Downriggers on Prowler 13/15

Good info Z.  I guess there's a lot of preference involved.  I just chalked up the drag and pulling to one side as an inherent part of running a downrigger.  At lake trolling speeds it hasn't been a problem for me.

Here's how I rigged it on my Marauder.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,5997.0.html

I my self thought a large weight would be a bit much for me to pull around. So I thought I would make my own, I took three balls a 1.5, 2 and 3lb cut a slot in them and inserted a aluminum fin then dipped them in Plasti Dip witch you can but at Home depot for about 6 to 7 bucks. After testing them I settled on the 2lb works good for me, just a thought.

Pat R   

I my self thought a large weight would be a bit much for me to pull around. So I thought I would make my own, I took three balls a 1.5, 2 and 3lb cut a slot in them and inserted a aluminum fin then dipped them in Plasti Dip witch you can but at Home depot for about 6 to 7 bucks. After testing them I settled on the 2lb works good for me, just a thought.

Pat R   

Great work Pat! When I saw how much they charged for a manf. one $17 I almost shat! I did the same as you but didn't put in the fin. I haven't had any trouble with the ball spinning yet. Good to know that there's an option to upgrade it. Thanks for the inspiration.

Z

PS. plasti dip is an awesome product!

Had some questions about the dowrigger I built so here are the details.

Old Freshwater Rod Butt Section Cut to Desired Length - Free
Cabelas Depthmaster II DM20 Reel - 29.99
30# Power Pro Red Line -$13.99
AFTCO Roller Tip - Sized to Rod - $7.72
Scotty Rod Holder 280BK - $17.99
Zip Ties #4 - $0.20

Total = $69.89

The really cool thing about this system is that by backing off the drag, you can perform a hands free, slow controlled drop which is ideal when using flashers and dodgers.

Scott

Very cool set-up Scott!   

Scott, has this set-up permanently replaced your Scotty Laketroller?

Michael

Michael -

Haven't given up on the wire quite yet. Will be heading up to Pardee in a few weeks to hunt some Kokanee. I will do a side by side comparison of both downriggers but there is a good chance you will see it at the BAM IV swap meet. 

Scott

Very ingenious GB2! I like how the DR is not fastened to the yak. Do you have to strap the tackle box down pretty snug to make sure it doesn't bobble around because of the DR pulling?

Z

Scott, what is the black rectangular thing on the inside edge of the Plano box?  Does it have a purpose or is it just an incidental object accidentally left in the picture?  Curiosity will eventually kill this cat.

Michael

Z -

I hold the Plano box down with a bungee, but you can use brass clips and rope like Joel does, but this is really for surf rollover insurance. On the P15, the Plano box wedges in really tight and the downrigger doesn't move it at all. The advantage of mounting it on the Plano box is that you save drilling 4-8 holes in your yak and it is right behind you. The disadvantage is that you have turn around periodically to see what is going on and the position may be a little awkward to access. All that said, it works well for me and the stealth, absence of hum and drag, precision depth placement and hands off deployment make this a killer system. For trolling perfection, all you need to add is a Hobie. 

Michael -

It is an option to clip my VHF. Originally, I had everything mounted to my Plano box because it was my "ditch box", for the worst case scenario. My VHF is kind of bulky so it is kind of gets in the way clipped to my PFD but is hard to talk into when on my Plano. I will admit since I now carry an EPIRB on my PFD, I will probably put my VHF back on the Plano box.

Scott

Z -

I hold the Plano box down with a bungee, but you can use brass clips and rope like Joel does, but this is really for surf rollover insurance. On the P15, the Plano box wedges in really tight and the downrigger doesn't move it at all. The advantage of mounting it on the Plano box is that you save drilling 4-8 holes in your yak and it is right behind you. The disadvantage is that you have turn around periodically to see what is going on and the position may be a little awkward to access. All that said, it works well for me and the stealth, absence of hum and drag, precision depth placement and hands off deployment make this a killer system. For trolling perfection, all you need to add is a Hobie. 

Scott

Thanks for the info/inspiration GB2. Yeah, not having to drill too much in your hull is great, plus some yaks just don't have a good mounting spot behind the seat. And about turning around, it happens no matter what w/ that mounting point. But IMO it's worth it  since it cancels out a lot of side pull. I think for my next yak I'm gonna try this. And the mounts  on both sides of the Plano not only let you mount the DR on the side you like better but are good for other things like a light for dark dawn/dusk/foggy times.

Z

Had some questions about the dowrigger I built so here are the details.

Old Freshwater Rod Butt Section Cut to Desired Length - Free
Cabelas Depthmaster II DM20 Reel - 29.99
30# Power Pro Red Line -$13.99
AFTCO Roller Tip - Sized to Rod - $7.72
Scotty Rod Holder 280BK - $17.99
Zip Ties #4 - $0.20

Total = $69.89

The really cool thing about this system is that by backing off the drag, you can perform a hands free, slow controlled drop which is ideal when using flashers and dodgers.

Scott

All of this talk about downriggers is really getting me interested in giving it a try.  Scott's cool little setup makes a lot of sense for someone not sure of about buying an actual downrigger.  I have several beater rods that I don't mind cutting short and I have spare conventional reels.  None of them have line counters, but I'm sure I could use metered line for the purpose of gauging depth.

How about using a gimbal extender in the rear flush mount rod holders?   Same thing Erik uses for his.

-Allen

How about using a gimbal extender in the rear flush mount rod holders?   Same thing Erik uses for his.

Yup.  That is what I've laid out in my mind if I can ever scrape up enough scratch for another yak.  Although I want an OB and will try it up front first.

Michael

How about using a gimbal extender in the rear flush mount rod holders?   Same thing Erik uses for his.

-Allen

Allen -

I used to use the gimble adapter for my scotty DR but didn't like the way it sits at an angle as shown in the picture. You also have to careful about keeping to weight close to the hull as shown in the picture for stability reasons. All that said, it is a reasonable approach but you need to figure out where the rod is going to be mounted.

Scott