Downriggers

[Kings Around]

I'm going to be upgrading my downriggers and am looking for some advise on which brand to go with. Some pro's and con's would be nice. I'm looking at getting either Big Jon's, Cannon's or Vectors. I'm kicking the walkers to the curb!

[HitMan]

Hey Chris,

All 3 downrigger companies you mentioned are excellent choices. I have used all 3 companies and each has their own unique characteristics. I guess it depends on what you are looking for and what model from each company and the price range. I may be able to provide you with my detailed experiences with each company if I know a price range or more details of what you are exactly looking for.

[Kings Around]

I think I've come up with a couple of basic requirements. 1 autostop, 2 speed. As far as price, I'm Cheap . I don't need the bells and whistles of something like a Cannon Mag 20 or Digitroll, but I want more speed than the Mag 10. I've seen Cannon has come out this year with a Mag 5 and Mag 10 HS, which looks good. So I guess I really don't know for sure. Currently I have a couple of older Vectors, but they don't have a auto stop on them, so they might go with the crappy walkers that have to go before they die. Any pro's and cons would be helpful.

thanks

[HitMan]

I have used the Digi-Troll IV the most and that unit is hard to beat and the price tag shows it, as you probably know. I think the Mag 15 is a good unit with good speed and the auto stop at the surface. I don't know the price of the Mag 15 at this time, but the speed is definately there for the price. Personally, I would have to recommend Cannon downriggers over any of the others. But, from the sounds of it, the Big Jon Pro Tournament Downrigger is going to be hard to beat for the price. It has every feature that any tournament or above average fisherman needs. I don't believe Vector has an auto shut off, just a unique clutch system. Again, I liked the auto shut offs on the Big Jons and Cannons better. I also believe Vector has a slower retrieval rate than the previously mentioned riggers as well, but I am not sure. Overall, based on my personal experiences, I would have to recommend Cannon and Big Jon as the two best downrigger companies. Each company also has excellent customer service.

[Billy V]

Cannon has dropped the Mag15 from their lineup for '07. All you'd need to meet your requirements is the new Mag 10HS. 250fpm, auto-stop, swivel bases, telescoping booms...all for under $400. You can bet that when I finally buy my new boat that it'll have the Mag10HS on it!

Cannon tells me that they anticipate having the new linup out on their website within a week or two.

Just my $.02.

[Kings Around]

Yeah, I've seen the Mag 10hs and Mag 5hs in the Cabelas magazine I just got. I'm leaning toward maybe 2 of each of them. The Mag 5's have a 2 foot boom. I'm going to see what Big Jon can do for me, then go from there. Where did you hear the Mag 10 HS was going to be under 400? Cabelas has them for $500.

[Billy V]

Sorry Chris, I mis-spoke. It's the Mag 5 HS that'll be under $400. The Mag 10HS will be at that $500 price point. Bass Pro has the Mag 5HS for $349.

Good luck in your search.

[Kings Around]

I think I've setteled on the Big Jon Pro Tournament. They aren't quite as fast as the new Mag 15's, but I like the Black and Gold ones and I like the rod holders on the big jon's better. Thanks for the advice.

[Times Two]

I know that one of your requirements mentioned was the autostop,

which Fishlander does not have yet. But I'm going on the 3rd season

with those, and have been very happy, for what its worth.....

[Kings Around]

Got my riggers today. Kudo's to Big Jon's order processing department. Ordered them Monday, they arrived on Wednesday.....man are they pretty:D . Is it spring yet! Thanks to all who chimed in with suggestions.