Down rigger advise

[Kurt505]

I want to pick up a couple down riggers and would like some advise on which to buy and which to avoid. I'll be only using them a few times a year so I'm not sure if I need electric or if I can get by with manual. I've used both, like the electric better, but not sure if it's worth the extra $$$.

[EZM]

Both Cannon and Scotty make great down riggers. Both have good availability of parts and accessories locally.

I like Scotty .... more guys out west seem to use this brand.

[Bigdad013]

Been using Scotty's for 30 years now, never a problem. The electrics are nice, especially if your fishing alone, the automatic retrieve is great, gets the cable out of the way so you don't need to worry about tangling your line around it with the fish.

[Kurt505]

Originally Posted by Bigdad013

Been using Scotty's for 30 years now, never a problem. The electrics are nice, especially if your fishing alone, the automatic retrieve is great, gets the cable out of the way so you don't need to worry about tangling your line around it with the fish.

Sometimes fishing would be easier alone than with the wife and kids, but never as fun! My oldest son is probably big enough to crank the down rigger now, but after using an electric it kind of spoils a guy.

I can get a Scotty 1085 manual for about $300 or a Cannon Magnum 5 ST for $400 in just a bit leery of Cannon.

[Drewski Canuck]

Scotty electric, at least the 30 inch arm.

Saves selling the manuals in a few years time.

Cranking a 12 pound ball from 120 feet 15 times in a day gets a bit tiring, especially when you have a double header.

Drewski

[Pixel Shooter]

I am a long time Scotty fan, as said parts easily available, well constructed. I ran 2 manuals for a long time but cranking from 100-150 ft at 2 ft per turn gives you a work out, if fishing is good, thats allot of cranking lol. So then I spoiled myself with a scotty electric, on my side of the boat of course, but what sux is when buddy gets a fish on Im still cranking that dang thing, and when I do he hits a button. I know own 2 electrics, it is living the life LOL!!!!

you can pick up the manuals used in great shape for $150 x 2, $300 investment and being you dont use them a ton, might be your best bet, you will never have a problem reselling if you change your mind down the road, that would be my thoughts

[cube]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

I want to pick up a couple down riggers and would like some advise on which to buy and which to avoid. I'll be only using them a few times a year so I'm not sure if I need electric or if I can get by with manual. I've used both, like the electric better, but not sure if it's worth the extra $$$.

If you can afford it go for the electric. I found the price differance between a good manual rigger and an electric is not all that much. ie good manuals are expensive relatively speaking.

[Mark]

I agree, if you can afford electric, definitely do electric. Pull a cannon ball up from 100'+ feet can be real tiring if you're doing all day long, and you'll definitely save fish on double headers.

[sns2]

Kurt, you can't go wrong with the Scotty. My buddies on the coast use them and they work without a hiccup.

You know the drill

Better to cry once than buy twice!