Spider Rig Setup Crappie Jon
Hi CCers,
My dad is selling me (practically giving me) his Alumacraft Crappie Jon. This boat is a definite upgrade for me and it comes with a set of HiTek Rod holders and a brand new tm as well. I have fished out of this boat several times and I am thinking I need to modify a few things to be set up for spider rigging comfortably and efficiently. I know some of you spider rig out of the same boat or essentially the same boat, so please post pics or suggestions. My plan is to fish with the boat till it gets cold and make the mods this winter when I replace the carpet in the boat.
1. The front seat feels too far back. Because of this, my dad mounted his rod holders on the floor so he could reach the poles from the seat. He angles his rods off to the right of the boat to get the tips further away from the boat. I would really like to mount on the raised deck but would have to move the front seat forward one rib i think. This would make the fctm a bit tight but I think it is worth it. Right now, if you use 12 ft rod straight off the front of the boat, about 4 ft of the rod is in the boat and baits are too close to tm imo.
2. I want to upgrade electronics; I can spend about $400 and would love to get down imaging if possible for that price. I don't think I need si. There is an older hummingbird unit on there now. It works well, but is bw and just a standard unit. My ultimate desire is to have at least a 5 inch unit w gps at back of boat so I can hunt and find structure w outboard. But, I want to be able to see the structure well in front of boat where I spend most of my fishing time.
3. The trolling motor bracket needs to be slanted. Currently the tm comes straight back from the mount which is really in the way. I would like to tilt the bracket to where the head of the motor rests right above the edge of boat when stowed to increase space up front. This would also ensure the tm doesn't interfere w rod holders; currently, my dad has to turn the rod holders or remove from base to move locations.
4. Carpet is completely rotten. I can't decide if I should have the boat re-carpeted or lined with spray liner. Any input would be much appreciated.
5. Rod transport; there is not enough length on side of boat to attach rods on the side panels without breaking rods down. I want to do a clean, professional rod transport rack on left side of the boat but I don't need to carry more than 6 rods ever. Any recommendations appreciated.
Am I headed down the right track here? Anything else? Anything I'm doing you would say not to do?
Thanks for all the great advice.
no matter what I'm doing, I've got hunting or fishing on my mind...