This article gives and overview of using Uni-Troll and Easi-Troll manual downriggers.
Jump to:
- Uni-Troll and Easi-Troll Anatomy
- Serial Number Location
- Attaching The Crank Handle Assembly
- Attaching The Rod Holder
- Operation
- Blowback
- Resources
Uni-Troll and Easi-Troll Anatomy
Serial Number Location
Attaching The Crank Handle Assembly
- Make sure the thrust bearing is placed between both thrust washers. The spring should be oriented with the narrow end is toward the bearing.
- Slide the bearing, washers and spring over the shaft.
- Carefully thread the crank handle onto the shaft and continue turning the handle clockwise until the clutch is fully tightened.
Attaching The Rod Holder
The locking rod holder incorporate a locking tooth design which can be easily adjusted every 15° with the soft grip knob. The unique two piece design allows independent adjustment of the rod holder and the rod holder arm in two axes*. (Figure 6)
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.
*Does not apply to Easi-Troll models.
To install the rod holder (Uni-Troll models):
- Attach the rod holder elbow to the downrigger on the left side using the supplied spring and knob. (Figure 7)
- Fasten rod holder to rod holder elbow using supplied spring and knob. (Figure 8)
- 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.
To install the rod holder (Easi-Troll models):
- Attach the rod holder to the downrigger on the left side using the supplied spring and knob. (Figure 9)The rod holder can be adjusted by loosening the knob until the locking teeth are free from each other. Rotate the rod holder to the desired position and re-tighten knob.
Operation
After mounting the Cannon downrigger to your boat, release some line from your rod and reel so that the lure is anywhere from 5 to 100 feet behind the boat. This is called drop back. Attach the fi shing line fi rmly into the line release (see “Attaching the Line Release” for instructions). Lower the weight to the desired depth as indicated on the depth meter. Place the fi shing rod in the rod holder and reel up the slack so that your rod has a slight bend in it. When a fi sh strikes the lure, the line will separate from the release. Then you will be free to fi ght the fi sh and bring it in on your rod and reel.
- LOWERING THE WEIGHT You can lower the trolling weight at a controlled rate by turning the crank handle gently counter-clockwise (away from the boom). Depending on how far you turn, you can let your trolling weight descend as fast or as slowly as you wish. Turn the crank handle clockwise (toward the boom) until the clutch is tight (the continuous clicking will stop and the handle will not turn forward any further). 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.
- RAISING THE WEIGHT Turn the crank handle clockwise (toward the boom) as rapidly as you desire to retrieve the trolling weight.
- ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH TENSION-To Lower Weight To Raise Weight The clutch is built into the crank mechanism. Turn crank handle clockwise to increase the drag and counterclockwise to reduce it. CAUTION: Remove weight from downrigger before traveling either by water or transporting on trailer.
- ADJUSTING THE DEPTH METER-The Cannon Depth Meter provides non-slip accuracy, plus easy resetting. To reset, just slide the meter away from the reel until the gears are disengaged. Spin meter gear to change setting. NOTE: Actual fishing depth may vary from depth shown on meter due to trolling speed and weight of cannon ball. (See “Blowback”)
Cannon Uni-Troll Manual Downriggers
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.
