Downrigger

Right behind the seat, offers easy operation as well right? I'm picturing sitting in my OB (Old hull, haven't sat in new 08'OB yet) and having the DR reel within reach (right side)but operating it I would be facing forward reaching back so almost backwards operation.  And after cranking 70 90 (However deep it might have been)turns on the 3 lb weight, my arm might get a little tired cranking at such a weird angle.
  Have you found this to be true?  Do you have photos of the DR placement on your yak?
 
Troy

This is a good discussion, and I'm not against downriggers - especially when a trolling pro like Zeelander uses one so consistently.  BUT...  isn't it a pain in the butt and a chance of losing your hooked fish when you have to reel in the rigger line before you can fight your fish?  When I hook a salmon ALL of my concentration is on the rod in my hand, and it's needed.  If I'd had to deal with reeling the downrigger line in I'd have lost some/several/all of my salmon - in my mind anyway.  What's the story on that? 

No, the line with your lure/bait is held by a clip that is suspended from the DR's weight by some heavy line.  The clip has enough clamping force to hold the bait, but will release the line when a fish hits and takes the hook.  When clipping you line into the DR's clip, the farther out on the clip =less clamping force, and the further in the clip = more clamping force. Now it is possible to have a fish get hookes and not pull the line out of th eDR's clip.  Small fish usually.  so you need to clip so it holds with just enough force to withstand the drag of your lure/bait.

Troy



  At that point, the line will be freed from the DR completely and if your not watching the line, and continue trolling, the fish will rise to the surface.
  When you see the fish or catch the hit, when you stop movement, of course the weight will settle below your craft.  Once you land the fish, then, you have to crank up the weight to reset your offering.

Thanks for the explanation, Troy, but my experience with salmon fishing is that all lines are reeled in when a fish is on - this is to prevent losing the fish due to tangling with the other lines (and the downrigger line).

  Yea I can now see why you mentioned that, with a large fish I can see that happening or with a double hook up.  Sure you'd want the DR's weight out of the way then, but for these small planter sized fish, only real time they would come close to the DR is when your ready to land them.  Thats been my experience using my little scotty lake troller on my 12' alum. boat.

And after cranking 70 90 (However deep it might have been)turns on the 3 lb weight, my arm might get a little tired cranking at such a weird angle.
  Have you found this to be true?  Do you have photos of the DR placement on your yak?
 
Troy

Nope. 95% of the time I crank the DR I'm sitting side saddle. The only time you have to crank the DR while sitting forward is when you adjust the depth you're trolling at. Usually just a few cranks. Sure you can handle it.

I took a look at my Outback and I think the best place for a DR would be the tray area directly to the left of the seat. Right under where it says "deluxe seat" in the image below.


I think a Scotty rectangle flush mount would fit right in there.


As to the question about pulling up the DR w/ a fish on, I don't think you have to. I've yet to have any trouble w/ a fish on and the DR out. Especially w/ Salmon, since they always run in one direction. You'd only have to worry when they're at the yak and I think you could handle it. And if for some crazy reason you have to reel it up w/a fish on, I think you could. It's easier than having to paddle w/ a fish on IMO.

Z

  Maybe, would have to watch not to cut the rudder lines when installing it.  Something to think about.

Is the tray too deep?  Will there be enough clearance.  If so, I think Z is right, that would be the best place.

Michael

Is the tray to deep?  Will there be enough clearance.  If so, I think Z is right, that would be the best place.

Michael

You'd have to test fit it to find out for sure. If you use the standard mount that comes w/ the DR I think there'd be enough clearance.


Z

If you use the standard mount that comes w/ the DR I think there'd be enough clearance.

Agreed!  But I'd definitely try the flush mount first like you stated.

Michael

That's the mount I currently have.  I have it for my rod holder.(not installed on OB yet)  I Can remove one on my alum boat also.  Too bad I can't simply duct tape the thing in place to try it out before drilling and installing it.  Maybe for test fitting I can! 
  Thinking about the location, I think by having it in that tray, if it's not to far forward, my left elbow might hit it. Paddling may not be possible either.  Maybe placing it just a tad behind the seat, or just even with it might clear the elbow? (Padle return stroke?) Again something to play with, look at when I get serious about putting it in.

Zeelander,

Outback  Mirage is very tippy.  The only thing that holding you from taking a dunk it the rudder.  I know I got one.  Does not feel tippy.  But I got 3 yaks and the last one I want to ride is the Mirage.

Ken kickfish

Hi Ken,

I think you are confusing the Outback Mirage with some other boat. The Outback is a tank, with a 33" beam. Forget standing up in one, I could do a head stand in one. And yes, I'd put money on it.

http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/models_outback.html

Scott

That would make for a great pic Scott

Z-I don't know what your landlord situation is up there but sitting side saddle in the drink off the Norcal coast is ballsy. Paranoia gets the better of me on that one. I'll have work on my reach-a-round

That would make for a great pic Scott

Z-I don't know what your landlord situation is up there but sitting side saddle in the drink off the Norcal coast is ballsy. Paranoia gets the better of me on that one. I'll have work on my reach-a-round

Surfed in the red triangle for 30+ years so not too worried. You got some great surf up there too!

As to sitting side saddle, I don't think you should trip unless you're sitting like that all day soaking bait w/a full stringer of fish hanging off the side. I know your imagination can get the best of you but in all reality there's a lot of other things you should be thinking of.

Probably have a better chance of a seal/sea lion/elephant seal messing w/ you IMO.

Z

PS. I believe we've had a few attacks up here but less people in the water.