Mounting downriggers on a Starchief, pics.

[Broadcast]

Re: Mounting downriggers on a Starchief, pics.

MI allows 3 rods per man. Many charter boats fit up to six passangers = 18 potential rods. Alot, but can be effective on the right day. However... usually less is more if you know what I'm saying.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Mounting downriggers on a Starchief, pics.

You are aware they make a sliding track for downriggers. . . . You would just have to relocate the vents and the pole holes or make cutouts in the track for them.

They come stock on the Islander model I'm getting. But they are available aftermarket too.

With a track is also stiffens the mounting and you can run more than two downriggers if you ever want too.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Mounting downriggers on a Starchief, pics.

You are aware they make a sliding track for downriggers. . . . You would just have to relocate the vents and the pole holes or make cutouts in the track for them.

They come stock on the Islander model I'm getting. But they are available aftermarket too.

With a track is also stiffens the mounting and you can run more than two downriggers if you ever want too.

I am getting these, yup!

 

[BIGSTARCRAFT]

Re: Mounting downriggers on a Starchief, pics.

Here is a pic of my set up on the FM196.. The sides are reinforced where the mounts are located..

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Mounting downriggers on a Starchief, pics.

Here is a pic of my set up on the FM196.. The sides are reinforced where the mounts are located..

WOW, SWEET RIG!

 

[WATERHAM]

Re: Mounting downriggers on a Starchief, pics.

SCHWING!!! On my Islander I mounted them just like wvmedics for a bunch of reasons. 1. They don't interfere w/ your cleats/docking 2. They don't interfere w/ your rodholders placed along your gunnel (for trolling) and 3. If placed too far forward and fishing in deeper water w/ a strong subsurface current, they (the cables) could blow into your outdrive. Cannon makes a 360 degree swivel bracket the downriggers mount to; attatch your mounting plate, back up w/ starboard, and back that up w/ extra wide washers stainless hardware, and caulk all your holes. When fishing swing the riggers port and starboard, when done swing them aft (without balls). I have a track system,absolute best thing in the world for organizing rods and trolling spreads; don't think they will handle the torque and abuse of the riggers though. Nice boat

 

[df909]

Re: Mounting downriggers on a Starchief, pics.

This is a great post. I started a similar one earlier today. If you don't mind, I have one questions for all of you. I have a Cannon Uni-Troll 10TS & it's pretty heavy and can extend to 53". I have a runabout with very limited places to mount it. I would like to mount it and when I'm trolling, have it perpendicular to the boat. So, it'll stick straight out to the side rather than towards the stern. I plan on trolling for trout, bass, and occasionally ocean fish such as anything that'll bite.

Is it a bad idea to have the downrigger pointing straight out to the side or will it be ok if the mount location is beefed up? Thanks a lot guys.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Mounting downriggers on a Starchief, pics.

Tip: If you are new at this, make sure you buy a few rubber snubbers. Some guys might not use them or even know what they are.

They are a 1 foot rubber strap with connectors on each end. It goes between your down rigger ball and the metal downrigger line. These balls are expensive to replace when you hook up on a sunken branch etc. I've never lost either of my balls

They can hook up when you are not paying attention to your depth finder as the lakes bottom depth can sometimes change fast.

With no snubber to absorb the quick shock you can lose the ball or even snap a down rigger arm. A snubber is cheap insurance, they cost like $3 each. Try walking into a marina and see how much a new ball costs when you need one in a hurry, after you lose one while on vacation on some lake

BTW here is a great site with a lot of downriggger tips that I had saved in my favorite places:

http://www.sschapterpsa.com/ramblings/Downrigger_salmontrolling.html

 

[df909]

Re: Mounting downriggers on a Starchief, pics.

Never heard of a snubber but it makes sense to have one. I'll be looking around for a couple next when I go buys my balls (it would really be a bummer to lose them). That website that Expidia listed had a ton of info on it too.

 

[WATERHAM]

Re: Mounting downriggers on a Starchief, pics.

There is an awesome book called pro-troll "downrigger fishing techniques" by **** Paul. Give the low down on the rigger scene. It's not company specific (it covers them all). Goes into mounting locations, blowback, safety, basic techniques; enough to get you started. Check out Great Lakes Angler's website for gobs of info (look at the see my rigs section) there's an Islander/Starcraft specific thread that will make any Starcraft lover drool.