big board/mast system

[groovymoe]

I need some help from an expert:
I am going to go to a big board system for Lake Erie for next spring. The question I have is will I be better off using a mast, or attaching the line reels for the boards to my bow rails? I Have a 21' Trophy with a walkaround cuddy. I would think that it would be a pain in the rear to have to go to the front of the boat every time to attach a line. Would it not be more practical to attach to the bow rail where it would be more accessable? Somebody please help me here!!! Thanks in advance.

groovymoe

[perchjerker]

I had a trophy hardtop and what I found best was to keep the line as high as possible off the water as you can, it makes the releases slide better. Another thing is to make up a pulley or a wire loop of some kind that is attached to your towline and the loose end you tie to somewhere convinent to where you are fishing. when you want to attach another release, pull on said line and it pulls the tow line to where you can grab it, attach your release, then play the line back out and retie it, ready for next time. Kinda confusing to explain, hope you got it!

[bountyhunter]

HI I"VE got a 24ft gragy white walk around and a dock hook works great cost about 15.00 is adjustable in lengh works

[Chairman]

Check out the Offshore website on the mainpage. Riviera Downrigger Corp. has a automatic mast system that mounts on the bow or on handrails so you don't have to wind up the line.
Chairman
NPAA #6

[perchjerker]

Yea, a boat hook works, too. Same basic idea.

[Jose]

I picked up a couple of Big Jon planer board reels off of ebay at a fair price. Check out www.ebay.com there has been several sets of planer board reels on there. I am now in the process of making a mast. I am going to a nearby welder and have a 4' piece aluminum tubing welded to base. Then attach the reels at the bottom of the mast with a pulley of some kind at the top. Much like the one you can buy but for much much less. Also this gives me something to keep my mind on during the cold months. lol

Jose`

[Stormsearch]

Groovymoe,

I don't like fishing from boats that have high mast systems. Yes it does allow the releases to slide down the tow line better. However, your lines will be off the water at different heights depending on where it is on the tow line. For example, the very outside line right next to the planar board will only be a couple of inches (if that) out of the water. Your very inside line (next to the boat) can be as much as 4 - 5' above the water line. This can make it difficult trying to run your lures running at the same depth. Heavier tow lines can help, but I would prefer to place reels off your rails. Yes, you do want them high but not too high. Good luck.

[ETT]

This is not a simple situation. Where are your rod holders? You need seperation between the rods and the tow line to make turning easier. That's the main reason to have the mast forward. If your walkaround area is tight and inconvinient, a tag line may be a way out, but they're a pain too.

Next question is how rough of water do you fish in ? If you go in even 3-5'ers or use superbraid lines, you'll need some sort of shock absorber. Most use a 24" piece of heavy duty bungy cord at the board. This takes some of the yank off the tow line and helps eliminate the boards flipping over, and false releases.

Next, how many guys go along ? If 3 or less, no problem, but if you take 4 sometimes you may want to run 2 board lines and 2 Dipsys on each side. Think that through, and get setup to accommodate it if neccessary.

I'm not trying to cause a head ache! But like my philosophy prof said, "the only right answer to any short question is, that depends".

I hope I helped. Good luck and have great new years, and a better new year. I hope you have as much fun with your boards as I've had with mine.

[Finaddict]

Just like perchjerker said I use a solid metal ring on one end of a line with a clip on the other. Run the mast line through the ring then attach to your board clip the other end where you can reach it easily and just pull it in when you need to attach another clip. remember to let the mast line out slowly so you dont snap the line out of the clip you just put on.