Cannon Downrigger

[Meat Hunter Unlogged]

I finally went and broke down and bought a Cannon downrigger, sorry I bought the telescopic version first of all. Second, the clutch system, I can't seem to make the ball go slowly to the bottom. I'm using an 8 pound ball, I'm fishing 26 FOW right now, do you think a 5 lb. ball will help??? It's my first downrigger. I have to stop the spool with my hand.

Is there anything better on the market in a manual downrigger???????


Meat Hunter.

[gofishwalleye]

Wow! I'd say something's wrong with that downrigger. I use the basic easy troll and control the rate of decent with back braking on the handle. Usually fish 75-85' down over 100-120'

[Sportdog]

I can't speak for your individual unit but I have two Cannon EasyTroll II's and when I first used them the ball got away from me until I learned to "feather" the clutch system. Once I got the hang of it, about my second time out, I have no problem with them. It just took a little learning curve to get used to. I like my riggers real well and am glad that I didn't spring for the electrics as my budget is not that large. If money is no object and you want to mess with the electric set ups etc., go for them. I only use mine 4 to 8 times a year and they do fine for me. Good Luck :smokin:

[bentrod]

Yes learn to feather the clutch. You may want to learn this in your yard, pull on the cable with one hand and practice with the handle using the other hand. If it is either full release or stop, with no in between, have someone look at it.

bentrod

[Meat Hunter Unlogged]

Downrigger is going back to the store. The clutch is junk. I had a downrigger guru look at it and he said it's junk too. I can't get it to descend slowly, it's either flying to the bottom or not moving at all. The clutch is just two washers with a small bearing in between them with a small spring.

I will look at the Scottys and test them in the store with the ball ON this time. I hear the Scottys are second to none when it comes to the smoothness and ease of operation.

Meat Hunter.

[FisHn2DMax]

I own both Scott and Cannon downriggers ( electric and Manual). I do believe the scotty has the better clutch design, but for some reason, I like my Cannons better? It think it is due to the weight, size and handling. I find myself using the cannons more than the scottys. I really think you had a bad Cannon unit and it is not reflective of all cannons. Scotty's are smoother, but a but awkward. I also don't like the belt drive on the scotty electrics. I've had the belts come off and it's not a good thing during a retrieve.

[Meat Hunter Unlogged]

That's exactly what I'm hearing also.

Meat Hunter.

[MSUICEMAN]

i've used a lot of brands and currently (though subject to change when the next big thing comes out) my favorite are big jons.

[MSUICEMAN]

i should justify that by saying that i really like the tip up boom feature of the big jons... though the telescoping boom is kinda nice on some cannons too, but in rough seas i like being able to just lift up to get to the ball instead of reaching over or using a retriever.

[MSUICEMAN]

i should justify that by saying that i really like the tip up boom feature of the big jons... though the telescoping boom is kinda nice on some cannons too, but in rough seas i like being able to just lift up to get to the ball instead of reaching over or using a retriever.