It's easier to use a downrigger on a kayak when you're peddling a Hobie since you're pretty much hands free...It's still a little tricky...like patting your head and rubbing your tummy...LOL...the deal is to get your drag set so that the lure and flasher pull out line as it's going down but they don't pull so hard that it releases the line from the clip.
I only use it in fresh water for trout but I'm sure If I lived in Nor Cal I'd use it for Salmon trolling. It's fun when you get hit while using the rigger.