Do you set the drag on your downrigger?

[SilverBullets]

I just talked with Scotty Support about setting the drag on my 1106 electric downriggers. They said the set point is 43 pounds before the line should pay out. That's a lot more than the 10+ pounds I set it to. I had trouble with one of my riggers paying out three or four feet of line after the auto-stop hit. I'm going to try to adjust it today, but apparently, Scotty does not intend this to be a real useful safety adjustment. What do you guys think?

I use the Scotty DepthKing 1060's which are manuals. What I did was adjust them to where the ball won't free fall, but will payout wire when pulling down on the weight. Sounds like the electrics are a whole different ball game.

 

[Full_Monte]

I don't know what the differences are between the manual and electric riggers.
We need to figure something out here. I read somewhere that some guys use a "weak link" 20 lb test monofilament between the ball and the eye-hook to provide breakaway safety. Right now, I'm just confused about what to do.
I'll adjust it and see if it helps the situation.

 

[Excaliber]

I have Cannon mag 5's on my boat ,and setting the drag is no big deal.As long as I can move the spool by hand ,and it doesn't slip when the weight is on.I figure it's good to go.

I have a new Mag 10 and I was wondering how you adjust the clutch. Are you talking about the star knob on the side that tightens the spool?

I thought that was for manually lowering the ball. Are we talking about the same thing?

 

[fish-on-bend]

I have a new Mag 10 and I was wondering how you adjust the clutch. Are you talking about the star knob on the side that tightens the spool?

I thought that was for manually lowering the ball. Are we talking about the same thing?

Yes we are. As I stated in post #19 the Cannons do not have this issue. The star knob on all Cannons is the clutch adjustment. Its as simple to adjust as the star drag on a level wind reel. This seems to be one of the major drawbacks of the overall Scotty design. Add the pre-set positive ion charge with all Cannon electrics and the increased speed of retrieval and auto-stop feature without in-line beads and the Cannons have now surpassed the Scottys on features and design for their electrics. The old rule of thumb was that Scotty electrics were better than Cannon, but Cannon manuals were better. I believe Cannons are overall superior in the entire line. I have used both. I know plenty of guys will disagree. Its kind of a Ford vs. Chevy debate but I stand by my opinion. I have more than a few friends that have bought new Cannon electrics after fishing with me.

 

[Excaliber]

Thanks,
I just wanted to be sure about how to adjust the clutch.

 

[Steve079]

I have a problem with my Scotty manuals, but a slightly different one. When letting the weight down, as soon as I pull the lever back, it goes down too fast. It either screams down, or barely moves at all. Is there an adjustment for this, or are they worn out? I bought them used.

 

[SilverBullets]

I have a problem with my Scotty manuals, but a slightly different one. When letting the weight down, as soon as I pull the lever back, it goes down too fast. It either screams down, or barely moves at all. Is there an adjustment for this, or are they worn out? I bought them used.

I have the Scotty 1060 Depthking. Here's what the maual says for Brake adjustment:
(1) Lift up (do not twist) to remove counter cover.
(2) Remove the jam nut, which holds down the counter assembly. Lift the counter assembly off the downrigger. (It lifts straight up ans sometimes requires some gentle prying with two screwdrivers under the opposite edges).
(3) Using two 9/16 inch wrenches or two small crescent wrenches, hold the bottom nut with one wrench and loosen the top jam nut with the other wrench. With the brake in the off or the "6 o'clock" position, either tighten or loosen the bottom nut as required to obtain the correct brake setting.

With a weight on, the brake should engage automatically when the handle is released, yet slip if constant strain is applied to the wire.

(4) Tighten down the jam nut and re-assemble the counter assembly.

 

[SuperD]

The star knob on all Cannons is the clutch adjustment. Its as simple to adjust as the star drag on a level wind reel.

With the exception that the Cannon clutch knob is reverse thread. It can catch you off guard if you're not careful.

 

[fish-on-bend]

With the exception that the Cannon clutch knob is reverse thread. It can catch you off guard if you're not careful.

Right you are! The way I remember is turn toward the water to release down, turn toward the boat to tighten.

 

[Sportfishinsteve]

Cannons


So, I saw a post not too long ago regarding ball "snubbers". My question is, when you use rubber snubbers does it affect your positive ion output? It seems like it would. The snubbers are designed to be the "weak link" if hung up and also reduce shock to your downrigger, which is a good idea, but just curious if anyone knows how it affects the ions. I have two Cannon Mag 10 electrics

 

[fish-on-bend]

So, I saw a post not too long ago regarding ball "snubbers". My question is, when you use rubber snubbers does it affect your positive ion output? It seems like it would. The snubbers are designed to be the "weak link" if hung up and also reduce shock to your downrigger, which is a good idea, but just curious if anyone knows how it affects the ions. I have two Cannon Mag 10 electrics

I believe the positive ion output runs the entire length of the cable( I just verified this online) , so it would stop just short of the ball in your case.