Fishing suggestions on a trawler

[Byekurman]

I am used to fishing off of my Pro-Line 23 foot boat. I have recently purchased the Mainship 390 trawler and I am wondering how others typically fish off of this type of boat. I used to be able to troll some by myself but I'm guessing not on this boat. Do most owners of boats this size float fish or anchor? I notice that there are no rod holders on my stern or anywhere else so I assume prior owners probably didn't fish much. Just looking for some ideas or insight as to how others may fish off of their trawler.

 

[Gabe n Em]

We installed 4 gunnel mount rod holders on our older mainship 40' for trolling, and had two more clamp on the railing on the bow when we were on the drift.

The new boat had nothing and no gunnels to speak of. We bought a half a dozen clamp on rod holders. 3 low across the stern, two on the fly bridge for lazy trolling/ rod storage, and one on the bow for drift fishing/ holding the boat hook during mooring ball pickups

 

[Peter B]

Yes, clamp-on rod holders would be the way to go there, as long as there are stainless rail supports to clamp them onto.
Obviously photographing my rod-holders was not high on my list of priorities, so sorry, this is the best and only pic I found, but you can just see one swung in under the rail there adjacent to the stern cockpit door. It is rotated outwards when in use trolling, or when fishing at anchor.

 

[syjos]

It depends on what your'e fishing for, where, and if someone else is on board. I fish mainly for salmon here in the PNW and I use an electric downrigger mounted on the gunnel in the cockpit. My wife drives and I communicate with her via two way headsets. If I hook a salmon, my wife puts it into neutral and runs back to help me net it.

I personally don't think that it is the easiest way to fish. In crowded "hot spots", fisherman in small boats don't appreciate a 40 foot, 40,000 pound trawler trolling near them.

I prefer fishing out of the tender. We carry a 12 foot center console fiberglass tender on the boat deck equipped for fishing and prawning with a downrigger, depthsounder, chartplotter and a pot puller. I can manuerver the tender closer to the action, pick up and move to a different location quickly and fish locations a long distance from the anchorage.

And I can fish for a longer time in the tender since my wife becomes bored quickly, especially when not getting a bite.

 

[Russell Clifton]

Are you asking how to get the new boat to troll slow enough? If so research installing a trolling valve in your transmission(s). Then you can troll slower with out lugging down the engine(s)

 

[High Wire]

Fishing is not designed into most trawler yachts (I have no knowledge of how a Mainship is set up). No provision to deal with blood, scales and slime that goes along with bringing fish onboard. You need to able to hose all that stuff overboard. No coolers to store the catch. Nowhere to clean fish. No rod holders while fishing or to store rods when not. No cockpit. Large swim platforms that get in the way.
If you want to fish and cruise, buy a sport fisherman or at least a cockpit motor yacht. Alternatively, buy a hard dinghy to fish from.
Another problem for cruisers is the fishing regulations. Most fish have a POSSESSION limit. If you catch your limit but keep the fish onboard, you are done with that species until they are eaten or otherwise taken off the boat. Filleting the fish and putting them in the freezer is not good enough. Then you generally need a license for any state that you fish in.

 

[angus99]

Paging Flywright.

 

[boomerang]

Hey Dave, you'll be fishing in the general same area for the same general species as us. Your 390, though much ,much nicer than our 34, is the same hull style as ours; a sedan style with a cockpit that's too high-sided for serious fishing.
I used to be a hardcore sport fisherman ,always owning sportfish boats designed strictly for fishing (Wellcraft, Bertram, Topaz, etc, you get the idea). Anyway, as I transitioned from primarily fishing to cruising, I knew we wanted a boat that could be somewhat easily used for fishing when we wanted. Here's what we do. When we're mackeral trolling, it's warm and the flybridge works best for us. A couple of clamp-on rod holders on the railing of the aft bridge hold the rods and the lines run down to release clips with 3-4' tag lines to keep the baits low in the water and stop the lines from chafing on the boat. Kind of a pain each time we get a knock-down or the baits get fouled to have to run below to reset the clips but it is what it is. With 2 people, one stays on the bridge to crank the fish in and the other in the cockpit to net the catch. Sometimes we'll leave the rods in the cockpit rod holders and just watch the slightly visible rod tips for any strikes from the bridge helm.
Cool-weather fishing is easier, we just use the lower station with it's combo plotter/fishfinder/radar which keeps us close to the action AND warm!
Bottom fishing and jigging ,obviously the cockpit lower station works best. I can pretty much guarantee we'll never take this boat offshore for larger gamefish but what we have makes do for Chesapeake Bay fishing.
You'll figure out what works for you. Have fun!

 

[boomerang]

Oh, btw, the rod holders in the cockpit are clamp-on/removable like the bridge. Our cockpit gunwales are kind of narrow for the flush-mount kind. You don't have that issue on your boat. For you, the biggest problem with mounting permanent rod holders in the deck is getting the courage to bore 2-4 giant holes in the gunwales of your new-to-you boat!

 

[PM]

I set my Albin up for trolling. I installed clamp on rod holders, bolted on some down riggers and away I went.

You will need some type of auto pilot if you will be trolling alone.

I Never had a lot of success though. Even dragging a sea anchor my boat does not idle down slow enough for ideal salmon trolling. I did catch a few but am getting tired of having all the fishing gear on the boat and am getting away from it.

pete

 

[Marco Flamingo]

I have been trying to analyse what my prior owner did to fish from my new boat. It has an extended upper deck that covers the back cockpit. I know from other boats that having a cover over you when fishing is a pain. It prohibits you from holding the rod straight up or backing away from the gunnel. Almost impossible to solo fish for anything worth catching.

There is also a pole holder on a stanchion on the flying bridge. That would allow somebody to play the fish above and another to net from the cockpit. Not perfect, but doable. I found a downrigger weight stashed in a back cupboard, but I have no idea how or if it was used.

The PO told me that he had installed the extra heavy flywheel on the Ford Lehman 80hp. Normally used on the 6 cyl. FL 120, it also fits on the 4 cyl. He said that it helps run things smoothly at idle when trolling, so I know that he trolled. I haven't tried seeing what the boat does long term at idle yet.

My experience with fishing from trawlers is to not get in with the smaller boats. Yes, they are generally in the hot spots, but there are places where they don't go because of distance, weather, or sea state that are okay for a trawler. I have to get over the "gotta get a fish, gotta get a fish" aspect and then everything's okay. If I really, really, want a salmon, I stop and mooch. Yes, old school fishing involving actual physical activity.

 

[syjos]

If I really, really, want a salmon, I stop and mooch. Yes, old school fishing involving actual physical activity.

Mooching was my favorite way to fish in the 70's through early 90's. Quiet and relaxing mooching out of a small boat.

I find that trolling with a downrigger is more productable but not as relaxing. And certainly not quiet.

 

[FlyWright]

Here are a few pics of my setup for sturgeon and striper fishing primarily.

Important boat features to allow my style of fishing:

usable cockpit with good water access
wide walkarounds
ease of anchoring
ability to single-hand when required
rod holders
long handled net
Beer-n-Bait fridge

I sometimes catch big sturgeon, The one in the photo is only 65" but my last 3 big fish in the boat in the past year have exceeded 8 ft long...8 ft, 100" and 9+ft. That's why I added the fish measuring station to the side gunwale to air in measuring (in the boat) and estimating (in the water) length.

I prefer anchoring and bait fishing. If I'm trolling, I'm busy driving and not doing much fishing.

Dink storage is important because, as you can see, it can interfere with fishing. I can either drop my dink lower or launch it and tie it on the hip for ease of fishing.

 

[Codger2]

Yes, clamp-on rod holders would be the way to go there, as long as there are stainless rail supports to clamp them onto.

That's what we do too!

 

[Shrew]

The upper deck covering the cockpit makes it cumbersome to fish from. Like all things boating....boats are an exercise in compromise. Cruising boats don't fish as well as a fishing boat (though certainly possible). Fishing boats don't cruise as well as a cruising boat (though certainly possible). The minute you try to do one with the other, things get a bit klunky.

 

[angus99]

Here are a few pics of my setup for sturgeon and striper fishing primarily.

Important boat features to allow my style of fishing:

usable cockpit with good water access
wide walkarounds
ease of anchoring
ability to single-hand when required
rod holders
long handled net
Beer-n-Bait fridge

I sometimes catch big sturgeon, The one in the photo is only 65" but my last 3 big fish in the boat in the past year have exceeded 8 ft long...8 ft, 100" and 9+ft. That's why I added the fish measuring station to the side gunwale to air in measuring (in the boat) and estimating (in the water) length.

I prefer anchoring and bait fishing. If I'm trolling, I'm busy driving and not doing much fishing.

Dink storage is important because, as you can see, it can interfere with fishing. I can either drop my dink lower or launch it and tie it on the hip for ease of fishing.

That’s the sturgeon on the left, correct?

Seriously, nice setup, Al.

 

[Northern Spy]

Fishing is not designed into most trawler yachts (I have no knowledge of how a Mainship is set up). No provision to deal with blood, scales and slime that goes along with bringing fish onboard. You need to able to hose all that stuff overboard. No coolers to store the catch. Nowhere to clean fish. No rod holders while fishing or to store rods when not. No cockpit. Large swim platforms that get in the way.
If you want to fish and cruise, buy a sport fisherman or at least a cockpit motor yacht. Alternatively, buy a hard dinghy to fish from.
Another problem for cruisers is the fishing regulations. Most fish have a POSSESSION limit. If you catch your limit but keep the fish onboard, you are done with that species until they are eaten or otherwise taken off the boat. Filleting the fish and putting them in the freezer is not good enough. Then you generally need a license for any state that you fish in.

Alternatively, nearly every boat in my marina, and most marinas in BC, (trawlers and sailboats too) are rigged for salmon. Trawlers often fish in the cooler seasons due to creature comforts they provide.

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

I am with Fly!!!

We have caught many halibut off the back of ASD. However, at idle she is too fast to troll. So I set up our dink for trolling.

 

[woolf]

Interesting read this thread – we are planning to bring our boat from Europe to the PNW next summer (virus permitting), to keep her there for a few seasons. We have sucessfully fished / trolled recreationally on the ocean for tuna, dorade, wahoo, with only very little inshore fishing experience so far.


Could someone direct us to a good guidebook or webpage for the basics on how to fish successfully in the PNW, for salmon and halibut? We have a very workable stern platform, and a good size tender as well. We had already discussed tying up at a fish camp for some days along the way, to learn the ropes from a local pro.


Thank you!

 

[Shrew]

We have sucessfully fished / trolled recreationally on the ocean for tuna, dorade, wahoo, with only very little inshore fishing experience so far.


Could someone direct us to a good guidebook or webpage for the basics on how to fish successfully in the PNW, for salmon and halibut?

Tuna, Dorado and Wahoo are all fast fish. You drift and jig for Halibut, like any other flat fish. Salmon are trolled slowly.

 

[Ken E.]

Interesting read this thread – we are planning to bring our boat from Europe to the PNW next summer (virus permitting), to keep her there for a few seasons. We have sucessfully fished / trolled recreationally on the ocean for tuna, dorade, wahoo, with only very little inshore fishing experience so far.


Could someone direct us to a good guidebook or webpage for the basics on how to fish successfully in the PNW, for salmon and halibut? We have a very workable stern platform, and a good size tender as well. We had already discussed tying up at a fish camp for some days along the way, to learn the ropes from a local pro.


Thank you!

If you're starting from scratch, I'd go out with a guide boat in the area that you want to fish. The guides know what works and it's money well spent for your fish education and success going forward. I do this with river fishing in new areas. Mooching herring was mentioned above, either drifting with no power or very slow, using a cut plug. Trolling with downriggers could be done on your boat, and that's the easiest method and catches the most fish. Unless you have trolling valves, you'll have to shift in and out of gear to keep your speed down. Your gears can probably be retrofitted with trolling valves for around $1000 -1500 each.

 

[woolf]

Trolling with downriggers could be done on your boat, and that's the easiest method and catches the most fish. Unless you have trolling valves, you'll have to shift in and out of gear to keep your speed down.

Thanks - what would that be in knots, for best performance?

 

[Ken E.]

Thanks - what would that be in knots, for best performance?

I'd say about 1.5 - 2 kts. The current is also a factor on what the bait or lure is doing presentation-wise. What I pay attention to rather than speed is the angle of downrigger cables, which are affected by both boat speed and current. I want to see about a 45 degree angle on the cables for proper action of the gear. This is highly subjective but has been reliable for me on salmon for the past 40 years or so, in Washington, BC and SE AK.

 

[Codger2]

We had already discussed tying up at a fish camp for some days along the way, to learn the ropes from a local pro.!

Whalers Cove Lodge in south east Alaska. They really know how to fish and I've seen private boats anchored in their bay, probably doing what you suggest. Google them and ask if what you suggest can be done.

 

[MYTraveler]

My boat is more of a fishing boat than a trawler, but in my opinion, there is an awful lot you can do, and only a few things you can't do, to adapt your boat to fishing. One important thing in the can't do category, at least not without a huge cost, is installing trolling valves -- necessary to go slow enough to troll for some species. Another is eliminating aft-deck and other supports that would preclude you from easily walking around the boat while fighting a fish. But other stuff, like rod holders, outriggers, and fish finders are easily installed. For some species, carrying live bait is hugely advantageous, and for that you can install a "bait bag" that hangs over the stern. Once you get over about 30 feet, trolling is pretty much a two man proposition -- one to drive the boat, and one to watch for hookups. However, since I like to have a line in the water just about whenever underway, I devised a gizmo that will sound an alarm if line is suddenly pulled from one of the trolling reels. I took my inspiration from a similar device that triggers a hand held air horn when line is taken -- I am not sure how you would search for it, but they are commercially available.

 

[Larry M]

Hobo's not perfect but we have caught lots of fish. She's not a sport fisher so you can't back down on the big guys. We put a 130 quart cooler for the dorado and bottom fish on the swim platform when that's what we are targeting. We always have 2 lines in the water when in transit. Going 6.5 to 7 knots is about perfect. At anchor, we throw, some live bait or chunks of tuna over the side, never knowing what you'll catch. Having the back deck and side decks is a plus. The dinghy is also fun to fish from. Cleaning fish, we use the swim platform and feed the sharks. For me, fishing is the most exciting thing you can do with your clothes on.

 

[syjos]

Interesting read this thread – we are planning to bring our boat from Europe to the PNW next summer (virus permitting), to keep her there for a few seasons. We have sucessfully fished / trolled recreationally on the ocean for tuna, dorade, wahoo, with only very little inshore fishing experience so far.


Could someone direct us to a good guidebook or webpage for the basics on how to fish successfully in the PNW, for salmon and halibut? We have a very workable stern platform, and a good size tender as well. We had already discussed tying up at a fish camp for some days along the way, to learn the ropes from a local pro.

Thank you!

Charlie White wrote a stack of paperback books on "How to Catch" salmon, crab, prawns, bottomfish, clams and other species. Amazon carrys several of Charlie Whites books. Plus there are lots of used copies online. Because they were not thick books and paperback, fairly inexpensive.

Charli White was one of the first fisherman that researched the lives of fish, their habitat and what they were attra red to.

He started attaching video cameras to the downrigger line to capture video of salmon striking the various lures and bait. He spent hundreds of hours on the water experimenting and documenting results.

I met him in the early 80's when he had released his first video "Salmon Spectacular", which was exciting clips of salmon striking lures and bait. I started renting that video at my video store which was located in Des Moines, WA, a marina town. Fisherman that rented the video wanted their own copy so I ordered a case of videos from Charlie White. He was self distributing the tapes. He was curious about a store, not a fishing store, selling more copies of his tape than fishing stores so personally delivered the tapes to my store. I believe he was Canadian. He also was not happy that I was renting his tape, assuming that it cut into his sales and he was surprised that renting the tape resulted in increased sales. This was the early days of video tape renting and film makers and studios thought rentals would decrease sales.

Charlie White was a great guy and invited me to come along on one of his fishing experiment trips and video filming. It was fun for about an hour and it got real boring fast. Charlie White had a lot of patience that I did not have.

Google Charlie White and UTube should have some to watch.

 

[markpierce]

I fish at the local supermarket, or better yet, restaurants specializing fish dishes. Stern-quarter guy wires supporting the mast and a small rear deck on my boat are not supportive for fishing.

Strangely, the original Buehler design of the Coot (sans sails) had a large rear deck/cockpit as well as a secondary helm there.

 

[woolf]

I'd say about 1.5 - 2 kts. The current is also a factor on what the bait or lure is doing presentation-wise. What I pay attention to rather than speed is the angle of downrigger cables, which are affected by both boat speed and current. I want to see about a 45 degree angle on the cables for proper action of the gear. This is highly subjective but has been reliable for me on salmon for the past 40 years or so, in Washington, BC and SE AK.

Thanks - that's slower than we can do on a single engine.

 

[woolf]

Whalers Cove Lodge in south east Alaska. They really know how to fish and I've seen private boats anchored in their bay, probably doing what you suggest. Google them and ask if what you suggest can be done.

Great - I'll check them out!