Northwest Fishing Reports

I purchased a small downrigger clamp mount with the intent to use it for trout/kokanne fishing in my local lake. The problem is, I have a fiberglass boat, and I cannot mount it to the sides or back, as the mount isnt wide enough. I have looked into cutting my boat, but the edges of the boat have metal on them, which I would have to cut through to possible mount it. Any advice on how to mount my downrigger?

post a picture of where you want to mount your downrigger. Without seeing what the area looks like there's two methods that may be available to you. The small laketrolls clamp to the side of the boat and there's an "L" shaped mount that can be installed on a boat and provide a flat area for mounting a downrigger.

Posting a picture is the best way to find the best method.

If I picture it right, maybe use a larger C-clamp to clamp a block of 1x4 to your gunnel that extends above the rail, then clamp your DR to that.

I Attached a screenshot of the downrigger I bought and a mount that I think is the one zen leecher aka Bill W reccomend. Can you confirm that it is the correct one

That's one of the lake trolls I was thinking of. The mount isn't as the one I was thinking of screwed to the side of a boat. It did have a flat surface for mounting the downrigger.

What's that area of your boat look like? That's what I wanted to see a picture of. Or what's the make and model of your boat. I can find a pic on the web.

I had that problem on my little boat. So my son built a wood mount for it that went along and over the seat right next to the gunnel and I screwed it into that.

That's probably the best way to do it for a fiberglass boat.

Oops, accidently put that post twice

Heres a picture of where I want to mount the downrigger

How wide is your rail? Two options I can think of, also do you want this mount to be permanent or temp? You could mount a piece of starboard on your boat that goes high enough to mount your current DR to using C clamps ( just be sure to put something between the clap and your boat) or drill some holes and attach with bolts. Second option is you might need to exchange if possible for the 1073 model if your rail is strong enough to take the pressure?

I sure hope this helps you. Next time check the measurements of the boat and buy the DR that will fit your application, I see to many guys buy something and then it does not fit and now need a plan B. We all start somewhere and make mistakes along the way. I have some starboard 3/4" think or 1" thick don't remember its grey in color but if you want a piece I can cut you one just let me know what size and I will see what I can do for you.

Good luck,
Eric

I believe the width of the rail is between 2 1/4 and 2 1/2 IN. The rail itself is perfect width, but the rubber and metal "bumper" that goes around my boat (its what sticks out on the edge of the boat in the picture I attached) is what is keeping me from mounting the downrigger. I could cut it, but I am not sure if that would weaken the sides of the boat and ruin the fiberglass.

Here is what I did on my last boat might work for you?

I cant use that method because the mount for my downrigger is a clamp (Theres a picture of it somewhere in this topic). Im on the verge of having to buy a different one because I cant figure out how to mount it

Ahhh.....you are right, might be time to go with the 1050 and sell the one you got. Have you tried walking around the boat and see if you can slide it over rubber bumper somewhere? If not you are going to need to have someone else take a look and see if there something you missed? It happens don't ask me how I know this...lol. Good luck it getting to be fishing time so I hope you get it figured it out soon.

Im going to make one last attempt and break out the saws-all. Ill see if i can make a cut on the side to mount it. If that fails i guess Ill just have to get a new one

It's your boat, but I would highly suggest against making a cut in the rail.

Both Hunter and I suggested using a larger C-clamp to make a small riser (i.e. a section of 1x4) that the DR could clamp to just above the rail. Did you look into that? Again, do what you like, but it seems like there are better options already suggested.

Good luck.

I'll make a run down to my local hardaware store and get a couple C-clamps and see what I can do.

While I was thinking about the clamps I got an idea. This could have been one of BentRods suggestions and I just didn't understand. Anyways do you think this will work?

Well, that's not exactly what I had in mind, but looks like it could work.

It seems to be pretty sturdy. Does it matter what side of the downrigger I put my rodholder?