Trolling in Tomcat

[Kahana]

Hi,

I have been looking at the Tomcat discussed here http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?p=181494#181494. With fish macerators and such, these are obviously used for the task, but I'm wondering how well that works for salmon trolling rigging with the dual hull configuration and apparent lack of a kicker? Is one usually gerry rigged on, cut down to one engine, just throttle all the way down? Basically looking for any experienced Tomcat anglers for their setup/ thoughts. Thanks!

Best,
Kahana

[owen 2]

We have a 2007 tomcat with 150 hondas and usually troll with both engines set at idle. We are down in SF and the combination of wind, swell and current usually keep us at an acceptably slow speed. Occasionally, during calm conditions or down current wind swell we shut one down or just put it in neutral

Dan

[Kahana]

Thanks for your quick reply! How does she track when you've cut down to a single engine? I'm in the San Juan's so there is usually a decent tide to fight, so maybe not too bad, but still worry about those full day trolls when you want to sip fuel for the runs. If you wanted to rig a kicker, how would you do it? Or am I worrying about nothing?

[thataway]

The boat tracks very well on a single engine at slow speeds. The two hulls act as keels, and keep the vessel on a straight line. The thrust of the engine will allow turns easily.

The "fish boxes" are another entirely different issue. They are not water tight, and so water will accumulate in them. I have never used them for fish boxes. I had asked that mine be insullated with extra foam (several times)--and the Reynolds just forgot to do it. They claimed that there was "adequate insullation" with the core material around the box..I don't believe that. The boxes will drain fairly well thru the macerators. But a number of the macerators have failed, and although can be replaced; it is not an easy job.

On the other hand, the Tom Cat makes a great fishing boat.

[starcrafttom]

I have fished out of others tom cats in the san juans a number of times and it makes for a great fishing plate form. Lots of room and easy to get around. you can fish four out of it if you like. The rear steering station makes it even better. On Warrens boat we troll with one engine most times and it tracks very well. I like to troll from 1mph for pinks to 3.5 or even 4 for coho and kings ( not black mouth) . its also great for backing into the tide for halibut on the banks.

[Kahana]

Terrific feedback, thanks! Yeah, that rear helm station would be a must, missing on this boat but in a 2006 I was looking out out of Portland... About 2.5K to have retro-installed, I understand. Something to think about, thanks gang.

I'll post pics of a Broken Group run I did with a friend putting in at Port Alberni on a 19" Angler later this weekend if anyone is interested.

Best, K

[drjohn71a]

While perhaps a cable second helm could be arranged for 2.5k, the factory cockpit helm with engine controls demands an electric over hydraulic link system which adds, $9.000.00 to the price.

But, it is definitely worth it, even if only for docking.

John

[Robbi]

K, Would love to see the Broken Group photos!

Robbi

[Kahana]

Still working out how the photo feature functions... but let's give this a shot:

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=Blueberry-T&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[Jazzmanic]

Wow thanks for sharing your photos. They just put a Broken Group cruise back to the top of my list for this summer! Fishing and cruising that beautiful area has always been one of my to-do destinations. That picture of all those fish in the cockpit would be my dream come true.

Did you store your truck and trailer in Port Alberni? How did that work out? (sorry to continue the hijack of this thread)

Peter

[starcrafttom]

Great pictures, we did that area back in 2006 or 7. lots of fun. would like to go there again later in the years. we went in may and could fish out side only one day. lots of exploring to do there.

[Dreamer]

Peter,

Port Alberni Boathouse, the local C-Dory and Ranger Tug dealer, can store your truck and trailer in a fenced enclosure and valet launch you at the ramp behind their shop. Worked out great for us last Summer. We saw lots of Salmon on the cleaning tables by 9:00 AM most days!

[Jazzmanic]

Thanks for the info Roger. Yes, Jeff from Blueberry-T also let me know about the storage arrangements via private email. That trip is definately on our tdl this summer.

Peter

[squidslayer]

Trolling for salmon in a Tomcat is very easy and productive . I did so well catching salmon off Bodega Bay in 2011 that other fisherman were saying that my "Cat" was the reason I caught more than most others. They said that the design leave a small foot print and is more stealth that other boats. In two months we caught over 50 King salmon averaging 20 lbs each with 3 going over 30lbs. Its a very stable platform to fish from and you can switch from 2 engines to 1 if you want to go slower. I put extra bilge pumps in the fish boxes as a backup in case the macerator pump fails. Did well on tuna too... went over 200 miles RT. The Tuna were so big that I could only fit 4 fish in each 4 Ft box. The Tomcat is a great all round comfortable fishing machine!

Here is a pic of 2 of the over 50 we caught on the" ShirleyMae"
DickE
Bodega Bay
Ca.
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/raenderle/25551fe9.jpg