posted 05-30-2005 08:22 AM ET (US)        

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Thanks to an idea I read from forum member 170whalermonfan, I am very happy to report that I have finally figured out a way to use my 170's bimini which ensures it will stay out of the way when fishing. Since I troll four lines from my boat, I have missed many fish strikes when using the top since the aft end of the bimini prevents much of the rod movement necesary when fighting a big fish on stand up gear. The idea is so simple its painful to think of...anyway, here goes.

Get two medium size nylon dog collars which are equipped with the quick connect black plastic clips and clip them around the middle portion of your side rails - one on each side. When you put your bimini up, instead of clipping the rear straps down to the attachment points on the gunwales, clip the rear bimini straps to the plastic rings on the dog collars. Adjust the dog collars so you have a semi-tight fit adeqaute to stabilize the rear of the bimini. That's all there is to it. Once you get a strike and need extra space in a hurry on your rear deck area, your fishing partner will quickly relaese the plastic clips on the dog collars and throw the bimini forward. The procedure worked great and we were easily able to boat 7 nice tuna this weekend and not fry from the tropical sun. I had all but given up on using my bimini when fishing till we figured this process out. Needless to say, I'll use it every time I go out now. The credit for this goes to 170whalermonfan and I would assume it will work equally as well on other boats like the 190 NANTUCKET when fishing.

posted 05-31-2005 08:39 AM ET (US)            

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Perry, agreed a T-top is a sweet option and one I will likely have if and when I move up in size. From most accounts though, they present a problem or two on the smaller 170 MONTAUK. Since my boat is less than a year old and I paid the $1,000 for the bimini option, naturally I want to get all the use out of it possible prior to throwing more money at a T-top. Its a trade-off I suppose; I live in the tropical heat where the sun fades the crap out of everything very quickly. Being able to fit my rig under a short carport and not have to spend big bucks on a cover is a plus for my rig...couldn't do that here with a T-top but I do see your point.

Be careful out there trolling alone...I have done it and still do on the rare ocasion here in Guam but we have lost a few very experienced boaters and fishermen to fishing accidents while alone. The most recent happened just last month to a man with 25+ years on the water and numerous trophy Wahoo, Mahi, Tuna, and Marlin to his credit. He landed a big yellowfin or Marlin (not 100% sure which) and in the rush of reeling it in, he somehow got his arm caught up in either the leader or main line. He always wore a sharp knife on his side but it didn't help him on this day as he was found in the water tangled up in line right next to the boat....sad day indeed.

posted 05-31-2005 09:04 PM ET (US)            

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That sounds like a great idea, bigjohn1, the sun seems to wear me out after a few hours and I'm in San Diego, not Guam! I installed the Mills forward shelter and that seems to give me some respite. Good thought about trolling alone- stuff happens even to the most seasoned. I too have not seen a T-top that seemed strong enough to be a viable alternative to the Bimini or a forward shelter. I'll find out this summer how the shelter works while chasing tuna and yellowtail in the mid-day sun.

whale tauk