Front Rod Holder

In preparation for salmon trolling, I would like to install a front rod holder on my Prowler 15.  I am looking for some advice on where to put it.  My preference is to install to one side, but I was wondering if that would interfere with my boat's tracking?  Is it better to put it towards the center of the boat, or does it matter?

Joe,

What kind of rodholder did you get, or are you getting?  Do you know yet, or still undecided?  Scotty mounts are fixed vertical tubes with RH heads that rotate, whereas a RAM tube rotates and adjusts at the base, so it can be moved more as a whole.

I like to have things out of the way when I am putting fish in the hatch or accessing on the water any items I have stored below.  So, I would not want to have some big thing blocking my way to the forward hatch.

You might want to take stock of everything you want to mount (RH, FF, GPS, etc) and then come up with some plans/options and "mock mount" things (duct tape or whatever), or just drawings even, so you can see how it will work all together.

Craig,
Thanks for the reply.  I haven't picked up a rod holder yet, but I was thinking about using a flushmount in combination with a Scotty gimbal mount:

http://www.scotty.com/marine/products/product/rodholders/mount_gimbal.html

Never having trolled for salmon in my kayak, I was just wondering about pulling a 2 lb. ball around for an extended distance.  If I mount the rod holder to one side, does that screw up the tracking on your boat, making it difficult to maintain a straight course?  I already have a FF mounted in the center fore area of my cockpit, but I think I still have plenty of room to mount a rod holder in front of it, if that would be best.  I don't plan on attaching any other hardware or GPS.

No probs Joe.  Yes, a 2 lb ball will screw up yout tracking, but the roidholder won't.  I loathe trolling - would use 1lb instead of 2 also - it's just the best way you can get 'em unless the bait is very concentrated.  Coming up in June and July, hopefully that will happen.  I don't plan on trolling for salmon again, just mooching or "trooching" kinda a combination of both.

Personally I wouldn't put a flush mount holder at the center of the boat because it'll stick down and get at least partially in the way of access below deck.  I stow rods, collapsible net, etc down there when I am launching and landing, and want a smooth path for those.  If you want to put something at the center, I'd use a RAM mount tube - it's most adjustable and can be moved somewhat out of the way to either side if needed.

http://www.kayakfishinggear.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=112

You can ask people that use them about the performance, or search the board for RAM tube and you might find some feedback.

Fun stuff, this rigging, huh.

Craig

Hey lost coast,

No matter which rod holder you choose make sure you install it with a backing plate (the bigger the better). Trolling for Salmon with one or two pound weights will put a lot of strain on the mounting point. Maybe you could get your neighbor to help you install it. When does rock season open ? Tight lines!!

Joe,
One thing I strongly recommend is placing the kayak on the ground and duct taping the rod holder in place for a trial dry run. Then get in the kayak with your paddle and practice paddling motions, and moving around, and retreiving items from the fore hatch. Maybe even hop in like you're launching or jump out like you're landing. This will give you a good idea of whether or not your rod holder is in a good place AKA not in the way.

For trolling, I don't think the 2lb cannonballs throw off your centerline too much. (Although I would strongly recommend just a 1lb ball.) Granted, it does cause you to veer off to the side a little. You just have to be aware that one side will require extra paddling (whichever side your rod is hanging off). Putting your rod in a holder behind you, near centerline, would provide the most efficient trolling…but it is difficult to monitor your rod…and difficult to remove it from the holder and set the hook in quick fashion…maybe attach a nightfishing bell to your rod to alert you when a salmon bites?

I personally prefer to use a rod holder that is close enough to grab and set the hook quickly (easier paddling than the under-leg). Second option would be the "under-the-leg" technique (best hookset but difficult paddling). Then the rodholder in the tankwell setup as the third option (easiest paddling but poor hooksets).

That Scotty holder that fits inside the flush-mount is pretty cool, I had't seen that before. Thanks!

Good luck,
PK