rod holder mounting

[Jersey John]

I need advice on where to mount the rod holders for trolling of in-lines and big boards. I also have downriggers set about 3 feet from the transom of the boat. How far do you space the holders and will this be to much of a problem to mount 3 holders on each side in an 18' boat. Also where would you mount the mast for the big boards? In the pedestal mount for the seat or up by the trolling motor on the bow? Thanks to all who answer. JJ

[spanky]

john,
i would put the mast up on the bow plate as high as possible .i run a big jon mast and skies.the higher the better.keeps tow linws out of water/waves.
personally i prefer rail mount holders.i run setser tubes.5 on each side. have tried many alternates and this works great.if you have questions e-mail me .we have been trolling 6 and 8 lines for years with this set up.


good luck with the rigging,

spanky

[Jersey John]

Thanks for the info, Spanky ! JJ

[Sluggo / NY]

John..I finished off a board that reaches across the bow rails. I attach it to the rails with U-clamps and wing nuts. The mast base is mounted in the center of the board. It takes just a few minutes to put on or take off. One tip..dip the U-bolts in a liquid plastic coating. It keeps them from sliding or marring the rails. Good Fishing, Sluggo

[cisco]

I had 4 ft stainless (1" dia) hand rails mounted on both sides atop the gunwhales. To these I attached bases for six Setzer rod holders. I built a board to hold two downriggers (off each corner) and four more rod holders. The board is designed also as a place to put long-nose pliers, diagnal cutters, lures and misc. while fishing. My vertical net holder is forward.

Mine too is an 18 footer, after having spent years on Lake Mich with a 21' I/O with cuddy cabin.

With my 18 it is possible to take the occasional trip to the big lake and seek trout and salmon -- running up to 9 lines (3 per angler in Wis waters).

A good way to learn what can be done with small craft is to snoop around the port cities on the Great Lakes -- you'll see quite a variety of means to get more lines in the water without tangling all the tackle you own.

[Jersey John]

Thanks for the info, when I uncover the boat I will start to look at all my options. JJ