choosing downrigger boom length

[jeepster]

im in the market for some new downriggers, but, im trying to decide whats the best boom length to get. right now im using some cheap manual scottys and i think the boom length is only like 24 inches, and they have worked out decently. i havent tangled any lines while trolling but, they gotta go and im going to be upgrading to some scotty electrics.

ive done alot of reading on salmon fishing over the years and i saw an article about using finned weights and bending the fins so the weights swing out and away from the boat... with that in mind, can i get away with using short boom downriggers?

i can get scotty 1099s (fixed 24 inch boom) for 380$ a piece, and it seems like the model with the telescoping boom has the same motor, but the extenda-booms are clost to 520$ a piece... even with my magical marine supply discounts....

i only have a 20 foot boat...

[huntergreg]

Mine are the 1106 model electric and have the telescoping boom. They work great. Makes it easier to fish rods in the center of the boat with no tangling. We fished with a guide the other day and he had the shorter boom's on his. Just makes it a little easier to reach out and grab the clip than mine. Here is a chart to look at. The 1099 and the 1106 are the same thing but different boom length.




http://www.scotty.com/fishing-gear-equipment/electronic-downriggers/1106-depthpower.htm

[huntergreg]

Some also come with the swivel mount and some do not. That might be the difference in price. 

[bloodhound]

i have the shorter ones, but we only run 2, one off each side and rarely do we have a problem. there have been some occasions where some dick doesnt know how to steer his boat and cuts you off and have to turn sharp the wrong way. but thats maybe once or twice in 3 years. 

[Ripper]

I like the longer lengths myself. I use my boat hook to grab my release cables. Like was mentioned earlier, it makes it easier to run rods off the back without tangling.

[huntnphool]

 I have the Scotty 1116's and love them. They telescope out 30" I believe.

[FC]

I like the longer lengths myself. I use my boat hook to grab my release cables.

You do NOT! You use ME to run back and forth running the gear while you drive the boat (lazy union bastage)! The boat hook gets used for grabbing releases in MY boat!

[mkcj]

It really depends where on your boat they will be mounted if on or near the back of the boat 30" arms are plenty long. But the farther forward you go the longer they should be because it will take less of a turn for the cables to end up under the boat and in the prop especially if your in a strong current. I peronally like scotty riggers for thier flat top which allows me to lean onto it while reaching out over it.

[jeepster]

i think im going to go with the short booms. i can get em cheap, and they have the same motors as the others.

7 times out of 10 when i go fishing, im running solo so, if i dont have to lean over the rail, it makes my life easier.

from what you guys have posted, i dont see any info telling me not to.

 if i can get enough cash together, im also going to try to shoot for getting an autopilot for my kicker, and a lowrance HDS-5 sonar/gps unit so i can set my gear, and set the A/P on a contour line/shelf, have the trolling speed controlled through the fish finders gps (via nmea2000), and let the boat fish itself so i can read my old field and streams, listen to the radio, and just relax... sounds complicated, but its really just a fish finder with gps, some hydralic cylinders, a gyroscopic compas, and a controller...

[Wacenturion]

I've got Scotty 1106's on my boat.  They extend out to desired length up to 30 inches I believe.  That's a nice feature if you're fishing three or four poles.

Like the old saying.....measure twice, cut once applies here.

[MtnMuley]

Longest telescoping booms you can get.   No need to have to use a hook or have to lean way out to get to your clip either. Buy the easy to install ball/clip retriever. They slide up and down your cable and have a nylon cord that you pull on and press into the cinch to get your ball and clip right to the boat. Very simple to use. Built by Scotty I believe.

[huntnphool]

No need to have to use a hook or have to lean way out to get to your clip either. Buy the easy to install ball/clip retriever. They slide up and down your cable and have a nylon cord that you pull on and press into the cinch to get your ball and clip right to the boat. Very simple to use. Built by Scotty I believe.

+1 I have those on mine, brings them right to you.

[Wacenturion]

   Definitely get those.

[lokidog]

It really depends where on your boat they will be mounted if on or near the back of the boat 30" arms are plenty long. But the farther forward you go the longer they should be because it will take less of a turn for the cables to end up under the boat and in the prop especially if your in a strong current. I peronally like scotty riggers for thier flat top which allows me to lean onto it while reaching out over it.

I've got extenda boom cannons and have never stretched them past their shortest while using on a 20' Trophy and 19' Alumaweld.  The short hand cranked ones worked fine on the Trophy as well.

You can make a cable retriever out of a 1/2 or 3/4" T piece of pvc.  Drill a hole in the middle stub and tie some twine to it.  A lot cheaper than the others and works just as well.

[MIKEXRAY]

I had the same exact decision to make a few years ago. I spent the extra money for boom arms & swivel, it did add to the cost pretty good.  After fishing them for the last 5 years I am really glad I got the upgrades, I use both features all the time for various reasons.   Mike

[longknife]

Have the penn electric extended arms, and love them!  It sure is nice to take a fast turn, when that azzhat cuts you off, and still have your downrigger ball attached! So many years of hand cranking, the electrics were a winner on the decision to buy my boat!
There are some great deals on CL, or E bay now and then.