Downrigger problem...

See i currently have a cannon sport troll on my kayak in the center just past my feet.  The problem is that its a pain to get to.  I was planning on taking it of and selling it to buy a small scotty.  My problem is that the sides of my kayak are rounded so the only spot to put the downrigger is right next to me which gets in the way of paddling.  i was trying to find a way to put it in front of me(i dont want it behind) so i could paddle, use it easily, and be able to give it some renforcement so it doesnt stress the kayak. 

here are some pictures of my kayak, i dont know if you can see but on the sides about from the end of the seat to the end of the foot rests.  So basically the mount wouldn't sit flat

f- ask Zee. He's got the downrigger thing dialed in. He devised a cool setup just behind the seat - you could probably easily adapt it to your yak. I couldn't find good pics of it but here are a couple links on the NWKA site.

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?page=32

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,795.15.html

I don't think you're going to be able to get it closer than your feet without it getting in the way.  Why don't you want it behind you?  I think it works well right where the rear flush mounts usually go (or in them by using a scotty gimbal mount).  Easy to use, easy to reach, and further back.

-Allen

isnt it a pain to get to the downrigger if its behind you?

isnt it a pain to get to the downrigger if its behind you?

Not at all.

-Allen

Do you have a rod holder mount up front that is easier to get to?  I set up the d/r on a Scotty triple mount.  With the rod holder on the other side, I can get the line down and out in front of my paddle stroke.  I beefed it up with 1/4" seaboard backing (on the left in the last pic).  I used 3/8" thickness to shim up the Scotty mount for clearance. 

I'll try and get my pics of the set-up I have for P15 and my Revo. I would only have my downrigger in front of me, but thats just me. Here is a link for my two seater, my son and I each have our own rigger.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,18250.0.html

The main reason you want the downrigger behind you is because of side pull. Most kayaks have a perfect spot just behind the seat at the rail. Your yak looks to have the same spot.
The old Malibu:

Also while you troll you're going to run into times where you need to pull your gear up 10 feet or so because of a submerged object or pinnacle. Being able to do that right away is super important. The second you stop paddling that ball goes deeper and deeper. Snagging a DR ball is no joke especially when there's some wind kicking up.

At that location It's easy enough to get to and it'll keep you paddling straight instead of constantly paddling on one side. Also remember to replace your wire w/ 60# braid and watch your fingers.

Z

Zee is your rod holder on a pole mount with that downrigger setup?

Zee is your rod holder on a pole mount with that downrigger setup?

Yep. I put the rod in a rod holder in front of me so that I can watch to see if there's any action.

Z

thanks, time to make it happen

thanks, time to make it happen

No worries.

Just wanted to post my current set up. I upgraded to a Scotty Depthmaster, w/ 60# Sufix Performance Braid and a 6# DR ball. I'm really loving this set up and trolling 120+ feet W/ a flasher is a breeze. Also the braking lever and one arm operation are just the best. Corrections are really easy. It is a lot of gear and weight to use so if anyone is thinking of trying it you might want to start w/ the Scotty Lake troller and a small weight then upgrade once you're used to the dynamics of DR kayak fishing.

Z

well i actually had a cannon Laketroll on my kayak just past my feet, but it just became a pain leaning forward to crank it.

Zee with your new setup do you just turn sideways in your seat to work the downrigger?

I just reach back with my hand while still facing forward.

-Allen

Easy enough to reach back if you've just got to make 10 cranks or so but if you're going to retrieve it up from anything more than 15' sitting side saddle is the way to go. When I pull it up from deep I end up alternating arms a few times as it gets pretty tiring. Hellova workout for sure.

Z