Downrigger project.

October 18, 20178 yr

Super User

Last month, during my 16th anniversary trip, I rediscovered walleye. The guys at our campground said they were easy right now, so I gave it a whirl. With only 2 rods, a pair of Dipsys and a couple lures, we managed to pull 2 limits 2 days in a rod in only about 2.5 hours each day. Needless to say, I was hooked again.

About 7 years ago, I bought a used pair of downriggers, but never mounted them. They've been collecting dust in my garage ever since. The power cables deteriorated, so I ordered replacements (which still need installed).

I have been trying to find some non invasive ways to mount the riggers. First idea was to get seat posts and mounts and mount a piece of Starboard between them, utilizing the existing seat bases in the floor. Was a pretty good idea, but it would impede my access to the rear compartment and livewell.

Next was the same seat post concept, but doing 2 independent mounts, each tied to the gunnel somehow. Still kinda the same problem. It took floor space from an already cramped 17' boat.

Lastly was to just drill 4 holes in each gunnel and mount them directly. Not that I'm opposed to drilling holes in my boat, but I didn't want to do that in case the next owner didn't want downriggers. Then he or I would be left to patch said holes.

A little Google searching lead me to Cisco Fishing Systems. They make all sorts of trolling accessories and rod holders. They have this really heavy duty downrigger mount made specifically for the Lund ProTrak system. No drilling required! I ordered up a pair, along with the required adapter plate for the Troll-Master swivel bases I planned on using. The last of the required fasteners arrived yesterday and I was able to put it all together.

In the spring, I'll install the wiring to the battery and we'll try to catch some walleye!

Cisco mount & adapter plate and Troll-Master swivel base.