Found pretty good deal on a pair of downriggers. Need some input!

[GregL]

I'm picking up 2 Canon Mag 10 STXs for 1000.
Used twice.

Looking at the cost if they are in good shape it seems like fair price.

These seem to get good reviews, I have zero
experience with downriggers. I am thinking I need to check the motors and line counter works well.. Maybe if the booms are bent?

[penner]

Hey Greg. I think I saw that add Greg. Did they have the risers with them? Had the same ones on my Alaskan that I sold last year. If you need anything you can talk to George at Bay Distributing in North Bay , he is a Cannon service Guy. Send me a P.M.

[GregL]

Pm sent

[LanielKid]

I’ve used those the last 5 years. They’re great downriggers. 1000 is a wonderful price for them.

[Hodgey1]

Greg, thats a great addition to your boat. You’ll need to bone up on releases and weights and such. They make weights that are in the shape of a fish that are chrome plated that I have heard work as a flasher when trolling for trout as well as completely blacked out ones to be more inconspicuous. Lots to learn which is part of the fun!

https://www.fish307.com/shark-cannonball-aluminum-15-lb/?keyword_session_id=vt~adwords%7Ckt~%7Cmt~%7Cta~590283578569&_vsrefdom=wordstream&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmPSSBhCNARIsAH3cYgYkaO7LhXm8IrGgrQhD8NrPnU2xpp2EMWMcAnUaPVW8NoJHlFTplxAaAqSwEALw_wcB

[Ozzy30]

I have 2, i couldn't see the boom being bent they are solid.  The nice thing with the 10stx models is the extension booms, and have the auto stop.  They have made them along time so it does depend on the year on the speed of retrieve also. 

[GregL]

Thanks for the input! I picked them up yesterday.

He said they had the fast retrieval. The plastic isn't faded, owner said he didn't leave them on the boat unless he was using them. The spool feels smooth when I pulled out some line and just wound it by hand. They came with 2 cannon risers.

I didn't even think to ask what year they are, not sure I want to know now.. I'll just get pissed if they are like 10yrs old HAHA! Hopefully, they are good. If not I guess I'll be fixing them.

I don't typically by this kind of equipment used but I took a gamble this time.. fingers crossed!

Now to start collecting the required accessories

[limacharley]

Nice snag Greg.
Don't worry about the year Greg. I have 20 year old Walkers and have used them a lot. Canon and Walkers are the best.
You'll want swivel bases. Way easier to set up your line and break down. I also prefer my low profile weights. Less drag.

[Ozzy30]

nice greg, I was lucky like that also.  Let me know if I can help.  I use mine lots.

[GregL]

Thanks!

Sure! I could use some help, otherwise I'll be googling everything.

- Preferred releases ,clips etc

- what size balls should I be looking at collecting for walleye, lakers and the north channel on Huron.

Great another hobby!!! Just what I needed LOL!

[limacharley]

Greg-to keep in mind...

the heavier the ball, the more drag. Your counter will say a depth but your ball will be 10-20% higher than your counter if you go with a heavy cannonball.
I have the sleeker style.

Cannon releases are very good. Haven't tried the others.

Learn how to put a cheater on to cover more water.

You might want to invest in a Fish Hawk too if you get serious.

[GregL]

limacharley ,

invest in a Fish Hawk too if you get serious.. your gonna get me in trouble! LOL!

I was thinking the slimmer rigger weights would be more efficient and stay more vertical.

[Ozzy30]

The cannon balls really make a difference when fishing Lake Ontario with the current.  If you are going to troll faster speeds definitely make a difference but if just troll 1.6-2mph 10lbs normal balls are fine.  On releases there are so many options out there.  I use the clips when fishing salmon but I use a walker release for lake trout.  The only way to find out what you like is to try it.

[RHYBAK]

You will not be getting away cheap here.
Now your into another set of fishing rods and reels.
You will need another tackle box just for all your downrigging spoons.
You will need a repair kit to fix your downrigger cable repairs.
You will need a spare spool of Downrigger Cable
Fish Hawk....inland lakes no, Lake Ontario/Lake Huron/Georgian Bay/ Lake Erie...Definitely YES

Katching.....The money will be rolling out

[Hodgey1]

What's arnother few grand @RHYBAK ? @Greg told me Boat stands for Bring On Another Thousand  So, So, SOOOOOO True!

Go to FishUSA and buy your trolling pole reel setups, I use these Okuma combo's and so far work well for the $$$ They run around $90 USD each

https://www.fishusa.com/Okuma-Great-Lakes-Trolling-Combos

I don't work for FishUSA    but they are great and always have decent pricing. I am on their email list and get discount offers occasionally. Today take $20 off a $175 or more purchase. Promo code "SAVE".  So Greg, that  takes the Fishawk from $799 USD to $779, hit the buy button!