Who uses what downriggers.

[TheChumStain]

We're looking for a good set of downriggers for the new sled. What brand and what model do you use?

[htwoopup]

i use a pair of cannon downriggers that have been serving me well for probably 25 years. funny, when i first got them people laughed at me saying "those are for fresh water." they are great. the cannons have lasted and i have only replaced the wire once and recrimped the terimnal end 4-5 times. cannon has changed the model features over time but i would say the current model that they are closest to is the uni-troll. they are manual which i think is better...more of a pita when lines attached to both go off but electric motors on them is just one more thing to break...after all they are really just a heavy stick with wire on a reel. why make it more complex than it needs to be? one reco that i have is get some z-wings. much lighter, don't roll around and damage the boat, adjustable, less variation on amount of wire out vs. actual depth.

[hrdcor32]

I use the cannon uni-troll. Very easy to use and to repair if you have any problems. Check out the new ones they have out, I believe they have stainless spools to prevent busting the spool when using mono.

[FASTWATER]

Penn electric's are hands down the fastest retrieve riggers on the market, go for the speed!!!PEACE

____________________
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[Vixen]

I use the Penn fathom masters have had them ten years and three boats later still going Good luck with the new ride looking forward to seeing it in capemay

[Deep C]

Stain
You and I joke around a lot but what I'm gonna say is serious... Don't f*** that boat up with down riggers. They work for wahoo and maybe get a few tuna but that cable hum is gonna shorten the billfish bites by a lot. Mounting a set of them would clog an otherwise pretty and usable pit and I believe even hurt resale value down the line.
You guys have the green. A custom planer rod designated for just that purpose with a 80 penn and some kind of braid would be a better choice. even electric would work.Box has a lot of pieces on here about the proper set up for that...

[clt_capt]

I've got one of each - Penn Fathom Master and Cannon Uni-troll.

I've got rod holder mounts for each - No way I was gonna put mounting plates on my gunnels.

I presonally prefer the Penn, but my crew likes the Cannon better - Mainly because to release the cannon, you just turn the crank. I like the Penn because I have better control with the yellow knob.

I definitely prefer the penn when I tear them down - a lot fewer parts and things.

I've had both for 10 years with no major failures on either.

If I were buying new now, I'd probably consider the Smitty's - They are more compact and look simpler - A lot like a Commercial bandit reel.

[CaptRandy]

Chum, If you do get the d/r's think about changing the wire line to braid, thinner and should be quieter.

[TheChumStain]

thanks all, I am very concerned about messing with the teak for sure and the wire hum is another concern. I was thinking Zwings on a planer rod and doubling it as a dredge rod. What are the thoughts on that?

[Deep C]

Stain... Again... Don't dick with the covering boards. You are much better off with a short bent butt stick and an 80 with heavy braid. Box has a few vids and how to things on the subject... I use a #4 to even #6 planer here if my people want to target wahoo but thats the extent of my experience. Building a planer outfit that doubles as a dredge puller shows smart...