The Outdoor Line Forum

So I just got a new used boat and had a question on downrigger placement.

The old owner had them on the 2 back corners of the boat. That seems too far back to me... any suggestions?

I agree with you P!
While the corner of the transom is a tremendously strong location for mounting downriggers, it is my least favorite location for actually using the downrigger.

I prefer to mount downriggers approximately a boom-length forward of the transom. In this location, the dangerous act of reaching and leaning over the gunnel is minimized.

Also, I prefer to stand between the fisherman and the fish while I'm netting and having an unobstructed transom makes landing fish a whole lot easier!

Great observation and question! Thanks!

Nelly wrote:I agree with you P!
While the corner of the transom is a tremendously strong location for mounting downriggers, it is my least favorite location for actually using the downrigger.

I prefer to mount downriggers approximately a boom-length forward of the transom. In this location, the dangerous act of reaching and leaning over the gunnel is minimized.

Also, I prefer to stand between the fisherman and the fish while I'm netting and having an unobstructed transom makes landing fish a whole lot easier!

Great observation and question! Thanks!

Nelly is right, but it also depends on the boat you have and how much you want to spend to mount your down riggers. On my 17' Arima in order to mount the down riggers as Nelly described would require the addition of a stainless steel aft rail with down rigger mount as the gunnel is not wide enough to properly mount a down rigger. Mine were mounted a little further back by the previous owner than Tom described, but not completely on the back corner. I can easily work the down rigger without leaning back over the transom. Is it ideal, no. Does it work, yep.
Take a close look at your boat and see what mounting spot best works for your boat taking safety, usability and the strength of the mounting location into account.

...or Baddawg,...
You could just come fishin with me...
How's your late July look?

Nelly wrote:...or Baddawg,...
You could just come fishin with me...
How's your late July look?

I will have to let you know as we get a little closer, we have a little construction project going on down at work that could tie me up a bit.

You just let me know and we will go!
It's gonna be a great year....ya gotta break loose for a day.... Dontcha???

Done and done

Nice job!
That looks like a great location to me.

To really dial it in I would consider adding a Cannon Weight Retriever to your installation.

The Cannon Weight Retriever makes getting to your release a snap and helps get the wire out of the way of your big fish too!


Here is the link to buy direct from Cannon but Sportco, Outdoor Emporium, Harbor Marine and John's Sporting Goods have them as well. http://store.cannondownriggers.com/products/324730/Retro-Ease