Using Magnum 10 STX, Magnum 10 STX TS, and Magnum 5 ST (2011-Present)

This article give an overview of using the Magnum 10 STX, Magnum 10 STX TS, and Magnum 5 ST electric downriggers. 

Jump to:

• Magnum Anatomy
• Serial Number Location
• Attaching the Rod Holder
• Rigging Guide
• Operation
• Blowback
• Resources

Magnum Anatomy

1. Reel-This is used to spool the cable, available in lengths ranging from 150 to 400 feet. Optimum TS models will have a stainless-steel reel & Optimum models will have a composite reel, which can be upgraded to the stainless-steel reel.
2. Boom-This is used to extend the weight out from the body of the downrigger and has a pulley fixed to its end. Boom lengths range from 24 to 53 inches. ( Telescopic Boom on Magnum 10 STX and Magnum STX TS only)
3. Swivel Head-This relays the cable at the end of the boom to lower the weight.
4. Cable-This connects to the weight. Optimum models are pre-spooled with 400’ of 150 lb Test Stainless Steel Cable
5. Clutch Knob- This loosens and tightens the tension on the spool and holds the side plate in place.
6. Mounting Bases-These attach to the boat, enabling you to place the downrigger where you choose.
7. Rod Holder-This holds your fishing rods while trolling and may also be used for storing rods. 
8. Weight-(not pictured) Not included w/ downrigger. This is used to maintain the depth at which you want to fish. Optimum models have a 20-lb weight capacity

Serial Number Location

Attaching Rod Holder

• Attach the rod holder elbow to the downrigger on the left side using the supplied spring and knob.
• Fasten rod holder to rod holder elbow using supplied spring and knob. The rod holder can be adjusted by loosening either knob until the locking teeth are free from each other. Rotate the rod holder or arm to the desired position and re-tighten knob.
  CAUTION: This rod holder is intended for use of up to 30 lb. test line only and is not recommended for use with any tackle IGFA (International Game Fish Association) rated higher than 30 lb. A safety strap (not included) is recommended for all applications.
  NOTE: The rod holder assembly is not covered under warranty when used with tackle above 30 lbs. Equipment placed in the rod holders and the loss thereof is the responsibility of the user and is in no way warranted by Johnson Outdoors, Inc. Mounting must be in accordance with the above instructions to comply with the product warranty.

Rigging Guide

Operation

• Manual Descent: Fast or Slow By turning the clutch knob gently clockwise (toward the boom), you can let your trolling weight descend as fast or as slowly as you wish.
  • Turning the knob counterclockwise (away from the boom) stops the weight.
  • This gives you control to let it plunge rapidly or sink slowly to a predetermined trolling depth.
  • With multiple downriggers, you could start all your weights creeping down, one at a time, and then stop them each in turn.
• Powered Descent: One speed fits all.

1. Hold the toggle switch down until the weight reaches the desired depth and release.
2. The motor will stop when switch is released or moved to the off position.

• Raising the Weight Push the toggle switch up momentarily and release. The weight will rise until it reaches the surface and then automatically stop.
  
  • If you want to raise the weight farther push the toggle switch up and hold until the weight reaches the desired position, then release.
  • To stop the weight during ascent, push the toggle switch down momentarily (approximately 1 second).

Adjusting the Depth Meter The Cannon Depth Meter provides non-slip accuracy, plus easy resetting.

1. To reset, just slide the meter away from the reel until the gears are disengaged.
2. Spin meter gear to change setting.

• The Short Stop System The Short Stop system is composed of three critical components: the electronic unit, the reel conductive path, and the trolling weight insulator.
  • While the downrigger cable is in the water, there is a small electrical current that flows between the cable and the grounded metal boat components in the water.
  • When the cable clears the water, this current flow will stop.
  • The Short Stop system senses this interruption and turns off the motor.
  • The trolling weight insulator is used to break the cable contact to the water while the weight is still in the water.
  • The reel conductive path allows the circuit path to be made through the structure of the downrigger.

• Positive Ion Control System Your boat has an electrical charge around the hull in water. If a boat is properly grounded and has a proper zinc anode, that charge should be slightly positive when measured from ground to the downrigger cable.
  • Positive Ion Control (PIC) is the use of electricity to control that charge and its fluctuation so that it is always maintained at a specified set voltage.
  • The practice of setting up and maintaining a slight positive charge on fishing gear has been used by commercial fishermen for many years. This practice has enabled some fisherman to increase yield when used along with other good fishing and boating practices.
  • Cannon’s electric downriggers offer fishermen a big advantage in being able to stabilize and control the positive charge around their boat.
  • Because of the composite construction of the frame, Cannon downriggers are insulated from your boat’s hull charge. When the stainless-steel downrigger cable is lowered into the water, the natural ionization between the cable and the boat creates a positive charge of 0.7 to 0.9 volts in saltwater and 0.3 to 0.6 volts in fresh water. This natural voltage is dependent upon salinity and mineral content of the water. Your actual voltage may vary

Positive Ion Control Video

Magnum Operation Video

Blowback
Simply stated, blowback is what happens to the downrigger weight when you pull it through the water behind your boat. As your speed increases, so does the horizontal distance between the weight and your downrigger. The faster you go, the farther the weight is behind you. The farther the weight is behind you, the shallower the weight is.

The following charts provide you with blowback information for three sizes of Cannon downrigger weights pulled at three different speeds with no lures attached and with no current.

Current drag, water salinity and the use of non-Cannon products will affect your actual trolling depth. As an example, the first chart shows that if you are trolling at 4 MPH with an 8-pound weight and you have 100FT. of cable in the water with no current; the down rigger ball is actually at a depth of about 80 FT.

Resources

• Magnum Downriggers Manual
• Magnum Installation Guide