Mounting Downriggers/Bert's Custom Tackle

[romertrain]

I am thinking about mounting cannon or big jon downriggers on my 17 foot smokercraft. This would be for salmon fishing in lake michigan.

I am debating whether or not to mount the plate directly to the gunnel or to mount it to the bert's custom plates for my rod holders. The riser plate that mounts downriggers made by bert's is $80. Ouch!

How many of you have this set up and would you recommend mounting on the bert's or a separate mount for the downriggers. The pricing is pretty much the same either way.

thanks............romertrain

[JVolpe29]

I use the rod holder option...works for me....and I can move it to either side of the boat.

[downriverbob]

I use the track mounts for both downriggers and rod holders with a bit
of a twist. I have the downrigger on a swivel mount towards the back of my boat. I have another 6" track father forward that I use for rod holder. I have swivel bracket that I have a 18" track mounted on this allows me to put 2-3 rod holders on the track and angle the holders any way I wish when I'm using my big ski type planner boards. I also have a Smokercraft, the 19 ', when I put the tracks on I used planks under the gunnel to bolt them on with for more support.

[Big Sky]

Romertrain,
Fire out your email to me and I can send you some pics of a home made board for much less. Not on the same boat as you, but may give you ideas before you spend extra money. I think Bert's makes a great product though.

[Bushwkr]

Great pics at www.pursuitsports.com
I am sure Jeff Miller at 586-783-5917 could give you some good options/ideas on the phone.
Great product, great service, been using his equipment for years trolling on the Great Lakes.