On-the-Water Review of the Shuttle Hawk for Kayak Angling: Rocky from Wild Edge Outdoors is no stranger to kayak fishing innovation, but his recent on-the-water review of the Shuttle Hawk downrigger release system offers a candid, practical look at how this device performs for kayak anglers—and what lessons he learned along the way.
What Is the Shuttle Hawk?
The Shuttle Hawk is an accessory for downriggers designed to allow anglers to run multiple lines at different depths without repeatedly cranking the downrigger weight up and down. When a fish strikes, the Shuttle Hawk is released and “shuttles” itself back to the surface, ready for another deployment.
Review: Field Testing the Shuttle Hawk
Setup and First Impressions
Rocky rigged his Hobie Outback kayak with two downriggers—one with braided line and one with steel cable—to test the Shuttle Hawk in real-world conditions. The setup process required attaching a line stopper about 10 feet above the lure and threading the mainline through the Shuttle Hawk’s release mechanism. While the instructions were straightforward, Rocky noted the process was a bit fiddly, especially with goopy hands from bait scent and the limited space typical of kayak cockpits.
Performance on the Water
With Braided Line: The Shuttle Hawk struggled to return to the surface after release. Rocky observed significant drag, which made pedaling more strenuous and steering more difficult. The device did not consistently “shuttle” back up, especially at slower trolling speeds common in kayak fishing. This was a notable drawback, as one of the Shuttle Hawk’s key selling points is its ability to save time and effort by eliminating the need to crank the downrigger up after every strike.
With Steel Cable: Switching to a downrigger with steel cable made a substantial difference. The Shuttle Hawk performed as advertised, reliably returning to the surface after release and making it much easier to retrieve and reset. Rocky concluded that the material of the downrigger line is critical for optimal Shuttle Hawk performance.
Fishing Results and Practical Observations
Rocky’s session was filled with the usual unpredictability of kayak fishing: tangled lines, clumps of weeds, and the challenge of managing multiple rods in a confined space. He noted that the Shuttle Hawk, while potentially useful on larger boats, added complexity and drag on a kayak—particularly with braided line. The device’s effectiveness was also speed-dependent, requiring higher trolling speeds to function properly, which may not align with the optimal speeds for targeting certain species like kokanee or lake trout.
Best Uses for Kayak Anglers
Where the Shuttle Hawk Shines
Steel Cable Downriggers: If your kayak setup includes a steel cable downrigger, the Shuttle Hawk can be a valuable addition, streamlining the process of running multiple lines at different depths.
Targeting Suspended Fish: For anglers chasing species that school at varying depths, the Shuttle Hawk can help present multiple offerings without constant manual adjustment.
Larger Kayaks or Tandem Setups: The device is more practical on larger kayaks with ample space and rod holders, or when fishing with a partner.
Limitations and Lessons Learned
Braided Line Compatibility: PRO TIP - The Shuttle Hawk does not function well with braided downrigger line, as it struggles to return to the surface and creates excessive drag.
Space and Accessibility: In a standard kayak, retrieving the Shuttle Hawk after release can be awkward, especially if the downrigger is mounted far from the seat.
Speed Sensitivity: The device requires a minimum trolling speed to operate efficiently, which may not suit all target species or fishing conditions.
Final Verdict
Rocky’s honest review highlights the Shuttle Hawk’s potential for kayak anglers—but only under the right conditions. For those using steel cable downriggers and seeking to maximize their multi-line trolling efficiency, it’s a worthwhile tool. However, for kayak setups, with braided line or limited space, the Shuttle Hawk may not perform optimally.
“Shuttle Hawk with braided line doesn’t come up very well, but if you’ve got steel line on your downrigger, it works very well—comes right up to the surface, very easy to grab.” — Rocky, Wild Edge Outdoors
For kayak anglers considering the Shuttle Hawk, Rocky’s advice is clear: match your gear to the tool, be prepared for some trial and error, and don’t forget to enjoy the adventure—even if it means untangling lines and dodging weeds along the way.
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.
