This article give an overview of using the Optimum and Optimum TS electric downriggers.
Jump to:
- Optimum Anatomy
- Serial Number Location
- Attaching the Rod Holder
- Rigging Guide
- Operation
- Blowback
- Networking the Optimum
- Resources
Optimum Anatomy
Serial Number Location
- The serial number on your Cannon Optimum downrigger is located on the bottom of the downrigger frame.
- It can also be found on the About Screen within the Cannon downrigger operating system.
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
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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.
- Hold the toggle switch down until the weight reaches the desired depth and release.
- The motor will stop when switch is released or moved to the off position.
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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).
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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.
- Language - Choose between 1 of 22 languages. The default language is English. Use the Right button to confirm the language and make sure that the radio button to the right of the desired language is selected.
- Battery Alarm - Shows an alarm when the battery drops below a certain voltage. The default is set to "off", but can be adjusted between 9.0V and 13.5V. Use the Right button or the Left button to edit the sliding scale.
- Temperature - Sets the temperature readings to Fahrenheit or Celsius. Use the Right button or the Left button to scroll between the options. The default is set to Fahrenheit.
- DEPTH/DISTANCE - Sets the Distance and Depth reading measurements in units of Feet or Meters. Use the Right button or the Left button to scroll between the options. The default is set to Feet. Speed - Sets the Speed measurements in units of mph (miles per hour), kph (kilometers per hour), or kts (knots). Use the Right button or the Left button to scroll between the options. The default is set to mph.
- Line on Spool - Program the downrigger with the amount of Line on the Spool. The spool comes installed with 400 feet of stainless steel line. The Line on the Spool is set to the default of 400 feet. The range can be adjusted from 150 feet, (the minimum suggested amount) to 400. The Line on Spool can be adjusted on 50-foot increments on a sliding scale that can be adjusted using the Right button or the Left button.
- Line Type - The default Line Type is stainless steel line, but can be set to either Braided, Stainless Steel or Mono. Use the Right button or the Left button to scroll between the options.
- Line Weight - The default Line Weight is 50-150lbs, but can be set to either 50-150lbs, 150-200lbs or 200+lbs. Use the Right button or the Left button to scroll between the options.
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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
Bottom Tracking 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.
Networking the Optimum
Through the One-Boat Network™, the Cannon Optimum downrigger can be wirelessly networked to give you total control of your downrigger from anywhere on your boat. If you want to put bait on target, you’ve got to fish smarter. The new Optimum™ downrigger is positively ingenious. This smart, connected system gives you access to critical trolling data and lets you raise, lower and cycle weights using the full-color LCD display, or your mobile device. No matter where you are on the boat, you’re in charge. And the fish won’t know what hit them.
The network works by designating one Master downrigger that is paired with all additional equipment through a wireless network. This network includes up to 3 additional Optimum downriggers, a mobile device, the Fish Hawk X4D System and a Cannon transducer. Any one of the Optimum downriggers in the network can be designated as the Master downrigger. The Master downrigger is the central communication hub for the network in which all devices are paired to. Complete the “Installing the Optimum” and “Battery & Wiring” sections of these instructions before setting up the Cannon Optimum downrigger wireless network. Carefully read the information below about how the network functions and then continue to the following sections to pair the additional equipment to the network to set it up for proper control.
Click here for Cannon Optimum Manual for Networking Instructions
Click Below for Networking and One-Boat Network Videos
Pairing Optimum to Mobile Phone App
Pairing Optimum to Humminbird Fish Finder
Connecting Fish Hawk to Optimum
