Installing Downriggers on a Kayak

Installing downriggers on a kayak opens up many opportunities for the kayak angler. Downriggers allow for precise targeting of a variety of fish species at depth without the need for inline weights or divers and are popular in many salmon, trout, and walleye fisheries.
In this video we discuss placement, installation, and modification of small manual ‪@cannondownriggers1811‬ on Old Town Sportsman PDL and Autopilot kayaks to make them user friendly, safe, and effective.
For more videos on kayak trolling and fishing with downriggers check out ‪@spiltmilt‬
#oldtownsportsman #oldtownfishing #kayakfishing

[@garychiang2568]

This guy knows what he’s talking about. I’m glad old town has real fishermen like him supporting and endorsing their products.

[@JKicks69]

He’s the only reason I want an old town. But the cup holders don’t drain hahaha

[@OldTownCanoeKayak]

We're grateful that Tyler is a part of the Old Town family!

[@bobl7376]

Tyler, great video! Have you done a video of the V-block & Backing Plate Installation? Would be interested in any insights before I start drilling holes in my PDL 120. Thanks.

[@mcclain147]

Great video. I went ahead and ordered the v lock mount with the optional back plate direct from their website . Shipping was fast only took 4 days for me. Will install this weekend on my AP 120 with the cannon lake troll down rigger.

[@bjorgaan849]

How did you fit it in the rod holder hole?

[@scottmichaelcoullard6219]

I followed these instructions pretty closely in order to install the V-Lock to my Hobie Revolution in order to mount a Cannon Laketroll downrigger. Had to be creative with the positioning, but it ending up turning out awesome! I had a wonderful time catching more lake trout than I ever have over the weekend while trolling just off the bottom in 70ft of water!

[@OldTownCanoeKayak]

Great to hear, thanks for sharing!

[@Kevin-ib3io]

Hey Scott, I'm thinking of installing this setup on my Revo too. Where did you end up mounting it? I've got the scotty lake troller on the rail now, and it feels pretty flimsy. Looking to upgrade.

[@travisyates9633]

Scott, I also have a Hobie Revolution and want to install a Cannon downrigger. If you can upload a picture of your mounting location for Kevin and I that would be great.

[@scottmichaelcoullard6219]

@@Kevin-ib3io, I mounted it inside the seat well. There is a nice flat edge in there which makes for a good mount. You’ll want to play around with positioning so you don’t get in the way of your paddle holder and the handle if you like to hold that while peddling. I also ended up trimming some of the backing plate so I could mount the V-lock higher up inside the hull to avoid interfering with the paddle holder. Here are some pictures: postimg.cc/gallery/W1V7RtK

[@Kevin-ib3io]

@@scottmichaelcoullard6219 excellent, thanks Scott!

[@OldTownCanoeKayak]

We recommend the Cannon Lake Troll model - it retails for $149.99.

[@KainOutdoors]

Looks like the perfect solution. Thanks for sharing.

[@larsgoble4574]

Nice video, Tyler.

[@TwoStageTrigger]

For backing plates, I buy the dirt cheap plastic cutting boards at wall Mart. You can cut them to the size you need and drill holes in them. Used them on my fiberglass boat and on my kayak.

[@OldTownCanoeKayak]

That's a great idea!

[@bobl7376]

As I noted earlier, this is a great video, and I agree with the comment that "this guy knows what he's talking about". However, there are a number of details that potential installers, like myself, should take into consideration before you start drilling holes. First, based on this video, I understood that, rudder controls aside, the installation of the motorized version and the PDL would be similar. Consequently, I ordered the V-lock, with the medium bent insert (Note: the higher bent plate will NOT work without an adapter plate for the Lake Troll because the "bend" reduces the width by ~2.5"), and the 1/2" starboard backing plate. Next, I cut 4" off of the Lake Troll's fiberglass boom which reduced the overall length of the boom (from DR exit spool centerline back to the V-Lock mounting plate) to ~18". The majority of the moment load is reacted by the two bottom bolts connecting the V-Lock to the starboard backing plate. However, this assumes that everything is "plumb & level". Unfortunately the vertical plane of the kayak mounting location (behind the seat) is NOT Vertical, it is flat, but that means the downrigger will be tilted between 15 and 20 degrees toward the water. Additionally, using the "shorter" Cannon supplied mounting bolts cause the V-Lock to be mounted too high, and you will not be able to get the V-lock assembly low enough to have sufficient edge distance (additionally, the screws will be in direct contact with the top surface of the kayak). Obviously, this is not Cannon's fault - I am just pointing out that clearance is an issue. Once I attached the Lake Troll's tab-lock base to the insert, I cut the bolts flush to the nut using a dremel tool. Bottom line is that I am not ready to start drilling holes in my PDL 120. One solution I am considering is a custom starboard wedge spacer between the V-Lock and the kayak in order to get V-Lock assembly as vertically plumb as possible. If anyone else has found an alternate solution, kindly reply below. TIA.

[@spiltmilt]

I gently bent the V-lock plate to make it level.

[@aaronou4424]

@@spiltmilt How did you bend the v-lock insert plate? Did you have to heat it up or just gently bent it at room temp?

[@hdsjy]

Need some suggestions on how to bend insert plate to be level. Tried rubber hammer, not working. Want to use a vise, but found throat depth is too short. 😢

[@shawnclements14]

​@@hdsjyleverage my friends 😂😂 it's aluminum shell bend

[@tlalocmedina6714]

Thanks for the video! Im right handed, and have the 120pdl sportsman. Which side do you feel is the easiest to operate? It looks like the best mounting spot is behind the seat like your video? Also, do you mount the mounting plate insert flush to the top or does it matter? Thanks in advance!

[@dougshoup593]

I like the mount, that's a nice set up. I hate to tell you though, braid hums going through the water too. I've run 150 and 250 lb braid on my setups and they both hum. It doesn't bother me though. I can gauge how fast I'm moving through the water by the variation of tone.

[@spiltmilt]

I've heard it hum at times too but the steel cable can get crazy loud.

[@kevinredden7833]

@@spiltmilt Yeah, the steel hums a lot louder. I've got both a Scotty Laketroller and a Scotty 1060 I mount on my Hobie PA12, one thing I've found that is nice (if you have one on the reel you are using) is to put the reel in free spool, engage the clicker, and then drop the ball. That way I don't need to keep my thumb on the spool or risk overrun while deploying the ball. Once I get to the target depth take off free spool and turn clicker off.

[@spiltmilt]

@@kevinredden7833 good advice.

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

Just finished installing mine! That little bungie attachment on the Salty PDL was a pain to work around, but I look forward to using it!

[@OldTownCanoeKayak]

Right on! Good luck out there.

[@chunkyboy9624]

Do you have a link to where someone ( me) can dons a Mount like that? I’m waiting for my Bigwater 132 to come in and I have a Scotty 1050 I need to Mount. Thank you and great video.

[@phlatline69]

Hello Spilt Milt, just love your channel! How many inches did you take off of your downrigger boom? I have your exact setup, Autopilot 120, Cannon, V-lock, mounted exactly as yours is. More precisely, how many inches should the downrigger line be away from the side of the kayak? Thanks!!!

[@bflee888]

Any opinions on using gimbal mounts in the built in rod holders for downriggers? Or what kind of products would you consider using for mounting them on the handles? Thanks!

[@MrPaul1379]

One question, were did u get the mounting bracket for the down Rigger? If u made it how much to get one made. I have a Old Town Salty PDL120

[@spiltmilt]

I got it here. v-lock.com/

[@fishingthenw1642]

If we wanted to mimic the v lock system like you had. I assume its the 4" plate, regular length, 45 degree bend with the 2.5 or 3" scews?

[@OldTownCanoeKayak]

We encourage you to give our Customer Service team a call as they would be happy to offer you assistance! 800-343-1555

[@wingbutler2699]

Hey ya. I’m gonna buy the gear you highlighted. The best way I know how to support you and your channel is to buy from your links. Have links for the lake troll downrigger, braided line, aluminum mount, and backing plate?

[@danyoung9212]

I love your videos I have an autopilot 136 and I love it! Where can I get the aluminum bracket so I can install the same down rigger setup that you have?

[@peterpetrovic205]

If it's true that (for example) drilling holes to install a boonedock landing system nullifies lifetime warranty, would drilling holes to install the v plate for the downrigger setup also cancel out warranty? I understand the v plate is simply going into a rod holder slot but I'm just curious as any mods I try to achieve without drilling holes. Thank you, great video.

[@OldTownCanoeKayak]

The warranty is only voided when the source of the modification is the reason for the product failure. Hope this helps!

[@joshsanders2409]

For the v-lock did you use the standard or extended insert?

[@kayakfishingwisconsin]

Did you consider the easi troll model at all? It looks to be only 2" longer (frame size) and 1" taller, but it retrieves at a 1.5 to 1. Any thoughts or considerations I would like to hear. My plan is to run it to the back so the boom would parallel the kayak. Thanks again.

[@Adventures101.]

I bought some for my AP 120 from Old Town so I just need to install them

[@OldTownCanoeKayak]

Good luck with the install!

[@earlybirdadventures8677]

salmon love that humm though! i will say i am too terrified of putting a rigger on my yak due to possibly snagging an unmarked fishing net on lake superior.

[@earlybirdadventures8677]

love the video tough!!! phone posted early hahaha

[@jelly_fishing]

Great video

[@jeffreydunglam2919]

Hello, mount the manual Scooty downrigger with 4 lbs weight on the autopilot 120 Rear railing with Scooty quick release rail mount, do you think the rail will hold ? Thx.

[@townsend96]

That V clip is pretty cool. Does that come with the top mounting plate?

[@spiltmilt]

The downrigger comes with the mounting plate. V-lock offers a variety of different size and angle plates that lock into their V-locks.

[@aznvi3tboy209]

@@spiltmilt where can I purchase that vlock at? Thanks

[@CanadianCoastie]

Can the cannon lake troll down rigger be mounted on a Sportsman 106 MK with the V-Lock mount? How would you get the backing plate in there? Is there a link to the website to buy the v-lock and backing plate?

[@OldTownCanoeKayak]

Yes, the Lake Troll can be mounted on a Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota. The backing plate is added through the hatch under the seat (on the 106 PBMK you can remove the heat sink to access this area).

[@CanadianCoastie]

@@OldTownCanoeKayak thank you very much!

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

How did you attach the downrigger base to the v-lock Bent Insert? Did you drill into it and then secure it with bolts?

[@OldTownCanoeKayak]

Yes, you'll need to mark the holes on the downrigger base and drill into the v-lock insert, securing with bolts/nuts.

[@kachahemp6662]

Good video Tyler!!! Can you please send me links on where you bought the V Lock mounting plate for my Auto pilot 136?

[@OldTownCanoeKayak]

You can find them here: v-lock.com/collections/v-lock-products

[@kachahemp6662]

Old Town Canoes & Kayaks thank you!

[@kachahemp6662]

Old Town Canoes & Kayaks, Which backing plate bolt size did you use? Was it the 2”, 2.5” or 3”? I’m about to order them. Here’s the link of the backing plate for reference v-lock.com/collections/v-lock-products/products/backing-plate?variant=8143535079517 Thank you,

[@Adventures101.]

When you put the extra rod holders in the back what size hole saw did you use Thank you

[@Adventures101.]

You didn't answer my question I was wondering what size hole saw you used Thank you

[@OldTownCanoeKayak]

Use a 2" saw bit, but cut at a slight angle so that you end up with an oval to accommodate the angled rod tube. Be careful that you get the holder centered when you screw it in because there isn't a lot of extra gasket on the sides. Hope this helps.

[@disneyguru]

How did you get the seaboard in there?

[@spiltmilt]

Easy access from the hatch under the seat.

[@joeywood1987]

What cannon downriggers in this?

[@bugzziee]

Wish u lived in my neighborhood

[@gregkennon3422]

Great video but curious if anyone has simply used a gimbal mount for their downrigger and simply dropped it into the available rocket launchers available?

[@spiltmilt]

I'd be concerned about the rod tubes being able to handle the pressure. I could ask the Old Town engineers if you would like.

[@gregkennon3422]

@@spiltmilt I’ve already bought the vlock and will install. It just occurred to me I used gimbal mounts on a aluminum boat in the past. It would be cool to find out it would work even if you had to switch to a heavier duty insert tube.

[@aznvi3tboy209]

@@gregkennon3422 where did you buy that vlock at? Thanks

[@pmm422]

My buddy has a paddle kayak and his solution for a down rigger is to convert an old cordless drill into a down rigger kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnzNYn9qqbSigq8 Great Video Tyler thanks for all the excellent work! I use a 3lb ball and that seems to work fine, although I haven't fished below 40 feet yet. My braid hums like crazy for what it's worth.

[@Fajah69]

The downrigger (Cannon brand) is more expensive than my kayak hahahaha