Downriggers Set-Up Questions

[LittleCasino]

I have recieved some e-mails with questions on downriggers. And I thought it would be better to post the most common questions here so they can be available for anyone who wants to add controlled depth fishing to thier fishing arsenal.
Now you can catch a ton of fish with only two downriggers, but the size of the 210 and the fact that I run a guide service and fish some tourneys I like running four.

So when mounting downriggers a good rule of thumb is you want them as far aft as possible or furthest item astern

The second consideration for positioning downriggers applies if you intend to mount 2 riggers Place them in a straight line as possible across the transom. By placing the downriggers on a closely parallel plane , you will greatly reduce tangles. The parallel set-up will position your downrigger weights evenly across the water as you troll. If some weights are more forward than others, they can have a tendency to swing up under the rearward weights in cross currents or on turns, creating tangles. Riggers don't have to be exactly in line, but keeping them as close to a parallel line as possible is ideal. If your boom riggers are mounted 18 inches or more forward of the corners, you will have more issues with tangles.

Downriggers that point out of the side are known as "booms," or 'side-riggers.' Downriggers that point straight back are referred to as 'corners.'
All downriggers have a boom arm on them, however the term boom rigger means the ones pointed outward at a 90-degree angle from the side of the boat.

To minimize tangles, use the corner riggers with the short boom, to keep your weights to a close line as feasibly possible with the side riggers. Your boom riggers however, should have a long a boom as possible to spread out your lines. This will also broadens your trolling path and minimizes tangles. Use your four-foot booms on the sides.

Remember, mount your corner riggers as close to the stern as possible. This will free up the center of the boat for fighting fish, because that is where they are going to go when your under way.

I like swivel bases especially on boom riggers. There is going to be times when you are going to want to swivel that rigger out of the way, It could be while your fighting a fish or pulling up to a dock ect.

Tracking systems work for me because of the versatility. I installed four TiteLok 6" tracks to my 210 for my downriggers (see gallery) If your only adding 2 riggers then only two would be sufficient, and believe me once you start cutting plastic and prying foam your going to be glad you only have 2-6" tracks to install.
Then I installed my cannon swivel base to the 4 inch TiteLok downrigger bases that match up and slide into the TiteLok tracking system. And when Im done I slide them out and insert a rod-holder or white insert pad (see gallery) into the tracking system which makes it appear clean and part of the boat when the family is out for some fun on the water.

[OspreyVic]

Thank you very much. That is great information and worded so even I can understand it.

I am looking at installing at least part of the track system that you show in your pictures.

Thanks again for the information.

Vic in Osprey FL