Best way to increase my trolling spread?

jiminoc · Sep-06-2006, 01:22 PM

hey all,
I have a 21' striper, no outriggers, no downriggers. 4 flush mounted rod holders at the moment. What is the best thing I can do at the moment to increase my trolling spread? Currently I'm just running 2 feathers up top with maybe a rapala in another rod holder running just under the surface. Rod riggers? Planers?

I'd appreciate any tips you guys might have, thanks

Jim

Kurt · Sep-06-2006, 01:31 PM

I use both and can get 5 in the spread but it's a lotta work, especially if the grass is thick.

Try trolling with a W shape to your spread, it works well on the tangles.

jiminoc · Sep-06-2006, 01:42 PM

thanks Kurt
so do you tie off the planer to the transom mount? which rod riggers did you wind up getting? I'd imagine a rod rigger with a big ass surf rod could act as an outrigger of sorts?
Do you run spreader bars or just individual feathers?

thanks again

KC Kevin · Sep-06-2006, 01:54 PM

Rod riggers work pretty well, increasing your spread by a couple feet off each side. Got a set off ebay a few years ago and used them a lot. Don't know if I would bother with the surf rod Jim.

Kurt · Sep-06-2006, 01:54 PM

Nothin fancy. I got 2 riggers from Cabelas for 20 bucks a piece and use them in the outward facing holders which allow them to get out there quite a ways. They don't work too well in big swell cause they are whippy but ok with calm seas.

Run 2 back and a board down the middle fairly deep.

jiminoc · Sep-06-2006, 02:29 PM

nice, I just found these puppies on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ALUMINUM-ROD-RIG...QQcmdZViewItem

just ordered them

**Captain Curt** · Sep-06-2006, 02:40 PM

You'll like'em..........

Curtis........

The boat Hanna........

Jaydog · Sep-06-2006, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiminoc

nice, I just found these puppies on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ALUMINUM-ROD-RIG...QQcmdZViewItem

just ordered them

I use them as well, I also have two longer trolling rods that I use in them and keep the shorter ones on the inside, just another foot or so...

midnightrambler · Sep-06-2006, 03:47 PM

add a little weight keep two close n deep. then two on the surface. then a fishtrap on the shotgun way back

Weazel · Sep-06-2006, 05:23 PM

An easy way is to run flat line clips on the two closest rods. Works like a charm on my rig.

Double Z · Sep-06-2006, 05:58 PM

I run 6 out the back on my 8'6" beam. I use outrodders and try to put the 6' or better rods in them. I run flatlines across the back. Two on the stern cleats and I mounted two rings in my engine cover for the inside two. I did have to add two additional rod holders since my boat only came with 4. My down planes have been shipped and should be on my next trip. I'll stay with 6 but getting two down deep should help cover more water.

I like running the CatchyTackles. With the spinners on them, you get some hairy tangles. If I pay attention, I keep them to a minimum. The flatline clips and outrodders keep things low enough to help deal with the wind.

Double Z · Sep-06-2006, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiminoc

nice, I just found these puppies on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ALUMINUM-ROD-RIG...QQcmdZViewItem

just ordered them

Those are sweet and that's a great price.