Operating Your Downrigger
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 fishing line firmly into the line release. Lower the weight to the desired depth as indicated on the depth meter. Place the fishing rod in the rod holder and reel up the slack so that your rod has a slight bend in it. When a fish strikes the lure, the line will separate from the release. Then you will be free to fight the fish 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 it you hear a click to stop 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.
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
The clutch is built into the crank mechanism. Turn crank handle clockwise to increase the drag and counterclockwise to reduce it.
NOTE: In case your reel continues to slip no matter how hard you tighten the crank see the Troubleshooting section of this booklet.
CAUTION: Remove weight from downrigger before traveling either by water or transporting on trailer.
To Lower
Weight
To Raise
Weight
OPERATING YOUR DOWNRIGGER
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