Propstick Question

[dogbig]

Okay guys, Polecat has agreed to sell me one of this legendary snoodlines. So now i need to outfit my boat with a propstick. I crab from a 23' Sea Hunt CC and wonder what the trotlining experts think about how to best build a propstick. I plan on using a rear gunnel mounted rod holder as the base.

1. How high should the roller be from the surface of the water? Or should it be the same height as the top of the gunnel. My gunnel tops are 30" from the water surface.

2. How far out from the boat should the propstick extend?

3. Is PVC construction the way to go? I've seen a PVC propstick snap under the weight of a line. So would filling with concrete be a good idea?

4. I've seen plastic flaps on the roller, are they necessary?

5. I'd love to see some pictures. and hear any other advice/tips on construction.

I remember a few years ago there were some great threads on this topic. I tried to search them but nothing came up. It seems that since the site was last updated the search function went way downhill. So sorry if this topic seems redundant.

Thanks in advance for all assistance

db

[fishinblues]

I have a Sea Hunt, and run a snood line. I use the stern rod holder with the liner removed. 1.25” PVC fits inside the rod holders. I use a adjustable propstick, a have spare just in case it breaks. I would prefer the prop stick to break instead of ripping the gunnels apart. Make sure you reinforce the rod holder with a backing plate, the sea hunt rod holders are not very stout.

[BowMovements]

here's one I built with a bud earlier this season.

[crabby and son]

here's one I built with a bud earlier this season.


Matt, That is one nice looking POOP stick:hysterical::hysterical::clapping2:dancedance ...........Gary

[BowMovements]

We call it a poop stick cuz by the end of the day it looks like it's been covered in it. I tell my helper " hook up the poop stick shit head". Humor always helps the day off to a good start.

[bsr1]

Here's mine.

[Weber]

Here's mine.

Almost looks like it is just floating there....

[Weber]

Here is the one I have used for years on my old boat.
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm198/WeberSteve/DSCF0252.jpg

I will post some picks of the dipper on the new boat after I take some.

[Weber]

Here is the dipper on the new boat...

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm198/WeberSteve/IMG00053-20100522-1909.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm198/WeberSteve/IMG00054-20100522-1912.jpg

[dogbig]

Thanks for the pics everyone. They gave me some good ideas. I built one today, I'll post some pics soon. Weber, do you dip your net between the boat and the line? Just asking because it does not look like you got much room between the boat and the line. That dipper pretty bad. Are they for comm use only?

[Weber]

It is easily adjustable, but yes we dip between the boat and line. There is more room then it looks in the pic.

The dipper is pretty cool, they can be used by rec or comm.

[dogbig]

Okay, here is the propstick made with about $35 worth of Home Depot supplies. Using the metal deck brackets at the turns was the ticket, it's much stronger than it looks. I'll make final adjustments after the first time I try it out. Thanks for all your input!!

Okay, now the site won't let me upload any photos, I have to provide a link??? How I love the "new and improved" Tidalfish.

[dogbig]

Finally able to upload photos. Thanks for all your help and the pics. I think this will work and I'll make final adjustments after 1st use. It's alot stronger than it looks thanks to the metal plates. Thanks to Polecat for the line.

db

[POLECAT]

Looks like it'll work OK, however, you may experience a couple snood wraps around the uprights. Increase their diameter to 2" if that happens.

[dogbig]

Looks like it'll work OK, however, you may experience a couple snood wraps around the uprights. Increase their diameter to 2" if that happens.

Thanks Jerry. Based on your suggestion, I re-designed the uprights with 2" PVC attached to the base pvc with 90 degree elbows. Thanks for the suggestion, I'd like to avoid any design issues on the water!!!

[BowMovements]

Just saw it and it looks great, if i may make one other suggestion just to help you avoid any hassles on the water. At your 90 turn at the water line where it goes out to the roller butt a piece of 2x4 to the hull of the boat. and wrap it with carpet to avoid scratching the hull. It will help with any bouncing issues. JMHO

[Pat N Mike]

catsmall- No use on a SEA HUNT, it can't catch crabs or fish ! ... that thing looks horrible, pretty wimpy looking. Scratch it and start over, it will break ! Use PVC then fill with crack\gap foam for strength and floatyness ! I'll show you mine, it works like a champ. I made two in case they break and the first has served me well for many years.

I have plans for a great PVC model that works great with the snood lines. Neighbor Dave liked mine so much he copied it. I'm your crabbing mentor, why didn't you ask me first ?

Patrick
Pat N Mike

[TerpHeels]

I'm your crabbing mentor, why didn't you ask me first ?

cuz u're gay and your crack is green?

[dogbig]

cuz u're gay and your crack is green?

:hysterical:


Pat, well you're right, it did break and sat way too low in the water. Combine that with the fact that for the 1st two hours of trying to run the line I could not figure out why in the hell the line came over the propstick from BEHIND the propstick, even though the buoy was clearly in front of the boat. That's when I sent you the text, but you were sleeping and didn't get back to me for two hours. Lucky for me, there was a nice comm working nearby. I told him what was going on and he set me straight. He said my anchor weights too light. So, I replaced one of the anchors (a 10lb weight) with a spare danforth anchor I keep on board. From that point on, the line worked like a charm. We filled a bushel pretty quickly after that. Ohhh, to that really nice comm, THANKS!! I did not get your name but, if it was not for you I may have given the whole trotline thing up!! That's how frustrated I got.

Pat, I'm thinking about going this weekend if your interested. But it's kinda up in the air right now (for reasons your aware).

db