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Using Digi-Troll 10 and DigiT-Troll 10 TS (Obsolete)

Updated

This article will give an overview of using the Digi-Troll 10 and Digi-Troll 10 TS downriggers. 

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Digi-Troll Anatomy

digi-troll anatomy

Serial Number Location

digi-troll serial number

Attaching Rod Holder

  1. Attach the rod holder elbow to the downrigger on either side using the supplied spring and knob. (Figure 15)
  2. Fasten rod holder to rod holder elbow using supplied spring and knob. (Figure 16)
  3. Repeat the above steps for the other side if (2) rod holders are to be mounted. 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

Cannon Rigging Guide

Operation

DIGI-TROLL 10 DISPLAYDigi 10 Display.png

When the power cord is plugged in, press the power button on the keypad to turn on the downrigger. In normal usage, the display will indicate the depth of the weight in feet.

NOTE: A negative depth indicates distance above the water surface. During programming of special features, the display is used to indicate various settings. The icons for the Digi-Troll 10 display are illustrated below. Icons will illuminate as they become applicable to function settings.

The Digi-Troll 10’s keypad has eight keys located below the display:

Digi keypad.png

  • POWER The ON/OFF-key functions: Turn the Digi-Troll ON - Simply press and release. Turn the Digi-Troll OFF - Press and hold power button for three seconds. MENU The MENU moves the display through up to eight screens for programming (see section on programming for details). After 7 seconds of inactivity on the key pad, the screen reverts back to the weight line out display.
  • UP-During manual operation, this key raises the weight when pressed. In programming mode, the UP key increases numeric values.
  • DOWN-During manual operation, this key lowers the weight when pressed. In programming mode, the DOWN key decreases numeric values.
  • WATER ZERO-The WATER ZERO key provides a reset option for depth. When pressed and held, the line out count will reset to zero.
  • RUN-This key is typically used to execute a function after selected using the menu system.
  • SELECT-Use the SELECT key to set or display the pre-programmed weight depths when in the Depth screen. To move the weight to any of the depths indicated, press the RUN key. Another function of the Select is to step through sub-menus when you are setting certain programmable parameters.
  • AUTO UP-Press AUTO UP to raise the weight to the water zero set point at any time. AUTO UP uses the speed 5 regardless of your setting and cancels any other mode of operation (bottom following, cycling, etc.) when used.

Digi keypad backlight.png

  • BACKLIGHT FEATURE Both the keypad and LCD use electroluminescence technology for backlighting the LCD icons and the keypad buttons. This feature makes it easier to fi sh in low light conditions with your Digi-Troll 10. The backlighting will automatically illuminate upon power up of the downrigger. It will time-out after 3 hours of continuous use. To restart another 3 hour lighting cycle, press the power button briefl y without turning off the downrigger.
  • UP SPEED MENU This menu lets you adjust the speed of the weight in the UP direction from 1 to 5 (1 slowest, 5 fastest) at all times except during the AUTO UP operation. AUTO UP is always at speed 5. Press the MENU key three times from the depth screen or once from the cycle menu. Use UP or DOWN key to select one of the five speeds.
  • DOWN SPEED MENU This menu lets you adjust the speed of the weight in the DOWN direction at all times. Press the Select menu to toggle between up and down speed selection. Use UP or DOWN key to select one of fi ve speeds.
  • POSITIVE ION CONTROL MENU Press Up or Down Button to change the value This menu lets you control the PIC level from 0.2 vdc to 1.2 vdc. Press the Menu four times from the depth screen or once from the up/down screen.
  • LINE ON REEL MENU Press Up or Down Button to change the value Starts function Press Run Button to activate mode Press Run button to Exit Menu and returns to main screen Returns to main screen This menu lets you set the amount of line on the reel. Increments are in 50 ft. This setting is important in determining true line out. Press the Menu fi ve times from the depth screen or once from the PIC screen.
  • UNITS MENU This menu lets you switch between English and Metric units. Press the Menu six times from the depth screen or once from the Line On Reel Screen.
  • CABLE COATING MENU Press Up or Down Button to change the value Press Run button to Exit Menu Returns to main screen This menu lets you switch between Cannon coated and uncoated cable. This setting is important as well in determining accurate line out. Press the Menu seven times from the depth screen or once form the Units screen.
  • SONAR OFFSET MENU Setting Button to change the value Press Run button to Exit Menu Returns to main screen This menu lets you set an offset for your sonar value. In comparison with your Humminbird or other transducer, if your Digi-Troll transducer is mounted a foot or two of difference in height you can account for that difference. Press the Menu eight times from the depth screen or once from the Un/Coated screen.
  • BOTTOM DEPTH DISPLAY Press Up or Down Button to change the value Returns to main Press Run button to Exit Menu screen (Optional Transducer Required) This feature allows your downrigger to be used as a depth fi nder by continuously displaying the bottom depth. The unit needs to be hooked up to the optional Digi-Troll transducer. The transducer will need to be installed prior to power up of the downrigger. USING PROGRAMMABLE DEPTHS The Digi-troll 10 allows you to program and store up to fi ve depths for quick movement of the weight without having to manually hold the DOWN key until the desired depth is reached. When in the (default) depth screen, simply press the Select key until the required depth memory is displayed. For example, pressing the Select key three times will result in a display similar to that shown on the opposite page. Use UP or DOWN keys to change the depth if desired and press the RUN key to move the weight to that depth.
  • MANUAL DESCENT 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. NOTE: In order to track line out, the Digi-Troll must be turned on.

WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH THE CABLE REEL WHILE THE DOWNRIGGER IS IN USE! Holding or touching the spool while it is moving may result in moderate to severe injuries.

  • 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 minute electrical current that fl ows between the cable and the grounded metal boat components in the water. When the cable clears the water, this current fl ow 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.

NOTE: It may be necessary to use two trolling weight insulators.

NOTE: Short stop and Positive Ion Control features do not function when spooled with monofi lament or super lines or if the boat is not properly grounded. Stopping the weight at water level eliminates the cable strain caused by bouncing weights or weights hitting the boom end. Stopping at water level will also keep the weight from hitting the boat hull.

  • THE POSITIVE ION CONTROL SYSTEM Cable Terminator Weight Insulator 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 fl uctuation so that it is always maintained at a specifi ed 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 fi shermen 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. For more details on Positive Ion Control Click here for manual. 

Using an Optional DIGI-TROLL Transducer

  • By installing an optional Digi-Troll transducer accessory (1491072), the Digi-Troll 10 is able to display water depth and independently bottom track. For more on using a Digi-Troll Transducer and transducer installation click here for the manual.

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.

blowback.png

Video Resources

Video - Catching More King Mackerel With a Downrigger

Mark Henderson from the Liquid Fire fishing team discusses the benefits of using Canon downriggers for king mackerel fishing. He emphasizes that downriggers allow anglers to cover the entire water column, from the surface to the bottom, which is crucial since king mackerel feed at various depths. Mark highlights the importance of placing bait in the strike zone and praises Canon’s innovative features, such as stainless steel booms and adjustable settings. He also mentions the durability and reliability of Canon products, which have been essential for his team’s success in competitive fishing.

Video - How to Use a Cannon Downrigger in a Small Bay Boat

A downrigger is a valuable tool for small boats, especially in saltwater fishing, as it allows you to present baits at different depths and increase your chances of catching fish. Using a hand-operated Canon Uni-Troll, you can easily adjust the depth of your bait. This setup is versatile for various fishing methods, such as trolling for sailfish or dolphin, and drifting live bait. By splitting the water column and presenting more baits at different levels, you improve your chances of success. The Canon Uni-Troll is praised for its effectiveness and ease of use.

Video - How to Use a Downrigger

When fishing in deep water, controlling the depth of your bait is crucial. Without a downrigger, your bait can drift away from the fish. A downrigger allows precise control, keeping your bait at the desired depth while you troll. Here’s how it works:

  1. Connect your fishing line to the downrigger.
  2. Attach a weight to the downrigger cable with a line terminator.
  3. Let out the desired amount of line to position your bait behind the weight.
  4. Attach your fishing line with a line release.
  5. Lower the weight using the downrigger while letting out line until you reach the right depth.
  6. Use a fish finder to identify where fish are and adjust the downrigger accordingly.
  7. Reel in slack to put tension on the rod.

The downrigger keeps your bait at the set depth, allowing it to move naturally. Some models can cycle the weight up and down or maintain a set distance from the bottom. When a fish takes the bait, the line release lets go, and your rod springs up, leaving you to reel in the fish. This method improves bait presentation and increases your chances of catching fish.

Key Moments in Video:

Video - Trolling Shallow Crankbaits with Downriggers - Why Do It?

Downriggers aren’t just for deep water fishing. Today, we’ve been using manual downriggers in shallow waters of 20 feet or less. By setting the weight at around 18 feet, we can keep a crankbait that dives only two feet deep right on the bottom. This setup allows easy adjustments to avoid weeds and stay in the bottom fish zone. If you want to catch more fish, consider adding downriggers to your small boat for better bait control and presentation.

Key Moments in Video:

Video - Using A Downrigger for Walleye Fishing

Don’t overlook a downrigger for walleye fishing. At certain times of year, walleye retreat to deep, dark water. That’s the perfect job for one of Cannon’s simple, efficient, lightweight manual downriggers. In this video, Jon Thelen shows you how to put a downrigger to work to catch more walleye.

Video - Using a Downrigger with LakeMaster

Bill Carson, the Field Marketing Manager for Hummingbird, demonstrates the capabilities of LakeMaster charts combined with Canon electric downriggers, LED core lines, and planer boards from Church Tackle. They are trolling along a river channel, using down imaging and 2D sonar to locate fish. They successfully catch a fish at 26 feet using these tools, showcasing the effectiveness of their setup.

Video - Using Cannon Downriggers to Present Bait Where Fish Can See It

Bill Carson, Field Marketing Manager for Johnson Outdoors, demonstrates the use of Humminbird, Minn Kota, and Cannon products to achieve controlled depth fishing. By using downriggers, they can target fish located at the bottom of the thermocline, typically between 25 to 50 feet. The setup includes 2D sonar, down imaging, and charts to maintain the correct depth. The goal is to position the bait just above the fish, as they tend to look upwards for food. Currently, they have their downriggers set at 26 feet, waiting for a bite.

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