This article gives an overview of using a Mini-Troll manual downrigger.
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Mini Troll Anatomy
- Reel- This is used to spool the cable, available in lengths ranging from 150 to 400 feet. Mini-Troll is equipped with 100’ of 150 lb test stainless-steel cable.
- Swivel Head & Depth Meter- This relays the cable at the end of the boom to lower the weight and provides information as to how much cable you have run out, enabling you to choose your trolling depth.
- Frame / Boom-The Mini-Troll has a uni-body. The frame & the boom are one piece. The frame/boom length is 12” from the reel to the end of the boom.
- Mounting Clamp- This will clamp the Mini Troll to the boats Gunwale* or Transom. The widest this will open is 2.5”. * We recommend you mount Mini-Troll off the transom of your boat (if possible), so that the weight is being pulled directly behind the downrigger. Mounting your Mini-Troll the gunwale is not recommended as lateral stress on the frame may cause cracking.
- Clamp Screw-Is used to adjust the opening of the clamp mount.
- Spool Adjustment Knob Allows you to control how fast or slow the weight drops. Also, if loosened completely it allows you to remove the spool cover and change the spool if needed.
- Crank Handle- Used to drop the weight down or raise it up. Mini Troll Retrieval Speed 1:1 Ratio. Meaning every 1 crank of the handle will raise it 1’.
- Weight- Not included w/ downrigger. This is used to maintain the depth at which you want to fish. Sizes of weights range from 4 to 16 lbs. Mini Troll has a 6-lb weight capacity.
Serial Number Location
Mounting to your Boat
- Depending on boat application, the spacer block (supplied) may be required. To attach the spacer block to the main frame, simply slide the dovetail shaped tab of the block into the matching recess in the frame. Make sure that the holes in the block face down.
- Transom Mount-Depending on transom width, a wood block may be required to allow the rigger to clamp properly. Gunwale Mount* On thin-walled aluminum boats, it is recommended that a wood block be used on the inside of the boat. This will distribute the clamping force to a larger area to prevent possible boat damage. Depending on rail overhang, a wood block may also be required on the outside of the boat. Spacer Block Transom Mount.
- Gunwale Mount- *We recommend you mount Mini-Troll off the transom of your boat (if possible), so that the weight is being pulled directly behind the downrigger. Mounting your Mini-Troll the gunwale is not recommended as lateral stress on the frame may cause cracking.
Operation
- The downrigger should be clamped to a solid and secure position on the transom of the boat. (Figure 1)
- Use the Mini-Troll with a 4-lb. weight and line release (Figure 2), and rod holder. All are available in the Mini-Troll Accessory Pack (Part #2250005, sold separately). Attach the weight to the downrigger cable, and the release to the weight. Put the rod in the holder and clip your fishing line between the release pads.
- Put your fishing reel into free spool so that the fishing line will be released as the downrigger weight is lowered.
- With one hand on the downrigger reel handle, loosen the adjustment knob at the top center of the reel and lower the weight by turning the reel handle clockwise. One rotation of the reel equals 1 foot of depth. Do not let go of the reel handle while lowering the weight.
- Once the weight is at the desired depth, tighten the adjustment knob to hold the cable in place.
- Retrieve enough of the fishing line to put a deep bend in the fishing rod.
- Your lure will trail behind the downrigger weight at your set distance. When you have a strike, the force of the fish striking the lure will pull the fishing line out of the release, detaching it from the weight (Figures 3 & 4). This will cause your rod to spring up, indicating that there is a fish on the line.
- While you play the fish on the free line, the downrigger weight should be raised using the cable reel to avoid tangles. To retrieve the weight, loosen the adjustment knob and turn the cable reel handle clockwise. Once retrieved, tighten the adjustment knob to hold the weight out of the water.
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.
