Scotty Depthmaster Downrigger Setup (Finished)

OK so here's the deal. I'm looking to pull the trigger on a downrigger and I debated long and hard between the Scotty Laketroller and the Scotty Depthmaster. Ultimately the Depthmaster's breaking system and longer boom steered me towards it. The reason I haven't purchased it yet is because I'm having some trouble deciding now I want to install it. I have researched posts here, Hobie forum, NWKA, Canada Kayak Anglers, and Yakangler.com. Each one had posts with great ideas but I'm still at a loss.

I read Zee's article and his idea looks awesome but I don't have a Hobie livewell yet to mount the downrigger to like he did.
http://69.174.244.232/nwka/index.php?page=32;print

Demonick's setup looks really good too, I'm just not a huge fan of how it takes up the entire rear section of the kayak.
http://www.demonick.com/kayak/HMR/Downrigger/00.HMR.Downrigger.Mount.html

Here are a few intriguing mounting options, but they are mostly geared towards the Laketroller and not the Depthmaster.

http://www.yakfisher.net/smffiles/index.php?topic=7026.0

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=30278.0

http://anglingwes.com/downrigger-kayak-install/

I'd love some fresh ideas on mounting options from those of you who use downriggers. I'd also like to know if anyone uses the Laketroller and if it handles river and ocean fishing less than 100' decently.

Thanks!

I've mounted it temporarily to my mini-x and more permanently to my Outback.  So I don't think these are going to be your solution but its two more ways I guess.

https://sites.google.com/site/kayakfishingalaska/techniques-information/downrigger-setup

Thanks for your suggestion. I actually saw your video on YouTube when I was doing my research. Your positioning is exactly where I want to out mine, just not permanently fixed. How do you like that penn downrigger? Looks pretty sweet.


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Thanks for your suggestion. I actually saw your video on YouTube when I was doing my research. Your positioning is exactly where I want to out mine, just not permanently fixed. How do you like that penn downrigger? Looks pretty sweet.


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So far its been flawless.  I will admit I have been on the water more than once thinking that maybe the horizontal mounted reels may be an easier motion than the Penn's Vertical mount.  But no complaints so far.  The key is that 360 deg swivel base.  Don't need it but, it sure adds a lot of versatility in terms of positioning and being able to swing it out of the way.  I wish it wasn't so dang big and heavy.

I've been thinking about the same thing and I definitely want to be able to remove the downrigger easily and replace with different gear.  I want a very modular mounting system so I can quickly outfit the outback with the gear needed for whatever I happen to be doing.

I really like Quillbacks set up, probably the cleanest mod I've seen:

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,7633.0.html

but he used oak for his reinforcement and the ABS is pretty thin.  I'm going to attempt to use his idea of an ABS plastic stern compartment.  I plan to change the design a bit by using some angle aluminum for the reinforcement and have it underneath the ABS.  This would provide a sturdy platform to mount pretty much anything and give the added benefit of the stern storage compartment.  I'm still trying to get it all figured out, but I thinks it will work and look super slick when finished.

Just a thought

Did you run across the setup that Ravdakot and I both use for our depthmasters?

requires 2 milk crates and the DR can be removed to allow you to use the mount as a lidded cargo box.  Mine has rod holders as well.

Did you run across the setup that Ravdakot and I both use for our depthmasters?

requires 2 milk crates and the DR can be removed to allow you to use the mount as a lidded cargo box.  Mine has rod holders as well.

I vaguely recall seeing something about it Lee. I remember trying to figure out what type of milk crate you were using because it looked like it has a "top" to it. Do you have the link or DIY plans? I'd like to check it out.


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I don't have it handy, but basically, you cut the top off of one crate, to make the lid for your setup.  Weave one side together with 550 cord, and put a bungee latch on the other side.  Then you can mount the DR to the top of it (they come with a bracket that allows this)

Takes maybe a half hour to build it.

I don't have it handy, but basically, you cut the top off of one crate, to make the lid for your setup.  Weave one side together with 550 cord, and put a bungee latch on the other side.  Then you can mount the DR to the top of it (they come with a bracket that allows this)

Takes maybe a half hour to build it.

Sounds simple. Thanks Lee.


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I found yours and Rav's crate.

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=4967.30

I think this is the design I'm going to go with.


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He put his in the middle, I put mine on the side, so the cable would be closer to the hull.

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I have had success with the Demonick set up.  I did not lose the space underneath the mount.  I place a dive fin bag with half a bag of ice under the mount to stow my catch.  when I return to shore I place the bag in my Ice chest with the other half of the ice, so as not to contaminate the ice chest, I then vacuum seal the fillets and use the clean ice chest to deliver fish to lucky family members.

Well, I finished my downrigger setup. My version is a variation of Lee and Rav's milkcrate setup.






Instead of having a hinged top, I decides to mount my downrigger base to the side of a milkcrate instead of the top. I liked having the open side to store tackle or a fish cooler bag right behind my seat. I will use bungees to secure tackle inside the crate to keep things from rolling around during transport. I cut up an old cutting board as backing to secure the DR mount.







I replaced the standard DR cable with 300 feet of 80 pound Power Pro. I also added a salmon 6 bead swivel directly above the weight clip to keep the line from twisting. I picked up 12, 16, and 24 ounce ball weights from the Sportsmans show for less than 9 bucks total that I'll be using for lakes and the Columbia. I may invest in a 4 or 6 lb DR weight down the road for heavier current.
I used material I had in my shop to make the strap setup to keep the milkcrate secured to the kayak.





The crate sits nice and snug when tightened down. All in all, I'm happy with this setup. Now all that's left is to try it out


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Looks pretty solid. I think I like the milk crate on it's side better. Easier access and what not.

I settled with an 8lb pancake weight. It is hard to know how deep you are fishing with your downrigger straight behind you. Fishing for sockeye at low speed you can get away with cannon ball weights but at higher speeds like for Coho you'll want a weight that cuts through the water better.