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I though a couple of 60" downriggers mounted as far forward in the cockpit would also provide some stability while at anchor using rocker stoppers. Any thoughts out there?

We have a couple of rod holders mounted off the stern rails for trolling or baiting at anchor but have just about given up fishing off the Mac as it's just too messy and besides we have a dedicated fishing dinghy on tow 99% of the time and it's better to keep the flys and smell out there.

As for trolling in shallow water and sandy bottoms we got caught a few times last year crossing sand bars on dropping tides, will let you know shortly how much damage the pump gets as it's in the shop getting a check up.

I will try it, just as soon as I learn how to Sail

A macgregor 26 anything is a Utility Boat. What does utility mean well just like helicopters in the the Army we have Attack Helicopter AH models, Observation Helicopters OH models, Cargo Helicopters CH models, and the Helicopter that does all those things Utility Helicopters UH models. A Mac 26 is a UH model does it all to include fishing which by the way is what I use it for the most here on the Chesapeake Bay. What are your questions?

I have trolled off Nice Aft several times. Mostly in shallow waters, so I just attach a three ounce weight with the lure of my choice, and I troll.

A few years ago, while motoring on Lake George, my depth finder started to make all sorts of noise, indicating a school of fish were below. When I looked at the screen, it showed a very large school from 60 to 100 feet below. I quickly stopped the boat, and placed a three ounce weight to my boat rod, and also attached an original Rapala floater (FO11) to my line, and dropped it all overboard. I had no idea of how much line to let out, so I just let the reel spin away, and then I stopped it. I then slowly reeled in. A short while later I had a nice lake trout. It feed four of us for dinner, and two for breakfast.

Ray

I like to cover a good band width of the water table while trolling here on the Chesapeake. So for my typical trolling set up I will have furthest out from the boat running at about 5-10ft deep and 300ft or more out will be an umbrella rig. Then a little in from that there will be either a heavy spoon or a stretch 25 running at 20-25ft depending what time of year it is. Then next to the boat running deep will be tandem swimming jig rigs one side 2 10oz jigs the other 2 5oz jigs. The benefits of trolling while sailing is:
1. Not time dependent on your trolling experience by how much gas you use.
2. Silence.
3. Gusts of wind and waves are perfect for putting action on your lures.
4. All other fishermen in the area are just looking at you in total amazement especially if you are single handed.
5. Sailing while trolling means you have the right of way to pass over the best spots.

I caught this 10 lb rainbow trolling with a downrigger while under sail. I hadn't thought out the preferred procedure ahead of time. We were sailing downwind with the genoa in a light breeze, doing around 2 knots, ideal for downrigger trolling. When the fish hit I grabbed the rod, and to slow our speed, I had Sandy uncleat the jib sheet. We then focused on playing and netting the fish while we drifted downlake. In retrospect, I realized that I should have had Sandy furl the jib, instead of leaving it to flap in the breeze.

Chinook wrote:I caught this 10 lb rainbow trolling with a downrigger while under sail.

What lake were you on ?

Fish was caught on Eutsuk Lake in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park in British Columbia. If you look it up on internet, you'll see that this lake has no road or water access. Getting our Mac onto this lake was a big part of the fun. We launched on Ootsa lake, which does have boat ramp access points. About 35 miles uplake there is an inlet which comes within 1/3 mile of Eutsuk Lake. A rail portage is located there. The Mac is the largest boat this portage can handle. A flatbed trailer on rail wheels gets run down alongside a dock, under the boat. Strap her down, and a 6 wheeler ATV pulls her out and up the tracks. Really cool seeing a fully rigged sailboat negotiating her way through the forest. At the crest of the hill they disconnect the tow cable, and gravity does the rest. We rolled down the track and into Eutsuk Lake, with a hand brake keeping things under control. It's a great lake to sail and fish on, with 3 major arms and about 35 miles in length. We measured water temps in the high 30's at the upper end. It's also fun to be the biggest boat on the pond, for a change. I'd recommend this lake to anyone who enjoys a unique experience and the chance to get away from the crowds.

Haven't trolled under sail YET, but we have picked up king fish drifting rigged ballyhoo behind our X. BTW, starting tomorrow, West Marine has those nice stainless steel rod holders (like the ones shown on ROAD soldier's stern rail) on sale. Two for $50, regular price $35 ea. I keep breaking the plastic ones

Chinook wrote:Getting our Mac onto this lake was a big part of the fun. We launched on Ootsa lake, which does have boat ramp access points. About 35 miles uplake there is an inlet which comes within 1/3 mile of Eutsuk Lake. A rail portage is located there. The Mac is the largest boat this portage can handle. A flatbed trailer on rail wheels gets run down alongside a dock, under the boat. Strap her down, and a 6 wheeler ATV pulls her out and up the tracks. Really cool seeing a fully rigged sailboat negotiating her way through the forest. At the crest of the hill they disconnect the tow cable, and gravity does the rest. We rolled down the track and into Eutsuk Lake, with a hand brake keeping things under control.

Chinook,

That sounds so cool! Please tell me you have some pictures of this operation?

Cheers,
Jim

Here are some pictures. The trailer is 10 feet long, with a riser platform on one side, which you stand on while operating the hand brake. The platform keeps feet dry when she slides back into the water.

Now that is definitely something that the "real boats" can't do. Amazing.

Thanks for the pics.

Cheers,
Jim

I baited a grappling hook with a gnome and tossed it over the side, never did catch a troll!

Has anyone got a photo of how they mounted their downrigger on a Mac?