BWCA Trolling setup Boundary Waters Group Forum: Solo Tripping
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OMGitsKa
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12/13/2020 09:07AM  
I picked up a Bell Magic last spring and was able to take it out on two BWCA trips this past summer and a few other camping trips. This is my first canoe and first time using a solo canoe so I am quite the novice. I just wondered how everyone sets up their canoe for trolling. I couldn't quite get a spot that seemed to work well or wasn't in the way of my paddling (probably just user error).

 
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WaveRunner
member (23)member
  
12/13/2020 12:03PM  
Another Magic owner here. I hope you enjoy your canoe as much as I do. I do solo trips with a 65 pound dog, and the handling is great. To your question about trolling. I’m not an avid fisherman, but like to drop a line in the water once in a while. The best solution I have found is to use an aluminum rod holder that clamps onto the gunwale. I’ve had it for quite a while, may have gotten it at Piragis. It’s quite small and lightweight, so packed easily. It allows you to position your rod for quick retrieval, while having both hands free for paddling. I tried other solutions and none of them worked.
 
WaveRunner
member (23)member
  
12/13/2020 12:11PM  
Here is a picture of the rod holder I use. I could not find any brand on it. Looks like something someone made in a machine shop.
 
MagicPaddler
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12/14/2020 06:33AM  
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/tite-lok-rod-holder-with-c-clamp

Clamped to the thwart not the gunnel. https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/tite-lok-rod-holder-with-c-clamp
 
MidwestFirecraft
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12/14/2020 06:59AM  
Scotty for me:
 
OMGitsKa
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12/14/2020 09:51AM  
Thanks for the input, looks like a clamp-on rod holder to the thwart is the move.

WaveRunner, the canoe is awesome! I got a steal of a deal from someone on this site. I can sure cruise in that thing. I actually prefer when its loaded up with gear seems that I can really get going.
 
12/14/2020 09:59AM  
I started canoeing the BW in the 1980s and always just put the rod over then under one of my legs. I can troll either side of the canoe without changing the mount position and it's less weight and bulk to carry. Rarely do I find it difficult to paddle as I use a single blade.

But, I think the main reason I will continue this way is the feel. You feel that hit (or snag) immediately and can access the rod very quickly. Feeling the hit is exciting to me. Bottom line is it's simplistic and I find myself going back to basics more instead of loading up on gadgets as I get older.
 
12/14/2020 07:19PM  
Also trip in a Magic - I use the same leg method Tom T describes. Less gear is better, for me at least.
 
MichiganMan
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12/14/2020 09:54PM  
TomT: "I started canoeing the BW in the 1980s and always just put the rod over then under one of my legs. I can troll either side of the canoe without changing the mount position and it's less weight and bulk to carry. Rarely do I find it difficult to paddle as I use a single blade.


But, I think the main reason I will continue this way is the feel. You feel that hit (or snag) immediately and can access the rod very quickly. Feeling the hit is exciting to me. Bottom line is it's simplistic and I find myself going back to basics more instead of loading up on gadgets as I get older."


Tom I couldn't have said this better myself. This is the exact same method I use, and for the same reason. We are kindred spirits in this respect!
 
12/21/2020 11:37AM  

I made this thwart for my Magic
 
fishonfishoff
distinguished member(682)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/22/2020 11:46AM  

My setup for when I solo around home
FISHONFISHOFF
 
12/22/2020 01:48PM  
Lot of trolling here!
I have no special gear and like to keep my rod in my lap or tucked under a leg resting on a gunnel, esy quick access and ability to feel the lure. Paddling problems can be fixed with more paddling experience. Even sit and switch canoes like the Magic can be paddled at a troll by staying on the same side with same side corrections.
just paddling along on one side.
I'm paddling an Advantage a very similar class canoe to the Magic.

butthead
 
12/23/2020 09:21AM  

Another clamp on option
 
gymcoachdon
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12/25/2020 11:22PM  
I have a Magic and I love having a rod holder when trolling. Here are pics of my set up.

I had to file some clearance for the bolts to clear the thwart

Installed

 
gymcoachdon
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12/25/2020 11:32PM  
Link to the rod holder I used:
Tite-Lok rod holder
 
OMGitsKa
distinguished member (374)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/28/2020 10:06AM  
butthead: "Lot of trolling here!
I have no special gear and like to keep my rod in my lap or tucked under a leg resting on a gunnel, esy quick access and ability to feel the lure. Paddling problems can be fixed with more paddling experience. Even sit and switch canoes like the Magic can be paddled at a troll by staying on the same side with same side corrections.
just paddling along on one side.
I'm paddling an Advantage a very similar class canoe to the Magic.

butthead"


Thanks, yeah I just kept getting in my own way. I wasn't opposed to the under leg method but I couldn't quite figure out how to paddle with that setup. Looks like I just need to get out there and try out a few of these suggestions come spring.
 
muddyfeet
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02/15/2021 08:41AM  
I’ve also had success with a thwart-mounted holder. Some tips:
1). When trolling with the rod out over the side, angle the rod forward a bit. This keeps it out of your way for a good paddle stroke on the rod side.
2). If your rod is the right length, you can rotate the holder parallel to the canoe, and tuck the tip of the rod under the front grab-handle of the magic. This is how mine is secured for portage, etc.

 
02/16/2021 10:00AM  
Muddy, can you please tell what brand of holder that is?
I always rent a solo and that style clamp would be perfect.
Thanks!
 
muddyfeet
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02/23/2021 06:26PM  
It’s a Berkley quick-set holder I found at fleet farm.
 
02/23/2021 06:59PM  
muddyfeet: "It’s a Berkley quick-set holder I found at fleet farm. "


Ahhh....Fleet Farm.

Pre-Covid, I would head out early, maybe grab coffee...wander in to Fleet Farm...wander around...wander around some more, put some things in my cart, mosey over to sporting goods...look at trailer equipment, load straps, spin in circles a while and then explore fencing hardware.

Then some nice employee would tell me they are closing.
 
02/25/2021 12:49PM  
muddyfeet: "It’s a Berkley quick-set holder I found at fleet farm. "
Thank you
 
campnfish
distinguished member (487)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/27/2021 05:43PM  
I made a couple, cheap and pretty light. Kitchen sink plastic drain tailpiece, i had the EMT clamps left over from a black iron project, just put a few rubber washers between the two keeps them tight against each other. Just attached to thwart and you can loosen and spin down out of the way on portage. Id like to go more high tech, but not at the cost of too much weight.

 
03/04/2021 09:23AM  
Seeing if I can close out the italics...
 
1JimD
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03/04/2021 09:32AM  
I, like Butthead, rest the rod on top of one thigh, and under the other.
It's easy to switch sides, but paddling technique has to be learned. Nice not to have brackets or other gear, to fuss with, especially solo.

Jim
 
03/10/2021 07:03PM  
TomT: "I started canoeing the BW in the 1980s and always just put the rod over then under one of my legs. I can troll either side of the canoe without changing the mount position and it's less weight and bulk to carry. Rarely do I find it difficult to paddle as I use a single blade.


But, I think the main reason I will continue this way is the feel. You feel that hit (or snag) immediately and can access the rod very quickly. Feeling the hit is exciting to me. Bottom line is it's simplistic and I find myself going back to basics more instead of loading up on gadgets as I get older."


Same here. I can immediately feel if it's a hit or a snag and get hands on quickly. If I'm switching paddling sides, I've got to move around it a bit, but it also forces me to slow down a bit and vary trolling speed, which can be great for enticing a bite.
 
03/13/2021 06:01PM  
sns: "Also trip in a Magic - I use the same leg method Tom T describes. Less gear is better, for me at least."


Same here and easier to paddle still I think. I hate rod holders.
 
04/01/2021 07:28PM  
I tried using a rod holder but found it was a big pain. I’ve found that positioning my rod across my canoe is the best way. I can drop my paddle and grab my rod in one motion that allows me to set the hook faster than in a rod holder.
 
SinglePortage
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07/22/2021 10:21AM  
AmarilloJim: "
I made this thwart for my Magic "


And I bought the Magic from Jim! I pack very light, but for me rod holders are well worth the weight. I use a rod holder by Berkeley. They are small and light and very easy to use.
 
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