Which downrigger?

[jayb]

I'm thinking of installing a couple downriggers as another option for deep walleyes. They will be used only occasionally so I don't want to invest a lot in them. I don't want the clamp-on type, just a basic manual deck-mount downrigger.

Which make/models would you recommend. I've looked at the Cannon Lake-Troll and am concerned about the depth readout on it - not sure if it would accurately measure depths or not. Any thoughts on this or other brands that may be better.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

[GF 95]

the depth works just fine, but I can usually see the ball on the depth finder and I use that especially when marking fish, Then I put a little above. I used a hand crank one for years for walleye.

[asdf]

I like the big jons. The tilt arm feature is really nice. You can swing the ball in without reaching over the rail. if you need a swivel or quick release base I can tell you they are quite expensive. I think around $60 per base.
Mark

[Granada2]

I went to my local pawn shop and got a set of quick release Walker downriggers and a 5 rod holder base for $250.00. Works realy good.

[sapper3]

I just purchase a set of Walker King Fisher 1 Down Riggers today for $329.00 taxes in and life time warranty also. They can be changed over to electric down the road.

[fisher-1]

Since Cannon has come out with new design this year, there are some real good deals on their last years models,
Mag 5HS are going for around $300, They're Elect, high speed(250' per minutes), Auto stop and Positive Ion control with a Lifetime warrant, Thats a pretty good deal IMO

[rebs]

where did you see them for that price ?

[keek]

The lake troll has been pretty accurate for me to. I see the ball on the DF and it's about at the same depth the counter shows on the rigger.

I love the Cannon quick release mount too.

[drbrand]

If you go to Gander Mountain and enter coupon code gmh0330, they end up costing $305 with shipping. If you order a pair, do it in 2 separate orders so you can use the coupon on both. Coupon ends today so you better make up your mind fast.

http://www.gandermountain.com/


where did you see them for that price ?

[fisher-1]

where did you see them for that price ?
I bought mine here in Toronto and I think prices should be even better down your way. Do a google search on them and you should be able to find them on sale in USA like mentioned above @ Gander Mountain.

[seasick steve]

thats a really good price for the cannon. it is a fixed boom and 24" can be a little short depending on your boat. i just picked up the big jon pro tournament. tilt boom is nice feature and it comes with twin rod holders and a ball cradle and auto stop.

[sapper3]

I just purchase a set of Walker King Fisher 1 Down Riggers today for $329.00 taxes in and life time warranty also. They can be changed over to electric down the road.

[West Newton River Rat]

Cannon Easi-troll have worked fine for me and are a fairly cheap model. If you get into it you can later upgrade at a later date.

[MrD]

Sometimes you can pick up bargains at garage sales. Last summer guy sold 4 Big Jon electric long boom with captain pack for $100/each. Buyer took them before the seller even got them out of attic. I picked up a couple of Penn swivel manual downriggers for $50/each and he threw in a Big Jon manual. Penn came with gimbal mounts also.