Rod set up

Ok I have designed my trolling rig.
The base will slide into my rear seat post and strap down to each rear tie off on my boat.
Doing this to avoid any screw holes.
I'm using 4 poles now. My new rig will 8 to 10 poles.
I have seen this set up many times as I Google pictures.

Question is, how in the world do you keep from tangles on the reel in with a fish???
I have enough trouble bring one in with 4 poles off the back.
There poles are inches from each other.

Although I could get 10 off the rear, the possibility of me doing that are slim to none.
My goal is to actually use 6.

With this rig I can change from the rear ( cranking)
To the front ( spider rigging jigs)

Any thoughts?

I think four rods is plenty for one person, sometimes I catch more using less rods bc I'm not so distracted but that's just me and my divided attention mind.

I would think planer boards would help with getting the spread to avoid tangles.

Here's is what I'm talking about.
Looks like a nightmare to bring a fish in from a middle rod.
Maybe there is a trick to it ?Attachment 214170

Just because you have the room for 8-10 rods doesn't mean you "have" to put 8-10 rods out.

Personally, I seldom fish with more than 4 rods out when by myself

Don't forget your scissors to cut your way out......;)

Hi Manny,
I'm no expert, but this is what I've learned. I troll with my 4 stroke, but the same applies if you are using the trolling motor. Keep the motor in gear when you hook a fish and the fish will fall directly in behind the motor. For this reason the outer rods should have more line out that the inner rods. I usually stagger my lines about 20 feet from one another. I have used this method and rarely get tangled these days with crappie hooked.

After you get a white or hybrid on.......ya might want them cutters. :popcorn

Yes I've ran into a school of whites before on the river.
I was only using two poles and 2 jigs on each one.
What a mess.
But I believe I'm going for a 6 rod set up.
Now if I don't use them all that's fine.
But for those real tough bite days I'll be glad I did.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kwpipkins

Hi Manny,
I'm no expert, but this is what I've learned. I troll with my 4 stroke, but the same applies if you are using the trolling motor. Keep the motor in gear when you hook a fish and the fish will fall directly in behind the motor. For this reason the outer rods should have more line out that the inner rods. I usually stagger my lines about 20 feet from one another. I have used this method and rarely get tangled these days with crappie hooked.

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Yes I have done that and worked good.
But when the water is choppy from the big boats going by and I'm the only one in the boat the trolling motor makes a sharp turn left or right.
I think there is a way to stiffen it up a bit.
And I'll make the wife go.
Most of the time I'll drag a buddy with me.
If he can't operate a trolling motor or man 6 poles what good is he? Lol

I say go for it........

If you run 4 off each side in the back you will be fine. I run a 5 10 14 an 20 off each side in the back. No problems at all.