Downrigger Gimbal Mounts

[Girard]

I'm fitting up my new (to me) Grady with Big Jons and like the idea of usng the gimbal mounts that fit into the flush rod holders on the gunwale. Does anyone have experience with these types of mounts?

[UpGrady]

They create a lot of slop as they shift in the rod holder, I also ran into trouble with mine on my first boat in terms of locking in... I ended up drilling several holes thru the stainless flush mount tubes and putting bolts thru as security. They are a great idea for portability, but not real great in terms of execution. I would stay away.

[Just Fishin']

I 2nd. Upgrady. I do have my 3rd rigger gimbal mounted. I do not use that rigger regularly, but when I do it does twist back and forth a bit. This can be annoying as the day goes on and you keep jerking your head back every time you see it rock a little thinking there is a hit!

I am generally happy with mine as it gives me a little extra attack on hot rigger bite days, but would never run my main riggers exclusively from the gimbals.

[mudflat]

The quality of your rod holder makes a big difference, some are meant just for rods. When I used the Perko rod holders that came on my boat I had a lot of movement, they weren't built to take the stress that riggers put on them. I went to a set of Smith's that were designed for downriggers and it's a lot better now. Whatever you use make sure you thru bolt them with a good backer, no screws, riggers don't float well.

I also use shorter arms on the riggers and keep them mounted low to minimize the leverage. I'll test them out this year, going from 10 to 15 lb weights. A track system is probably better but these have worked for me so far.

[Zebedee]

I have some Cannons with short arms on a swivel gimbal mount. They aren't too bad if I run straight back, but when I swivel to the side I started getting cracks in my gelcoat.

[Girard]

Thanks guys !.....Jer