Trolling plate

[onion]

Anyone use a trolling plate? If so what brand? I am looking to do some trolling on LO this year but I need to slow the boat down. I have a 120 horse merc I/O on a 16 foot Starcraft

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[rustyrat]

Small trolling bags will work much better.

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[BigMac]

I had a happy troller, Worked perfect. Just don't forget it's down. One time mine somehow fell down at the boat ramp and when I took off... Well let's just say I had to bend it back on the water 3 miles off shore in 2 footers.

You could also look at drift socks, about the same price and saves drilling holes in your motor

Edited April 18, 2014 by BigMac

[MeanMachine]

http://www.lakeontariounited.com/fishing-hunting/topic/41019-troll-a-matic-trolling-plate/?hl=%2Btrolling+%2Bplate

 

Shoot me a PM if you're interested.

[bettieanne]

I often use 2.5 or 5 gallon buckets. I can drop about .2-.3 mph per bucket and their free, i just loop my dock ropes to the handle and tie to each rear cleat.

Edited April 18, 2014 by bettieanne

[BAZOOKAJOE]

http://www.lakeontariounited.com/fishing-hunting/topic/41019-troll-a-matic-trolling-plate/?hl=%2Btrolling+%2Bplate

 

Shoot me a PM if you're interested.

I have one of these and it works great!

[Rich L]

Beware of tying rope to the bucket handles as the handles have a tendency to dislodge. Remove the handles and replace with about 18 inches of 1/4 inch dia. rope.

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[baitrigger]

Bags

[rott]

I was able to slow my boat to 1mph just by changing the prop to a low pitch blade 

[DJ 17]

I run a  spring loaded trolling plate on my 115 etec and it works fine.  that being said I hate the thing around the dock because it really hinders maneuverability in reverse.  I would much rather have a kicker but that isn't in the cards at this point.  If you have the option of getting a kicker instead go that way, you won't be sorry.  Lots of positives for a kicker: speed control, safety of having second motor, fuel efficiency, NOISE, too name a few.

[Has Been]

Take the wire handle off the bucket. Get a 1/2- to 3/4 " drill bit & drill 4 holes in the ring on the bucket equaly spaced . Make a harness w/ a 3' piece of 3/8" rope by going in & out holes around bucket, Tie a square  knot on inside of bucket  .Tie your pull rope to center of that. Drill about 15 1/2 - 3/4 "  holes in the bottom of the bucket. Been using them for 35 years.

 

 Pulled a stack of buckets out of the dumpster today & they are soaking in my driveway . Will scrub out in the morn.I really don't need any more but I cou;dn't just let them go to the landfill.

 

 I had a plate & I hated it.

Edited April 20, 2014 by Has Been

[Chas0218]

I 2nd bags. I usually troll slow enough with my kicker but in rough water I like my main engine with bags it keeps the boat going straighter.

Bags are easy to store and leave on the boat and everyone will tell you space is at a premium on smaller boats.

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[onion]

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions.

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