Downrigger Configuration

[dubob]

I’m very familiar with shuttle hawks I have used them for years to stack. As far as cranking up the down riggers I figure it will give my guest something to do while I’m re-rigging. My one concern with going strait back off the corner is the kicker prop clearance but that shouldn’t be an issue with the extendable booms.

I've been fishing off the back corners of my TJ for 4 seasons now.  I have never had an issue with either the DR cable or a fishing line being tangled or cut by the kicker prop.  I do not have a prop guard on mine and didn't even know about them until this thread - cool.  Don't run shallow, so I'll pass on them for my boat.   

I do swivel my back DRs out to the first notch (port side) or second notch (starboard side) on the swivel base. This does a couple of things for me. This gives a little more room to attach the fishing line to the release and gives me more netting space on the starboard side of the boat, away from the kicker on the port side.  This is also required because of my 2-foot wide back deck and short DR booms on the rear set.

I'm sure your boat design/configuration will be a player in your decision as well.  My rail based mounting plates are factory installed/placed so that's where my DRs had to be attached.  With flat gunnels and no rails, there is more leeway in mounting positions.  Good luck and tight lines always.