Shrimping out of a kayak-problems

I wouldn't mount anything in the scupper holes.  They are known possible weak points.

-Allen

Thanks! That's the Exact type of knowledge I lack. I may still extend the posts an inch or so down the holes to prevent lateral movement. Just need to secure the mount down...preferably with minimal drilling!

Check out Spot's "Cobra river anchor" build on the home page of NWKA!!  You could mount the downrigger to the top and skip the rope guides and the pulley at the end and you would be golden. Well supported, and easy to attach and detach using the pad eyes you already have.  Just scale it to fit your yak, maybe at a brace leg under the where the "T" comes together for added support and obviously there's no need to extend it back past the end of the yak.

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/page,28.html

Good call PP.  Also along the same lines, here's a write-up on a drift anchor mount for my Mini-X that INSAYN welded up for me.  Hope this gives you some useful ideas.

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,3951.0.html

Pelagic paddler let me bounce this concept off you and see if you think it would be feasible?
I'm just thinking out loud and have no experience using this device myself.

Using the inflatable float type retrieval system that is used for pulling river anchors in swift current. 

I'm thinking to get the float to stay put as you paddle away, you attach big drift sock to the float to keep it from following you thus basically copying the effects of river current.

The line would then come up through the float slip cleat, lifting the pot.  Then when you feel the full weight of the pot at the float/drift anchor, just turn the yak around and reel yourself back towards the float/drift anchor/shrimp pot.

Now Spectra is slick and obviously not going to hold in the standard float slip cleat, so maybe have the first 10 feet of line from the pot be made of suitable rope, so that when the pot is lifted all the way up it can then catch in the float slip cleat. 

Without actually trying this, I'm not certain what the result would be. 
Just throwing out another idea, if for nothing else.....future experimentation. 

I tried something similar to the PB anchor puller for dealing with my quick release anchor system last year.  It was a resounding failure.  While you do make some progress, it was like 1 foot line for 6 feet of horizontal movement.  This became a real issue when I ran out of deep water.... 

-Spot-

I tried something similar to the PB anchor puller for dealing with my quick release anchor system last year.  It was a resounding failure.  While you do make some progress, it was like 1 foot line for 6 feet of horizontal movement.  This became a real issue when I ran out of deep water.... 

-Spot-

   Dang..

Did you have any kind of built in resistance (like the drift anchor) to hold the float from moving while you paddled away?

This is some good stuff right here.  I think I have come to the realization that my first attempt might just be a temporary fix and then refine from there.

I think the that Cobra Anchor mount should work great.  Attach a cutting board I just picked up at Walmart and we should be good to go. 

We talked at length about using the buoy method for retrieval.  We didn't think it would work but the drift sock idea is interesting.  Having said that, I cranked 600 ft of spectra line with decent drag on the line supplying halibut reel onto my manual downrigger at an easily sustained pace in less than 4 minutes.  There is no doubt for me at least, this manual downrigger is the way to go for pots...as long as you have space to mount it and use it safely.

Okay.  I am out of time and I need to commit to a plan of action. I appreciate all of the tips.  As it turns out, I am going to combine four or five of the suggestions made here so I really appreciate the help.

It's going to be a temporary platform as suggested by ZEE to make sure I have it right before I start drilling or making more investments.

It's going to be on a board as suggested by zee and pelagic paddler.

The setup in terms of shape and attachment inspired by Spot's cobra anchor build.

I think the final build will be based on the Cobra anchor build.  Just debating to spend the extra few bucks or a bottle of good scotch to someone to machine me something out of aluminum or another more appropriate material.  If I can figure out a decent retrieval system, I would like to incorporate polepole and pelagic paddlers pull from the end concept.

Need to go install the mount.  But a rough idea is:

Now where the heck am I going to put that outboard???

Well I still have to get the attachments for the boards and some screws to connect the T.  maybe I might block up under the downrigger.  But this is going to be what I head out with this weekend...I hope.  I think this is going to work! For version 1.0, it has at least a chance of success!

Thanks again for all the help. Pic below...

DAMN YOU KARDINAL_84!!!!

I've got enough going on without you making me want to build a crab pot puller and retractable yak stabilizer. @#$%^&*()

-Spot-

$#%*^&*(%^&^()*&_$%$#^#^*

I've got work to do!!!

@#$%^&*()$#%^

Why don't you integrate the downrigger arm into your stabilizer?  Seems to me it would take the stress off your mounts and be less cluttered.

#%$%^&*)()$%^%(&*

Now, just stop!!!!!

 

Why don't you integrate the downrigger arm into your stabilizer?  Seems to me it would take the stress off your mounts and be less cluttered.

Beat me to it spot.  I was just typing up the same question, but you already posted this while I was doing it.

Or mount the downrigger on your stabilizer arm with a rail mount kit.

-Allen

I'd also move the downrigger such that the end barely reaches over the end of the kayak.  Minimize the lever point.

BTW, why do you need a swivel mount on it?  I'm not seeing it.

-Allen

I have enjoyed watching this subject, good job Kardinal.  I support the endeavor and wish I had some type of assistance to offer.  I really hope you get into some shrimp, and submit a few close ups of your quarry. 
Keep it up, and good luck out there!
-Scott