Scotty downriggers???

[SeaCat]

Looks like I have sold my old boat -- along with the Big Jon electric downriggers which I have been moving between it and the new boat. I have narrowed the selection of a new set of four riggers to either Big Jon Captain Packs or Scotty Model 1116 Propacks. The main feature these two brands/models offer that is essential to me is the tilt up arms.

The Big Jon's have been very, very good units -- actually the current set are my second set of 4 Captain Packs -- and I really am leaning toward another set. After all I know how they work and on the two occasions that I have needed repairs (over 15 years), BJ has been prompt -- 2 day turn around in mid summer.

Have never seen the Scotty electrics in person (only pictures), but have read alot about them and they sound real good. Better retrieve speed than all others, 16 position swivel base,low profile, tilt up 5' booms/arms, auto stop, lifetime warranty. But... I would really like to see a set in person rather than order from Cablelas and then ship them back if I don't like them. A store I found in an Internet search in British Columbia also has them available for $319 each given the current exchange rate (Cabelas is $469 each). The Big Jon's are going to be about $400 each.

Anyone know of a store anywhere in Michigan or northern areas of Indiana, Ohio, or Illinois that carries the Scotty riggers. If anyone that has seen or used them and can offer their impressions, it would be helpful too.

Thanks.

Ryan

[Ram Man]

I'm not sure where I saw them, but I think it was Lakeside Fishing in St. Clair Shores, MI. The number there is (810) 777-7003. Lakeside can tell you where to find them if they don't have them. Pretty sure they do though...
lakesidefishingshop.com

[DAN383]

You should be able to get all the info you want
at www.scottyusa.com

[SeaCat]

Been there. Unfortunately they don't have a list of dealers on the site -- or at least one that I could find.

RG

[SeaCat]

Thanks RAM-MAN! Called them and you remembered correctly, they do have them. Heading there tomorrow to take a look -- gotta get my 'riggers, the salmon are going nuts here in Lk Mich off St. Joe!

Ryan

[Ram Man]

Cool little store seacat. You'll probably leave with more than just the 'riggers. Let me know how helpful they were. I know the owners pretty well.
Glad I could help.

[Grey Beard]

Dorn Hardware in Madison, WI on Midvale Blvd stocks them. They have a fast retrieve and able to handle a 20# cannonball which would limit the blowback when fish are deep. There market is the west coast. I have Bij Jon capt pack. Good luck.

[SeaCat]

Well drove over to St. Clair Shores earlier today and did get to see the Scotty electric rigger. Decided that I would get another set of Big Jon's though afterwards. Four main things turned me away from the Scotty's and back to the Big Jon product:

1) A little too much plastic for me after using the almost all aluminum Big Jon units for years.
2) Too bulky between the horizontally mounted motor, rod holders and massive swivel base.
3) Speed gain is through the use of belts and gears that looked a little to easy to mess up compaired to the motor shaft driven Big Jon rigger.
4) Repair facilites are in California and British Columbia. Big Jon is in Michigan and their service in the past has been great. Also nice to buy from a "local" company.

RAM MAN: Lakeside was very helpful -- we pretty much took the rigger apart on their display and reassembled. They have only had them for about 2 weeks so it was a learning experience for them too -- one part was mounted backwards. I have been there in the past (bought a King 8008 Loran/Sounder their 2 boats back).

Thanks for the help everyone.

Ryan