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Planning Your
Trolling Boat
When you rig a boat for trolling, you will want it to provide
you and your buddies with the most enjoyable fishing trips you
could ask for. Here are some time proven trolling boat layouts.
If you fish alone in a small tiller boat, mounting the
downriggers at the transom is a practical choise. You can keep
everything in easy reach, eliminating the need to get up and
move around the boat. ( illustration 1 )
If two or more people are fishing in a small tiller boat, try
mounting the downriggers midship. Everybody can reach the
downriggers and rods from either end of the boat. Pedestal
mounts may be needed for the downriggers to clear the gunwales
and swivel mounting bases will make for easier docking. (
illustration 2 )
On larger console style boats, a pair of Captain's Paks on
swivel mounting bases are a popular arrangement. The swivel
mounting base allows you to spread your lines wider when fishing
and can be turned inline with the gunwales when the boat comes
to the dock. ( illustration 3 )
If your boat is large enough for a large fishing party, mount
a pair of Pro Sportsman downriggers at the transom and a pair of
Captain's Paks on swivel mounting bases futher forward on the
gunwales. With this many lines in the water, your lure
presentation will resemble a school of bait fish. ( illustration
4 )
The same kind of presentation can be achieved by installing
four Captain's Paks on a removable transom bar. The whole
downrigging system can be removed as one unit when your boat is
to be use for other purposes. ( illustration 5 )
When installing a planer rigger system, remember two
important facts. First, the taller your mast is, the greater
distance your planers will travel from the sides of your boat.
And second, the further forward you mount your mast, the less
distance your planers will travel behind your transom. Both
points effect navagation and line control. ( illustration 6 )
A popular method of mounting the planer mast is to use a
pedestal seat mount ( sold in our Parts Department ). It fits
Springfield Taperlock seat bases, that are common on most boats.
The seat mount makes the mast easily removable for storage. (
illustration 7 )
Two single reel planer masts mounted on the gunwales just
behind the cabin or canopy top are popular for larger boats
where the bow is not easily accessable. ( illustration 8 )
Or you can upgrade your mast with a pair of electric planer
reels. Big Jon electric reels come complete with remote switches
and circuit breakers, so you can operate them from the cabin. (
illustration 9 )
Plan your boat for comfort and safety. Having to much
equipment, or having it located in the wrong place can hamper
your ability to move around freely. Before mounting any
equipment, get in your boat with your fishing buddies and
discuss the best location for each piece of equipment. All
equipment should be easily accessable to all fishermen.
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