Tiler Set up

[Lipriper84]

I just recently bought a 2004 Alumacraft 175TP Tiler,  I've never owned a tiler before and i'm looking for suggestions on how to set it up. I would like to install some kind of track system or rail so that I can move rod holders to where ever I need them. I'll be using the boat for Trolling in Green Bay and would like to set it up to fish Lake Michigan for Salmon too. Probably add 2 down riggers to the back. I know there are a lot of inventive people on this page, so i'm just looking for suggestions or pictures of what you currently have rigged up, be it Lights, sonars, rod holder or whatever, its always fun to see what everyone else has come up with. Thanks.

Edited March 25, 2016 by Lipriper84

[Surface Tension]

Start with downrigger location.  If it were a counsel that would be on both back corners.

Being you have a tiller that isn't always the best location.   Sometimes steering is enough of a job where steering and tending downriggers is too much.   Will your fishing partner be able to tend the downriggers if they are set on the corners. If no then set them forward to where they can get access.  If you plan on going with 4 downriggers then your options as far as location is less.   Once I know where the riggers will be I have no problem mounting swivel bases to the boat and if they are in the corners for sure mount to boat.

Rod holders, the riggers with have their own.  You'll need rod holders for dipsys, board rods or for pulling cranks.  The dipsy and board rod holders will be tube type aluminum or stainless steel and adjustable.   Single rod holders mounted to a trax system or vertical trees work well for dipsy and board rod.   What you don't want for any of those type rods is plastic or one that allows the butt to protrude into the boat.  That type rod holder however makes for a better rod holder for pulling cranks and something you tend will pulling cranks for eyes on Green Bay.   Visit traxtech page for ideas and all the options for the trax system.

 As far as lighting and you'll need that for MI Salmon.  Rule of thumb is don't let any bright navigational/running light splash into or onto the boat what so ever.    That means mounted up front as far as possible.  A work light in the boat that can be turned off when not in use.   A dim light for just a little light in the boat and light up the rods. Ideally you stern/anchor light will work fine for that but it should be mounted mid boat and on top rocket launchers.   We have to back up to the rod holder topic there.  Best of the best option for a great lakes boat is rocket launchers.  To that are various types and use of rod holders for trolling and storage,  board line mast and spools, and lighting.

 I just scratched the surface but its a start. 

[Jim Almquist]

I Googled your boat and it looks like you will have wide enough gunnels to install a track system like Traxstech. You just have to make sure you put in a good backer board under the gunnel like some composite decking. There is a ton of torque when using deep diving Dipsy's and longer rods so I would use only aluminum rod holders. You might want to try a season of fishing without the downriggers and just use other methods to reach the deeper depths like steel line and dipsy's and see how you like it. I have a tiller and will not go to downriggers till I get a wheel boat. Trust me there is enough going on at the back of the boat let alone throwing in some downriggers.

[Lipriper84]

Thanks for the Reply's guys. I'll defiantly give the Traxstech a look. If I do go with down Riggers I would have someone in the boat that know's how to use them. They would just be set up on the back corners and i would only have 2 of them. I would probably go with a swivel base like you had mentioned.  

Good Point on putting a backer board under the gunnel. I will keep that in mind once i start putting this together. 

I do have some background in Salmon Fishing out on Lake Michigan, Most of my fishing was done with a friend that had a much larger boat. But last year we used their 18ft lund and did pretty good too. 

I sure am getting the itch, 

 

[Lipriper84]

Wow, they defiantly don't give those rod holders away. 

[Borch]

I have a 1890 Warrior tiller and have one downrigger mounted on the gunnel and the other on a storage/electronics deck due to insufficient clearance via the gunnel due to electronics.  On that electronic desk set up the rigger is mounted on a 6 inch pedestal for clearance.  Each downrigger is about 4 feet forward of the stern for access.  I personally added 1/4" aluminum backing plates under eachto address the torque.  Getting longer downrigger arms to keep cables out of prop with side currents is a need with this set up as is swivel mounts.  I have Bert's rod holders in tracks further forward for dipsey or planer board rods.  I'm a minimal light guy but they have their place especially when running dipsey's and boards in the dark.

[Borch]

Here's a pic of me with a rainbow from September on lake Michigan.  You can see the starboard rigger mounted on the gunnel. Behind me.  The port rigger is mounted less than a foot further forward.

[Lipriper84]

All good information. Thanks for the picture Borch, I'll definitely consider this when i'm ready to start drilling holes.