Cannon Downriggers: Precision and Reliability for Your Fishing Needs
Fishing can be an incredibly rewarding and relaxing hobby, but it can also be frustrating when you’re not catching anything. One of the biggest challenges when fishing is getting your bait or lure at the right depth to attract fish. This is where downriggers come in handy, and Cannon is one of the most popular and trusted brands in the industry.
Cannon Downriggers are devices that allow you to fish at a specific depth by using a weight to lower your bait or lure to the desired level. The weight is attached to a cable that is then released at a controlled rate to keep the bait or lure at the correct depth.
Downriggers can be especially helpful when fishing for species like salmon, trout, and walleye that typically swim at deeper depths. Cannon has been making downriggers for over 40 years, and their products are known for their quality, reliability, and ease of use. With a Cannon Downrigger, you can increase your chances of catching fish and make your fishing experience more enjoyable.
Essential Tools for Cannon Downrigger Fishing: Discover Our Top 14 Picks!
Are you tired of coming home empty-handed after a day of fishing? Do you dream of reeling in that trophy catch, but just can’t seem to get it right? Look no further than Cannon Downriggers – the ultimate tool for serious anglers.
Cannon Downriggers are a game changer in the world of fishing. These innovative devices allow you to easily control the depth and position of your bait, increasing your chances of hooking that big one. With a wide range of models and mounting options, there’s a Cannon Downrigger to fit every boat and fishing style. But with so many options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect Cannon Downrigger for your needs. From manual to electric models, mounting options, and accessories, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to take your fishing game to the next level with Cannon Downriggers.
💎Cannon Downriggers – Best Manual & Electric Downriggers
In this article, I have collected the best downriggers from Cannon for you. Whether you came here to review electric or manual downriggers, I’ll show you the best models in both categories. Because, as practice shows, anglers look for good electric downriggers no less than manual ones. We’ll also cover a few holders and accessories for your downrigger, so this review will appeal to just about any downrigger trolling angler.
Why Should I Choose Cannon?
Firstly, Cannon is one of the largest and oldest downrigger companies that specialize only in them. Therefore, it is very important for them that their equipment is of high quality and that users are satisfied with their product.
Secondly, Canon downriggers have very high ratings from users on various marketplaces like Amazon. Each product is rated at least 4 stars, which indicates the high quality of their products.
And thirdly, the Cannon has very extensive information and technical base in their materials. On their blogs, you can find almost any information regarding the use of downriggers. From the inside of the downrigger to the right weight for your device. So the guys know what they are talking about and what they are producing.
Take Your Fishing to the Next Level with Cannon Downriggers
💎Some tips for novice anglers using Cannon Downriggers:
- Start with the basics: Before using a downrigger, learn the basics of fishing, such as identifying the right location, understanding the water temperature, and knowing the species you’re targeting.
- Practice your technique: Practice your technique on dry land before heading out on the water. This will help you get familiar with how the downrigger works and give you a chance to fine-tune your technique.
- Use the right weight: Use the right weight for the depth and the size of the fish you’re targeting. This will help you get your bait at the right depth and increase your chances of catching fish.
- Choose the right speed: The speed at which you troll will depend on the species of fish you’re targeting. Check with local experts or guides to get an idea of the ideal speed for the fish you’re targeting.
- Keep an eye on the line: Always keep an eye on the line when using a downrigger. This will help you detect any bites or changes in the lure’s action.
- Maintain your equipment: Regularly maintain your downrigger and other equipment to ensure they’re in good working order. This will help you avoid any malfunctions or breakdowns while you’re out on the water.
- Have patience: Fishing takes patience and persistence, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch anything right away. Keep trying and enjoy the experience.
Top 6 Best Manual Downriggers Review
I will start with an overview of Cannon’s manual downriggers. Since this is the most popular and affordable type of downrigger. Below I have compiled for you 6 great manual downrigger options that will work great on your boat.
1# Cannon Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger – Best Value for Money
It’s a great choice if you want to get a powerful downrigger without breaking a bank. This downrigger is incredibly easy to use. All you need to do is loosen the drag on your reel and attach that to the weight you use. I used the 10-pound weight, by the way, also by Cannon, and this downrigger works great with it.
Easi-troll has a very accurate and convenient line counter. But it sometimes crawls out of the slot a bit and doesn’t fit well with the gears, but that’s easy to fix if you push it back into the slot. Fortunately, this doesn’t happen too often or in the middle of the process, so it’s not a big disadvantage.
It was much more comfortable for me to work with this downrigger on large weights. Because weight of 10 pounds or more has no error in the 2 mph dive depth. This is exactly the speed with which I usually work. With this weight, my bait dropped very precisely to the depth I needed. But when using 6 and 8-pound weights, the depth was a couple of feet less.
The only thing that upset me here is that this downrigger does not come standard with a bolt and nut that would allow you to hang a load close to the device while driving. But I contacted support and they provided them for me.
2# Cannon Lake Troll Black Manual Downrigger – Best for Lake Trolling
This is a great downrigger if you like lake trolling. I have heard a lot of users complaining about the boom depth meter not working. But I had no problem with that. Perhaps I was just lucky. In any case, the company will provide you with a new meter for free if there are any problems with yours, so you can not worry.
The only thing I found uncomfortable was that the rod holder requires a wrench to adjust. This is a great downrigger for lakes, but if you trolling a lot in the ocean, you might want to check out other models with an adjustable rod holder and faster speed.
3# Cannon Mini-Troll Manual Downrigger – Best Budget Pick
If you are looking for a second downrigger for the other side of the boat, or you just want to hunt small fish, this is a great choice. The Cannon Mini Troll is a very inexpensive, compact, and fast downrigger. It is about three times the size of most downriggers. I use it on 4-6 lb weights for lake trout and bass, and this rigger does a great job. The only thing I can draw your attention to is the knobs and the mount. The knobs sometimes can loosen and release the line at the most inopportune moment, as the bolts at the mount.
4# Cannon Easi-Troll ST Manual Downrigger
Very easy to use, powerful, and inexpensive downrigger. The downrigger has a fairly short and comfortable boom, unlike the 40+ inch boom models.
5# Cannon Uni-Troll 10 Manual Black Downrigger
It is one of the most powerful downriggers of any manual model. It turns incredibly fast despite the mechanical handle. The kit contains everything you need to attach to your boat.
6# Cannon Mini-Troll Downrigger (No Accessory)
It is a very compact and cheap downrigger. Perfect for those who don’t use the downrigger very often.
Top 4 Best Electric Downriggers
Now let’s talk about quality electronic downriggers. Yes, they are more expensive than manual downriggers, but they completely free you from the need to monitor the downrigger and raise and lower weights. So you can easily focus on fighting the fish and your rod. And many anglers love it and appreciate the electronic downriggers for it.
7# Cannon Magnum Electric Downrigger 10 TS – Best Electric Pick
I have two of these Cannon 10 TS downriggers and they both work great. But there are two drawbacks that I noticed while using them. The first is that if you use 2 rods on 1 line, then at 20 feet or more they will 100% get tangled no matter how you try to fix it. The second disadvantage is the quality of the pulleys at the end. If you don’t notice, and you drop the line and hit the bottom, the line will jump and take off the pulley.
It takes some getting used to and being careful when using the Cannon pulleys, but I decided not to waste time on it and just replaced the pulleys. Overall, downriggers are great, and the only thing you need to get used to is the pulley twitching and being careful with the line stacking.
8# Cannon Magnum 10 Electric Downrigger – Great Budget Electric Pick
The Cannon 10 Magnum corresponds to the Cannon 10 TS in almost all characteristics. It also has Auto Up, Positive Ion Control, and most importantly a 360-degree rotating base for which many anglers love this series of downriggers. The only difference is in the material. This Downrigger is made of composite material, not stainless steel like the Magnum 10 TS. Therefore, it costs almost half the price. So, if you don’t want to break the bank but have a high-quality and powerful electric downrigger, then this is your choice.
9# Cannon Magnum 10 STX TS Series
There is the same Cannon Magnum 10 TS, but with a slightly modified design. The specs for this model are the same as the Cannon Magnum 10 TS that the company is selling now.
10# Cannon Optimum 10 TS Electric Downrigger
This is one of the very best downriggers from Cannon, but also one of the most expensive. If you want to invest in your trolling fishing, then this model will pay off completely. Optimum is made of very high-quality stainless steel construction and can be wirelessly connected with 3 more downriggers. Through the mobile app, you can adjust the depth, speed, and temperature of your dive based on your weight. One of the smartest downriggers to provide you with depth data and help you catch the fish you want.
Cannon Rod Holders – Top 4 Best Accessories for Your Downrigger
💎Mounting Your Cannon Downriggers Has Never Been Easier: Check Out Our Latest Accessories!
A Cannon Downrigger Holder is a device designed to securely hold and stabilize a downrigger on a boat while fishing. Downriggers are essential tools for trolling fishermen, as they allow for precise depth control and lure placement. A downrigger holder provides a stable base to mount the downrigger, which allows for better control and reduces the chances of the downrigger moving around while in use.
Cannon is a leading manufacturer of downriggers and offers a range of holders designed to fit different boat configurations and downrigger models. Cannon Downrigger Holders are made with high-quality materials, such as aluminum and stainless steel, which provide durability and resistance to corrosion. They also come with adjustable knobs and quick-release buttons for easy installation and removal of the downriggers. Cannon’s downrigger holders are designed to fit various mounting systems, including flush mounts, rail mounts, and side mounts.
Often the basic set of a downrigger is not always enough and many anglers are looking for accessories, mounts, rod holders in addition to their downrigger. I decided to save you from these worries and have collected 4 of the most important accessories that you may need when rigging a downrigger.
11# Cannon Downrigger Clap Mount – Best Side Mount
Are you tired of the hassle of mounting your downrigger on your boat every time you go fishing? Look no further than the Cannon Downrigger Clamp Mount. With its easy installation and secure clamping system, you can quickly attach and remove your downrigger from your boat without any damage or hassle.
In this guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to install and use the Cannon Downrigger Clamp Mount. We’ll also cover the benefits of using a clamp mount, tips for using your downrigger, and answer some frequently asked questions about Cannon Downriggers.
Easi-troll or lake-troll models are very convenient to install with this mount. Therefore, I recommend that you take them together. It comes with all the nuts and bolts you need, so you don’t have to worry about finding the right ones to attach. The only thing I don’t like about this model is the short length of the bolts. It would be much more convenient to attach them if they were a little longer. But they still hold the base very firmly despite their length.
12# Cannon Fixed Base Aluminum Pedestal – Best Surface Mount
If you find it inconvenient to use the side mounts, or your boat does not allow you to do it, you can buy this vertical mount for the downrigger. It is available in 4″ and 6″ heights, so you can choose the size that suits you best. All necessary nuts and bolts are still included. Besides, this model is compatible with the Cannon rail system.
13# Cannon Three-Position Rod Holder – Best Rod Holder
Very good rod holders. Possibly the best from Cannon and at an attractive price. They have a very high-quality base that you can place on the floor or side of your kayak. Besides, it also rotates 360 degrees. Also, the holder is easily adjusted using a spring-loaded handle and can be set in 1 of 3 positions.
14# Cannon Single Axis Adjustable Rod Holder
Another good holder for your rod, but this one only mounts to the floor of the boat. But it is compatible with the cannon rail system, which is very convenient. They rotate 90 degrees, but as in the previous case, at first, they are a little tight to rotate. But over time, the holders become very comfortable and easy to turn.
Experience the Thrill of Deep Water Fishing with Cannon Downriggers
Cannon downriggers are used to fish at specific depths by using a weight to lower the bait or lure to the desired depth. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a Cannon downrigger:
- Attach the downrigger to your boat’s gunwale or mounting base using the provided hardware.
- Load the weight onto the cable and attach it to the downrigger.
- Attach the release clip to the downrigger cable and attach your fishing line to the release clip.
- Use the depth counter to determine the depth at which you want to fish.
- Lower the weight and bait or lure to the desired depth using the crank handle.
- Adjust the fishing line tension by adjusting the drag on your fishing reel.
- When a fish bites, the fishing line will be released from the release clip, allowing you to reel in the fish.
It’s important to note that Cannon downriggers have various settings that can be adjusted, such as the weight size and speed, as well as the cable length. Be sure to consult the user manual for your specific model to ensure proper use and safety precautions.
FAQ About Cannon Downriggers
In this section, I’ve collected the most frequently asked questions about Cannon’s downriggers. Here you will most likely find everything that interests you.
Get Hooked with Cannon Downriggers: The Ultimate Fishing Companion
Remember that many downriggers are available in several variations and sizes, especially the Cannon downriggers. This will help you get a quality downrigger and stay within your budget. Also, keep in mind that many models you will need to attach to your boat and purchase accessories for this.
My list will help you decide when to choose a downrigger, whether you prefer manual or electric models. Also in it, you can select the accessories that you need for installation. Hope my review was helpful to you. Have a nice trolling!
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I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
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Using Cannon downriggers is a fantastic way to fish at specific depths, making it easier to target specific species of fish. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use them:
First, I attach the downrigger to my boat’s gunwale or mounting base with the provided hardware. Next, I load the weight onto the cable and attach it to the downrigger. After that, I attach the release clip to the downrigger cable and my fishing line to the release clip.
Using the depth counter, I determine the depth at which I want to fish, and then lower the weight and bait or lure to the desired depth with the crank handle. I adjust the fishing line tension by adjusting the drag on my fishing reel.
When a fish bites, the fishing line is released from the release clip, allowing me to reel in the fish. It’s important to note that Cannon downriggers have various settings that can be adjusted, such as the weight size and speed, as well as the cable length. Always consult the user manual for your specific model to ensure proper use and safety precautions.
As a fellow fishing enthusiast, I recently experienced a concerning issue with my new Cannon downriggers. While they initially worked well, I quickly discovered an inherent problem with the design. The nut that keeps the rod holder in place failed, causing my expensive rod and reel to fall into the ocean. Luckily, I had been using Scotty clips and was able to retrieve them with the downrigger.
After reaching out to someone in Canada, I was advised to send in the unit for warranty repair. Unfortunately, this wasn’t an option for me as I only had five days left on my saltwater fishing trip. To make matters worse, I was informed that in order for the warranty to be valid, they would have to change out the part due to the water-sealing process.
I decided to bypass the warranty and ordered the necessary parts myself three weeks ago. However, I’m still waiting for them to arrive. Interestingly, even with the added freight cost, the parts were only a fraction of what it would have cost to get the unit fixed under warranty. Thankfully, I was able to switch over to the other side for the remainder of my trip.
In comparison, my other downriggers, which are around 12 years old, have never had any issues like this. While I’ve had to perform regular maintenance on them, including replacing one board out of the four, they’ve been reliable and sturdy. It’s disheartening to see that the mentality of “cheaper and quicker equals junk” often rings true.
To be fair, I’ve also used Scotty downriggers and still prefer Cannon. However, I hope that they address this issue, as it’s only my second year using this particular unit and it’s only been used for approximately 40 days before the failure. Ultimately, it’s a reminder to do thorough research before making a purchase and to be mindful of potential design flaws when using new gear.