Trolling with a Tarpon 16

[ChemFly]

OK all of you SOT's, I have a new WS Tarpon 16 inroute and plan to set it up for trolling. Question; those of you who do use a SOT, where do you consider to be the best rod(s) placement spot for trolling: 1. forward on (scotty or rams), 2. aft of the seat well (scotty or ram) or off of the high back seat designed by Surf to Summit?

Here we go! --127-3-

[Punchshot]

Hi Chem, I've got the T120, I set mine up with the Scotty mounting bar across the front. The mounting bar holds two fly rod mounts and inbetween those, I hang my portable fishfinder. I like the easy acess to the rod in front. My T120 does also have rear holders for spin or conventional type rods

[ChemFly]

Hi Chem, I've got the T120, I set mine up with the Scotty mounting bar across the front. The mounting bar holds two fly rod mounts and inbetween those, I hang my portable fishfinder. I like the easy acess to the rod in front. My T120 does also have rear holders for spin or conventional type rods

Punchshot,
Thanks for the tip.
Do you encounter any interference with line(s) when the rods are front when paddling? Do you have any pictures of your setup?
I appreciate the input.
JW

[Punchshot]

Chem, the mounting bar can be angled/adjusted so that the line doesn't interfer with paddling - I'll setup the yak this weekend and take acouple of pictures to saw you

[joev]

Trolling out of a 160
I like the Ram for a rod holder.Its tough as nails and is really adjustable.I have two located behind the seat.I dont want lines crossing me while I am working structre.Zig zagging my way thru the rocks or working or bridge pilings or docks my line will never cross me.The thought of braid crossing you with a large fish hammering your lure should make sense .It also allows for a low rod postion keeping more line in the water allowing me to get deeper without letting out more line.The Ram also allows you to get the rod further off the centerline of the kayak so its easier to get at the rod in the holder .I would start by mounting one(wich ever you chose) on the raised spot behind the seat for starters.You can easily see the rod tip with a quick glance over your shoulder.Lots of people will say you cant tell if your getting hits but in my experince they hammer what ever your trolling .You should be able to tell by your screaming drag --125-3 If you dont like it you can just leave the base there .

Most guys use the seat mounted rod holders for holding a extra rod.They requie you to be a little bit of a contorsionist to get them out once under way.They require more effort putting them back in . I think your better off getting a seat with out them.

Depending on what tackle you chose to fish with will determine what types of holders you can use.A flush mount on the left side is great for holding a extra spinning rod.Just try and angle it into your dead zone if you dont plan on trolling more than 1 rod.Dead zone is about 7 o clock if 12 is centerline looking forward.This keeps the rod away from your trolling rod and out of your back cast if casting.Having a second rod holder mounted like the first isnt to great .It makes it tough if you have a buddy come over to help or raft up for a meeting or picture.Usally you end up tangling your rod with theirs.
With the Ram you can adjust them for any situation you may encounter.

Some guys like trolling out in front .Its not for me though.I might add another holder out in front just to hold my rods while rigging or releasing a fish.Or maybe to paddle out of some situation with a fish on .You can mount the bast on the sides of the center rib or if you are tall enough on the flat spot in front of your feet.

JoeV

[joev]

http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/magicgallery/6-2-03-tarpon1.jpg
Fly rod holder in front of feet with a flush mount on the side.
http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/magicgallery/6-8-03-tarponback.jpg
Scotty behind the seat with a flush mount.Both mounted on the raised spots.

[ChemFly]

Joe,
Thanks for the setup suggestions and photos.
I'll take them under advisement as my boat develops.
Question: What electronics do you have mounted on the foredeck and down in the seat well?
Cheers!
JW --127-3-

[joev]

Chem
These are not my yaks.I copied them off another site.So you could see some of the mounting spots
I have a Eagle Fish Easy depth finder on my yak .Its mounted on the top of the center rib .