I live about 15 minutes from Calaveras lake and would like to try trolling for redfish this summer. I�ve never owned or used a downrigger. Does anybody have any recommendations on a decent setup that won�t break the bank? I�d like to get 2 if there something good that�s not horribly expensive

I have a Cannon manual downrigger I use occasionally for whites and hybrids. I think mine is their Easi-Troll ST model. Works fine for me.

http://store.cannondownriggers.com/products/610623/Easi-Troll

Figure out where and how you'll mount the downrigger's base on your boat. You might need to get a mount thats different from one supplied with unit.

Also will have to get a weight - don't think the downriggers come with one.

If You are going to Troll just go on and bite the bullet and get Electric. I have 4 Cannons on my boat that we run in the hot summer months. You can find some good deals on Ebay

I�m not sure I can justify the cost of electric for something I�ll likely only use a few time a year. Do you catch a lot more fish downrigging compared to just trolling a deep diving plug or spoon? It looks like it would be easier to keep your lure at the desired depth. I may do a guided trip just to see how they work.

If I'm gonna troll I'll usually use the downrigger more than flat-line trolling. It's all about depth control and downriggers do that best.

Using a quality sonar unit with GPS mapping would be a big help with using a downrigger.also.

Thanks for the advice

Looks at the traxtech mounts from bigpapasportfishing.com
They are extremely strong and very versatile.

Have you used one of those without a backing plate? My boat is foam filled and doesn�t have a good way to get underneath to put in a backing plate or nuts. The website says you don�t need a plate if you get at least a 2 ft track, but I would like to see if anyone has actually tried it before ordering.

Yes mine are mounted on a Boston Whaler, I drilled and tapped the mounting holes in mine and used 5200 to seal them and the track. Whaler has phenolic in certain places in the hull and probably 1/3 of my bolts are in the phenolic. I had 12 inch tracks and swapped them to 36� tracks and had a heck of a time getting the 5200 to break loose.
I love the versatility of the tracks and their rod holders and down rigger swivel mounts are are the best I�ve used. I can shoot you some pics if you like.

That would�ve great. I�d like to see them mounted.

F

They have a starboard insert that I slide in the tracks when I�m not trolling that makes a good step and a clean look.
These were my old 12 inch ones.

I made the plunge for downriggers last year. I scoured ebay and craigslist for months looking for a good deal. Lots of manual and older units from up north out there. I got a small set of manual cannons from ebay but was never happy with them. The best deal I got was online for a set of factory remanufactured cannon Mag 5 St Electric for about 300 each (about 100 off new price). Looked brand new. Swivel mounts are a must and cost like 75 each. Electric sure is nice when you can bump a switch while your fighting a fish and get the line and weight out of the way. I would mount them far enough forward that you can see the weight on sonar and the fish. Adjust the depth accordingly. The tracks are a great idea. Keep in mind there will be several feet of blowback depending on depth and speed.

Looks great. Very clean/ professional looking. Thanks

Boomer brewer has a good point as per mounting location, sometimes I�ll have to swivel mine forward or slide them forward in the tracks to keep my weights on the sonar. Respect the fish has some videos he�s done on down rigging. Very informative guy.