Cannon Mag 20 Dt-Ts, Mag 20 Dt-Hs User Manual

CAUTION:
READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR NEW CANNON
DOWNRIGGER.
RETAIN FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

®

MAG 20DT/ts

MAG 20DT/HS

NOTE: Do not return your CANNON® Downrigger to
your retailer. Your retailer is not authorized to repair or
replace this unit. You may obtain service by:

• calling CANNON® at 1-800-227-6433;

• returning your downrigger to the Factory Service

Center;

• sending or taking your downrigger to any

CANNON® Authorized Service Center on
enclosed list.

Please include proof of purchase, serial number
and purchase date for warranty service with any
of the above options.

OWNER’S MANUAL

Introduction to Downriggers pg. 2
MAG 20 DT New Features
Mounting Your Downrigger
Terminator & Line Release
Cannon Uni-Release
Attaching the Rod Holder
Wiring Your Downrigger
Powering Multiple Downriggers
Operating Your Downrigger

pg. 3
pg. 4-7
pg. 8
pg. 8
pg. 9
pg. 10
pg. 11
pg. 12

The Short Stop System
Positive Ion Control
The Effects of Blowback
Troubleshooting
Maintaining Your Downrigger
Trolling Tips
Warranty Information
Cannon Service Policy
Authorized Service Centers pg. 20

pg. 14
pg. 14
pg. 16
pg. 17
pg. 17
pg. 18
pg. 19
pg. 19

Introduction to downriggers

Introduction to Controlled Depth Fishing

Undoubtedly there are many fishermen
familiar with the methods and use of controlled
depth fishing. During the mid 1960's the state of
Michigan introduced Pacific salmon into the
Great lakes in an attempt to revitalize its sport
fishing industry. From this successful transplant,
new fishing techniques and equipment were
developed. One such method was controlled
depth fishing which enabled fishermen to place a
lure at a desired depth by utilizing downriggers.
Because of the varying factors (water
temperature, thermocline, weather, tides, time of
day, or time of year) it is necessary for
successful fishing to maintain specific water
depths that coincide with fish movements and
feeding patterns.

One essential feature of the downrigger is
the depth meter or gauge that indicates lure
depth. This allows the angler to control as well
as return to specific depths where fish have
been caught.
Due to the success of controlled depth
fishing, downriggers are now being used
throughout the world to catch a wide variety of
species in both fresh and salt water. Whether
fishing for blues off Rhode Island, walleyes in
Lake Erie, sailfish off the coast of Florida, or
stripers in Tennessee, the use of downriggers
will make your fishing more successful and more
enjoyable.

Attach Line Release to
Rear Hook on Weight

Parts Description

1. Reel This is used to spool the cable, available in lengths ranging from 150 to 400 feet.

2. Boom This is used to extend the weight out from the body of the downrigger and has a pulley fixed
to its end. Boom lengths range from 24 to 53 inches.

3. Swivel Head This relays the cable at the end of the boom to lower the weight.

4. Weight This is used to maintain the depth at which you want to fish. Sizes of weights range from 4 to
20 lbs.

5. Cable This connects to the weight. Cable material is 150 lb. test stainless steel cable.

6. Depth Meter This determines how much cable you have run out, enabling you to choose your trolling
depth.

7. Mounting Base This attaches to the boat, enabling you to place the downrigger where you choose.

8. Rod Holder This holds your fishing rods while trolling and may also be used for storing rods.

2

Mag 20 DT New Features

Magnum Power

The Mag 20 DT/HS and Mag 20 DT/TS feature
improved tolling weight capacity, retrieval rate,
and quality. The Mag 20 DTs can now
accommodate trolling weights up to 20lbs. The
newly improved Mag 20 DTs also feature a high
retrieval rate up to 250 feet per minute.

Mag 20 DT/TS Features

The Mag 20 DT/TS (Tournament Series) has an
improved appearance featuring a sleek metallic­white finish. An extremely durable stainless steel
spool allows for you to outfit your downrigger with
monofilament or “super line”, eliminating the fish­spooking vibration and harmonics of conventional
downrigger cables. With a heavy-duty, brushed
stainless steel telescopic boom, adjustable rod
holder, and an Off-Shore Release included, the
Mag 20 DT/TS is designed specifically for
tournament level fishing.

Battery Alarm

The Mag 20 DT will now beep every two
seconds if the battery voltage drops below 9 volts.

Remote Operation with CannonLink

Your Mag 20 DT has the ability to be operated
remotely. Utilizing Humminbird Fishing systems
featuring CannonLink, you can control up to 6
Mag 20 DT/HSs and/or Mag 20 DT/TSs
simultaneously. CannonLink gives you the ability
to cycle downriggers up and down, bottom track,
change depth, monitor speed and temp* (with
Cannon Speed & Temp Sensor), and adjust
Positive Ion Control from your Humminbird Fishing
System (Matrix™, 700, and 900 Series).

CannonLink Details

The Mag 20DTs connect to the Humminbird
unit with the #019095 Mag 20 Master Cable. This
cable has an eight-pin plug on one end and a five­pin plug on the other. The eight-pin plugs into the
fish finder communication port. Additional Mag 20
DTs are connected to each other in a chain with
the #019634 Mag 20 Remote Cable. The last
downrigger in the chain must be terminated with
the #609198 Endcap plug that comes with the
Mag 20 Master Cable. This plug completes the
loop allowing the fish finder to get depth and mode
information from the Mag 20 DTs. Additional
information can be found with the Humminbird fish
finder.

The details of CannonLink are described in full
in your Humminbird owner’s manual. Any one or
all Mag 20 DTs can perform these features with
CannonLink only from Cannon:

• Set PIC voltage in 1/10ths of volts

• Go to depth (feet or meters)

• Adjustable descent and retrieve speeds

• Cycle mode; includes upper depth, lower

depth and time at depth

• Bottom-contour following mode, includes wave

height, distance above the bottom

• All up (brings all the weights to the surface

immediately)

• Park height (allows you to set individual

heights to park the ball above the water)

• Disconnect alarm sounds if the remote cable

is accidentally unplugged

The Mag 20DTs communicate through an
optically isolated NMEA 0183 standard interface.
Each unit is both a listener and a talker to the next
unit in the chain. The endcap plug sends the last
talker’s broadcast back to the first listener/talker,
which is usually the fish finder. Only two sentence
headers are used: the standard NMEA
‘$SDDBT’ (SONAR Data Depth Below
Transducer) for bottom following, and
‘$PCMAG’ (Proprietary Cannon MAG) for system
control. Several features have been included in
the remote interface that would allow the electro­mechanical system to be used for other types of
applications

.

NEW FEATURES

*Note: The CannonLink system outputs data from only one single
Speed & Temp Sensor Fish.

3

MOUNTING & SETUP

Downrigger Mounting on Boats

A downrigger should be mounted where ever it
is easy to operate and observe. You want to be
able to see your fishing rod and to react quickly.
So, choosing a good spot to mount your
downrigger on your boat is 99% of the job.
Due to the great variety of boats available,
mounting your downrigger can be a dilemma.
Having proper mounting accessories is essential.
Cannon has a complete line of mounting
accessories to conveniently mount your
downriggers on any boat.

Arrows
Indicate
Mounting
Locations

Mounting Accessories

Deck Plates are necessary when extra
strength must be added to the base material of
the boat and for attaching the downrigger to other
mounting accessories.
Gimbal Mounts are designed to fit medium­sized flush mounted rod holders built into the
gunwale of many larger fishing boats and
cruisers. Only sturdy, high quality rod holders
should be used for this temporary mounting
system. Gimbal mounts are available in 9” or 12”
post lengths.

Clamp Mounts can be mounted at the
junction of two rail sections with the aid of two ¼”
pieces of plywood. They will protect your rail from
any marks from the clamp and provide a non-slip
surface.

Deck Plate

Gimbal Mount

Clamp Mount

4

Side Rail Mounting

Side/Rail mounts can be mounted to a
welded T section. They can also be used at the
two rail section butt joint. In both installations it is
recommended to use a non-slip material, such
as rubber or a thin wood sheet, between metal
surfaces.

You can also use these for mounting to a
very narrow side gunwale. There is a plate
provided for back-up with bolts and washers. If
the gunwale compartment is foamed in, then
wellnuts should be used. It is also recommended
to install two additional flat head screws through
the top plate for stabilization (you will need to
drill and countersink).

NOTE: In no case should this mount be used on
fiberglass ¼" thick or less unless it is foamed in.

MOUNTING & SETUP

Side/Rail on T-Section

Side/Rail on Gunwale

Pedestal Mounting

Pedestals are used wherever additional height is
needed for ease of operation or to clear
obstructions, such as handrails.

Caution: When using a pedestal mount or
side/rail mount, do not extend the telescopic
boom on your Mag 20 DT. The increased
leverage will cause excessive strain and
possible failure of the mount.

Pedestal for Additional Height

5

MOUNTING & SETUP

Installing the Base on Your Boat

Decks up to 7/16" thick

Where access to the underside of the deck is
not available, the mounting base can be mounted
using wellnuts. Use the base as a template to mark
locations and drill four 1/2" holes. Mount the base
using four 1/4-20 x 4" truss head screws and four
wellnuts. Tighten the screws so the wellnuts are
firmly compressed as pictured.

Decks thicker than 7/16"

For decks thicker than 7/16", or where the
underside of the deck is accessible, mount the base
with screws, nuts, and washers. Use the base as a
template to mark the locations and drill four 9/32"
holes. Use four 1/4-20 x 4" truss head screws and
four each flat washers, lock washers, and nuts.
Fasten the base to the deck as pictured. NOTE:
Wellnuts cannot be used on decks thicker than
7/16".

Decks thinner than 1/4"

Use a Cannon deck plate to prevent deflection
and add stability to decks thinner than 1/4". Use the
deck plate as a template to
mark the hole locations.

Decks up to
7/16" Thick

Decks Thicker
Than 7/16" Thick

Base

Wellnuts

Base

Washer, Lock Washer,
and 1/4-20 Hex Nut

Screws

Deck up to 7/16" Thick

Wellnut

If access to the underside of the deck is not
available, the deck plate can be mounted using
screws and wellnuts. Drill 1/2" holes. Use four 1/4­20 x 2" flat head screws and four wellnuts to mount
deck plate as pictured. Tighten the screws so the
wellnuts are firmly compressed.
Where the underside is accessible, the deck
plate can be mounted using screws, nuts, and
washers. Drill 9/32" holes. Use four 1/4-20 x 2" flat
head screws, nuts and washers (flat and lock).
Fasten plate to deck as pictured. To secure the
mounting base to the deckplate use four 1/4-20 x 2"
truss head screws.

Deck Plate

Deck Thicker Than 7/16”

Washers, Lock
Washers, Screws,
& Nuts

NOTE: When using the telescopic boom, we
strongly recommend the use of a deck plate
on all boats to provide adequate stability for
the downrigger.

The Low-Profile Swivel Base mounting follows the
same procedure as for the deck plate except that
four 1/4”-20 x 2 1/2" truss head screws are used
to fasten the mounting base and four additional
1/4”-20 x 2 1/2" truss head screws fix the swivel
base to the boat deck.

Low-Profile Swivel Base

6

Mounting the Downrigger on the Base

Slide body over the lip of the base, with boom
outboard or facing the stern. Lift Lock Knob to hold
threaded shaft clear of base until body completely
covers base. Turn Lock Knob clockwise to tighten
the downrigger to the base.

Tip: Periodically check base to ensure integrity.
The base should be replaced at least every 5 years.

Setting Up Your Downrigger

Attaching the Boom

Telescopic Boom

The intermediate section of the telescopic boom
must be extended approximately 5" before the
boom locking screw can engage the hole in the
boom. Slip the boom end into the frame and align
the holes. Secure with boom locking screw.
To adjust boom length, with the boom extending
away from you, rotate clamps approximately 1/4
turn counter - clockwise to unlock, and slide boom
section to desired position. To lock, rotate clamp
clock-wise until tight.
The Standard 24 Inch Boom inserts into the
downrigger frame. Be sure that the boom is held
securely by seating it firmly against the shoulder
inside the fame and fastening the boom locking
screw such that it engages the hole in the boom.

Assemble Swivel Head To Boom

Insert the telescopic boom-end into the boom­align holes and fasten in place with a #8 x 5/8
screw. Spread the swivel head side plates and
slip the assembly over the boom end axle. Snap
the assembly together and install two #4 x 1/2"
screws into the swivel head.

TIP: Adjusting the angle of the boom head can help
control cable wrap on the reel.

TIP: Whenever downriggers with boom lengths
beyond 24" are used, Cannon's Retro-Ease
Weight Retriever will make bringing in the weight
safe and easy. It attaches to the cable below the
boom end allowing you to pull the weight to yourself
without having to lean way out or collapse the boom
to reach the weight.

MOUNTING & SETUP

Lock Knob

3/4"-Long Boom

The Locking Screw Must
Engage Hole in Boom

Clamps

Standard 24"

Boom

Swivel Head
Boom

#8 x 5/8"
Screw (1)

#4 x 1/2"
Screws (2)

7

TERMINATOR & LINE RELEASE

Terminating the Downrigger Cable

Rubber Cushion

Tip: A set of pliers with wire cutters is
recommended for this part of setup.

Cable

Unwind about 2 feet of cable
and thread the cable through
the rubber cushion.

Attach to terminator.

Examine the top of the terminator and note the
order shown in the detail to run cable.

CABLE IN

CABLE IN

CABLE OUT

Snap &
Swivel

TIP: Use only straight cable, not kinked.

Lead cable into
HOLE A.
Pull six inches of
cable through.
Thread cable
through swivel,
then up into
bottom of the
terminator.

Lead cable out of
HOLE B and into
HOLE C. Push the
cable until its end
touches the inside
of the terminator
hook.

Cannon Uni-Release

HOLE A

Tighten cable
by squeezing
terminator
until it snaps
shut. Then
pull at top and
bottom until
drawn tight.
Make sure
that the
cable
threads the
hook.

Swivel

The Cannon Uni-Release attaches directly to
the downrigger weight. Attach fishing line to the
clip at the end of the release, and then click
through a series of increasing tension settings.
The release can be used with any test line on salt
or fresh water and may be adjusted from 2 to 22
pounds of grip tension on the line.

Close

Slide the cushion over the top of the

terminator and give it a test pull.

The cable is set to attach a Cannon

Trolling Weight.

Tension

Open

Adjust

Fishing Line

To change line release tension, turn tension
knob to (+) to increase or (-) to decrease. Tension
also may vary according to where the line is
placed in the grips. Higher tension is on the line if
it is set back toward the hinge, and lower if set
closer to the opening. To open the release, spread
the release arms with thumb and forefinger
applying pressure to the sides.

8

Open

Gripper

Pads

Attaching the Rod Holder

The positive lock rod holder incorporates a
locking disk that allows the rod holder to be
aligned in 15 degree increments. Slide the rod
holder tube into the clamp to the desired position
within the recommended area (see below). Be
sure the angled shoulders are facing up. Place
the locking disk into the mating recess of the
frame. Slip the clamp arms in place where the
obround tab on the disk fits into the slot on the
clamp. Slide the star washer between the arm of
the clamp and the frame. Place the flat washer
onto the bolt. Then insert the bolt with washer
through the clamp by entering the disk, going
through the frame, the star washer, and out the
other side of the clamp. Tighten the nut to
secure the rod holder. Reposition the rod holder
by loosening the nut and adjusting the tilt.

ATTACHING THE ROD HOLDER

CAUTION: This rod holder is intended for use
of up to 30 lb. test line only, and is not
recommended for use with any tackle IGFA
rated higher than 30 lb. A safety strap (not
included) is recommended for all
applications.
The rod holder assembly is not warranted
when used with tackle above 30 lbs.
Equipment placed in the rod holders and the
loss thereof is the responsibility of the user
and is in no way warranted by JOHNSON
OUTDOORS, INC. Mounting must be in
accordance with the above instructions and
diagram to be warranted.

Single Rod Holder Assembly

Recommended

Area to Clamp

Rod Holder

Angled
Shoulder

Dual Rod Holder Assembly

Star Washer

Placement

9