Cannon Downriggers are quite maintenance-free, but there are a few things to keep an eye on.
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Downrigger Maintenance Tips
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Boom and Wheel:
Start with the boom. Check the wheel inside, which is a well-designed inverted wheel. If you have an older model, consider replacing it with this newer version available at your Cannon dealer. Look for any scratches or nicks that could affect the cable. -
Telescoping Boom:
Ensure everything on the telescoping boom turns and slides smoothly. -
Body Cleaning:
For the Digi-Troll 10 Tournament Series (TS), which is white and shows dirt easily, you might need something stronger than Dawn dish soap. However, be cautious with the keypad on both the Digi-Troll 10 and Digi-Troll 5—use only light soap and water there. For tougher spots on the body, you can use more aggressive cleaners. -
Material and Warranty:
The body is made of Lexan plastic, which comes with a lifetime warranty from Cannon. The motor also has a lifetime warranty and is sealed, so no maintenance is needed there. -
Swivel Base:
Keep the swivel base clean and free of debris. It’s generally maintenance-free. -
Covers:
Once everything is clean, I highly recommend using Cannon’s covers. They are easy to install with Velcro and stay on securely, even on the highway. They help keep bugs and dirt off when you’re not fishing.
Cable Alignment
Tom Nelson, a professional fishing guide, shares a tip for maintaining Canon downriggers. He explains that cables can pile up on one side during use. To prevent this, he suggests angling the downrigger weight hook to act as a fairlead, ensuring the cable runs smoothly and straight on the spool. This method reduces wear on the wire and keeps the counters accurate. Tom emphasizes that Canon downriggers are designed to run faster, longer, and more accurately, helping fishermen get their gear in the strike zone and keep it there.
Reset a Downrigger Spool
Dave Maryanov, a product manager for Canon downriggers, is out on Lake Michigan with Captain Arnie Arredondo in rough weather. Despite the challenging conditions, they are testing the durability of their equipment. Dave explains a common issue with downriggers: the cable can jump off the spool and get wrapped around the hub, usually rendering the downrigger unusable for the day. However, Canon downriggers are designed to handle this problem easily. Arnie demonstrates how to fix it using just a Phillips head screwdriver, making it possible to resolve the issue right on the water. This feature ensures that even in tough conditions, their equipment remains functional.
