Salmon fishing with 31/ single 450 Cummins

[kirley]

Sea trial found at idle, boat slows only to 4mph! Salmon like the troll speed to be 2-2.5 mph, short of a trolling valve installed on the tranny ($4000) how do you guys and gals slow your boat for trolling? Any suggestions would be a big help ( I'm cheap )

[slimjim]

you will need a trolling valve, or you will have to bump ur boat in and out of gear. This will drive you crazy and also take a toll on your gear box. I have ran a lot of boats that just troll to fast. It makes for a long day unless the Salmon are biting well or wide open. A trolling valve is a dream come true for us salmon trollers. I would think you could get a trolling valve set up for under $4k? If not get a Albin with a trolling valve. I wish you the best.

[Pitou]

trolling valve installed on the tranny ($4000)

Sounds pricey. Parts are about $ 1,500.

[Nowhere Special]

At an idle our boat travels at 4 knots. We use trolling bags and that knocks the speed down to 1 knot. They cost about $400.00 a pair depending on the size. They are very popular here on Erie.

Dave

[Chris & Dale]

Dave,
More on the "trolling bags" please. I've been using a putty bucket and it's not doing enough when we're king fishing. Where did you get yours? What size (same boat & model as ours)? Any problems when you stop and them fouling the prop? Just attach to stern cleats or any special hardware? Thanks

[RockHall]

We had a trolling valve installed for under $2k.

[amber jj]

We to would also like to slow our 31 with 370's down for trolling rainbow and walleye.I was looking into a 25 hp.4 stroke on the swim platform,but by the time you get remotes set up it may be too costly.Also we lose the ability to carry a inflatable on the platform using davits.At 2 grand per tranny it may be a little more feasable.I think we have ZF transmissions.I sure would appreciate the names of the manufacturer and supplier of your valves.
Thankyou Bob

[Nowhere Special]

Our boat is 28ft. and we use the 36" bags. Google e.g.) amish buggy bags, beefy bags etc. ,will bring up venders that carry them. Mine were from Amish Outfitters. They are HD and have the 2" straps.
I tie a rope to each end of the bags, secure the large end to the center cleat and the smaller end to the stern cleat. When in the water the bag should not go past the transom. The small end of the bag should travel about 12" below the surface, adjust the stern rope to that level. It is much easier to adjust the bags if your boat is out of the water, that way the forward rope can be adjusted so if the bag for some reason would go under the boat it would not get to the prop.

Hope this helps.

Dave

I will try to take some pics next time I am at my boat.

[amber jj]

Dave do the bags give you any problems or interference with tackle or when landing fish?Bob

[Pitou]

We to would also like to slow our 31 with 370's down for trolling rainbow and walleye. At 2 grand per tranny it may be a little more feasable. I think we have ZF transmissions.I sure would appreciate the names of the manufacturer and supplier of your valves.
Thankyou Bob

I'd bet my boat that you have ZF transmissions coupled to your 370's. ZF manufactures the trolling valve. Actually a fairly quick R&R of the mechanical selector valve to a mechanical selector valve with Trolling Valve. Search trolling valve and "Pitou" as author. Lots of information right on this forum.

[amber jj]

Thanks for the reply.I did just that after I asked the question and got a head full of information.It looks quite doable and may probably tackle it at a later date.The biggest thing is the price which I will have to explore on both sides of the border.Some times being north of the border we may pay a 30-40 percent premium,just because,other times just the difference on the dollar.We will definitely check it out.Thanks again.

[Nowhere Special]

I haven't had any problems.
This is a You Tube video of how the bags should work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9km9WgxyF-k

[kirley]

Wow, thanks every one for the info!

[Chris & Dale]

Fantastic! Just what I was looking for, and I love the fact that it can't foul the prop unless it comes totally off. I will go to Amish Outfitters and order. The one question I have: do you use just 1, or 1 on each side to balance the drag? The U-Tube video was an excellent demo. I Love this place....Thanks!

[Nowhere Special]

I have a single and run two bags, one on each side. If I were to run one bag I would be trolling in circles. This way I can bump the rpm up to reach my trolling speed.
You may notice an increase in the stability when using two bags. Buy the size bags recommended for your length boat.

CU on the water, Dave