying one step ahead of the fish (and the competition). As one veteran angler summed it up:
“They actually work better than I expected, they are on every downrigger on my boat.”
Whether you’re a kokanee fanatic, a salmon chaser, or a trout troller, adding a Shuttle Hawk to your arsenal is a move you won’t regret.
Downriggers are obviously the most proficient way to work the thermocline effectively. They put you at the exact depth you require and with downriggers, you can fish multiple rods and lures at the same time.
