Electric Downriggers

[Patruszk]

I just purchased a 1997 Stratos 21' Walkaround to be used on Lake Ontario. On my previous boat I had mounted a Cannon Mini-Mag downrigger. I talked to a Cannon representitive and asked him if I could use a rod holder mount on my new-to-me boat for this downrigger. He said it would not be advisable and suggested that I mount Mag 10's to the Gunnel. Since he had a vested interest in selling me his product I was wondering if using the rod holder as a mount is really a bad idea and just what dammage it would cause. Has anyone tried it.<br /><br />Thank you for your help

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Electric Downriggers

The rod holders in the way they are mounted are likely designed to hold the stress of the rod only and not the heavier loading of a downrigger. There are variables though such as the type of boom you are using weight of the "ball" speed you troll, etc.. The Cannon booms are stiffer and will provide less give in choppy conditions or if you snag the ball on something. Basically any downrigger installation should include through bolting and a backing plate of some sort.