The Mack's Lure Shuttle Hawk is a specialized tool designed for anglers looking to maximize their efficiency by stacking multiple rods on a single downrigger.
Overview and Functionality
The Shuttle Hawk attaches to your downrigger cable and acts as a release carrier, allowing you to send a second line (and lure) down to a preset depth above your main downrigger ball. When a fish strikes and the line is released, the Shuttle Hawk automatically planes back to the surface, ready to be reset, without the need to crank up the downrigger ball
On-the-Water Experience
This video demonstrates the Shuttle Hawk in action on a Scotty downrigger, showing how two lines can be stacked and fished at different depths simultaneously.
The process involves setting your main (bottom) line at the desired depth, then attaching the Shuttle Hawk with a second release and sending it down the cable to a stop positioned above the main release.
When a fish hits the upper line, the Shuttle Hawk quickly rises to the surface, making it easy to reset while the lower line continues fishing—no need to reel up the downrigger ball, which saves time and keeps your gear in the strike zone longer.
Advantages Highlighted
Efficiency: The Shuttle Hawk allows for continuous fishing with both lines. If a fish is caught on the upper rod, only that line is retrieved, and the Shuttle Hawk returns to the surface automatically. The lower rod remains fishing, maximizing your time in the water.
Ease of Use: This system is straightforward to deploy and reset, even with multiple anglers and some chaos on deck. The Shuttle Hawk’s automatic surfacing feature is especially useful for hand-crank downriggers, reducing physical effort.
No Need to Raise the Downrigger Ball: This is a significant time-saver, particularly when fishing deep or with manual downriggers.
Potential Drawbacks
Tangles: You may encounter some line tangles, which can happen when stacking lines, especially with multiple anglers or when fish are active. However, this is a common challenge with any stacking system and not unique to the Shuttle Hawk.
Release Clip Preferences: Some users may prefer to swap out the included release clip for their favorite brand or style, as mentioned in other reviews and videos.
Best Practices
Place the Shuttle Hawk stop at least 10 inches above the main release to avoid tangles and ensure proper separation.
Use a slightly longer setback on the upper (Shuttle Hawk) line than the lower line for best results.
Keep tension on the Shuttle Hawk as it dives to the stop to prevent slack and possible tangling.
Conclusion
The Mack's Lure Shuttle Hawk is a highly effective and user-friendly downrigger stacking tool. It streamlines the process of fishing multiple lines on a single downrigger, saves time, and keeps your gear fishing longer. While tangles can occur, especially in busy boat situations, the advantages—particularly the automatic surfacing feature—make it a standout stacking solution for trout, kokanee, salmon, and more.
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.
