Fishing a Sovran

[Partizeit]

Any success fishing a Sovran?
What works, what doesn’t?

[Partizeit]

Jclark003 left me this reply in my “Hi All” thread in the introduce Youself section. I’m sticking it here for topic for others to read.

nothing really standing in your way in terms of fishing off a sovran. High freeboard and big platform don't make it an ideal setup but it's all relative. Much better than a canoe I suspect. Probably going to need trolling valves and possibly will be hanging bags over the side to get to trolling speeds. But you will be doing it in style.

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Excellent points jclark003! 

My Sovran has trolling valves installed. I only ran on it briefly last season, doing about 3 knots with both engines engaged. I figure if i run on one engine and use autopilot to hold a straight course, i can get down considerably slower.

My Raymarine E120 has a fishfinder with which I will familiarize myself this season.

Individual Rod holders will be attached to various hand rails around the cockpit. 

Ice chest for fish will be secured on the swim platform. 

Expect to reel-in and net fish from the stern, from the swim platform. I’ll have to be on the swim platform and I’ll have a long handle for the net. 

Safety of being “exposed” on the swim platform is another concern. When landing a fish, I’ll be wearing an inflatable PFD with a teather to the transom. 

My fishing buddy mentor will be supplying his gear, tackle, and (most importantly) expertise this season. He has had great success fishing Lake Michigan with his 2003 Sea Ray 380 Sundancer for the past 15 years. 

Pulled in plenty of smallies, northerns, and walleyes in my canoe. I’ve had fun charter fishing on Lake Michigan in the past. Had fun fishing on my buddy’s boat. Finally going for kings on my boat, I expect to be priceless.

[jclark003]

You are spot on to be careful back there on the platform when the boat is in gear unless someone else is either at the helm or in the cockpit. it would be no fun watching that boat motor away on autopilot.

Anyway sounds like you have a plan. One engine should get your speed down as long as the autopilot can hold a course. Diesels aren't really happy idling all day so make sure you run it up on plane for fifteen minutes or so before tying up for the day. You may also want to check your operator manual as some gears can't be free wheeled with engine off.

That's a great boat that I'm sure you will enjoy for quite a while.

[Partizeit]

Thanks for the insights jclark003. Comments noted!. I will make it a point to check the operator manual.

Also, I’m well aware that getting separated from one’s boat can lead to unfortunate consequences. I won’t be fishing solo.

Best!

[Misdirection]

I've seen some walleye and salmon nets with really long extendable handles that you might be able to net fish with to avoid going out on the dive platform. If you do go that route, get some extra large pool noodle to wrap around the handle to avoid scratching your boat. And it also helps them float if it accidentally goes overboard.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

[Partizeit]

Good suggestion Misdirection. I’ll look into it. Landing a fish while staying in the cockpit worked for me. An added benefit of having a 7-8’ landing net handle is that a 10 lb salmon is gonna feel like (thus becoming) 30 lbs! 

I’m also real appreciative of Tiara’s diamond pattern no-slip deck for added safety. I don’t plan on fishing when waves are washing over the swim platform but... it’s a boat and things get wet. I like the idea of sure-footed-ness.