The Ultimate Angler’s Advantage: Cannon’s Optimum Downrigger

For the serious angler dedicated to the art of trolling, precision and control are the names of the game. In the quest for trophy fish, the ability to consistently place your lure in the strike zone is paramount. Enter the Cannon Optimum Downrigger, a marvel of modern fishing technology that transcends the role of a simple weight deployer. This isn’t just a downrigger; it’s the intelligent hub of your trolling operation, a wirelessly connected powerhouse that offers unparalleled control and real-time data to revolutionize your approach to deep-water fishing.

This in-depth guide will explore every facet of the Cannon Optimum, from its cutting-edge features to the practical know-how needed to harness its full potential on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned salmon chaser on the Great Lakes or a coastal angler targeting pelagic species, the Optimum is designed to elevate your fishing experience from a game of chance to a calculated science.

Unveiling the Arsenal: Key Features of the Cannon Optimum

The Cannon Optimum is packed with a suite of features that work in concert to provide a seamless and informed trolling experience. Here’s a breakdown of the technological advancements that set it apart:

Full-Color 3.5″ LCD Display: The vibrant, sunlight-readable screen is your command center. It offers customizable views, allowing you to prioritize the data that matters most to you, from depth and temperature to trolling speed. With both day and night modes, you’ll have a clear view of your downrigger’s status in any lighting condition.

Wireless Integration and the One-Boat Network: This is arguably the Optimum’s most transformative feature. Through the power of Bluetooth, you can:

Network up to four Optimum downriggers: Control all your lines from a single master unit, your Humminbird fish finder, or your mobile device.
Connect to a compatible Humminbird fish finder: This creates a truly integrated system. View and control your downrigger’s depth, retrieve weights, and even see sonar data directly on your main sonar screen.
Utilize the Cannon mobile app: Gain the freedom to control your downriggers from anywhere on your boat. This is especially handy for making quick adjustments while attending to other tasks.

Precision Depth Control: The Optimum offers a suite of automated features to keep your bait exactly where it needs to be:

Preset Depths: Program up to five of your most productive depths for quick and easy deployment. The unit also remembers the depth of your last catch.
Depth Cycle: Entice strikes from suspended or hesitant fish by automatically cycling your weight up and down at preset intervals and distances.
Bottom Tracking: When paired with a compatible transducer, the Optimum can automatically adjust the depth of your weight to maintain a set distance from the bottom, which is invaluable when fishing over uneven terrain.

Positive Ion Control (PIC): This innovative feature aims to combat the natural negative energy field that can be generated by a boat’s electrical systems, which some believe can repel fish. By emitting positive ions from the downrigger cable, PIC is designed to create a more attractive environment around your lure.

Waterline Zero and Short Stop: These safety and convenience features prevent your downrigger weight from swinging wildly and potentially damaging your boat or the downrigger itself. Waterline Zero automatically stops the weight at a preset distance below the waterline, while Short Stop halts retrieval as soon as the weight breaks the surface.

Adjustable Speeds: With five adjustable retrieve and deploy speeds, reaching up to a swift 250 feet per minute, you have complete control over how quickly you get your lines in and out of the water.

Robust Construction: The Optimum is built to withstand the harsh marine environment. It features a heavy-duty telescopic boom that extends from 24 to 53 inches, a durable composite or stainless steel spool (depending on the model), and dual-axis adjustable rod holders.

Fish Hawk™ X4D Integration: For the ultimate in trolling data, the Optimum can wirelessly connect to a Fish Hawk X4D system (sold separately). This provides you with the true depth, temperature, and speed of your lure at the weight, giving you a precise understanding of what’s happening below the surface.

Mastering the Machine: A Guide to Using Your Cannon Optimum

Understanding the features is one thing; effectively using them on the water is another. Here’s a practical guide to getting the most out of your Cannon Optimum:

Getting Started: The Keypad and Menus

The intuitive keypad provides quick access to the Optimum’s core functions:

POWER: Turns the unit on and off and accesses the Power Menu for quick adjustments like screen brightness.
UP/DOWN Arrows: Manually raise or lower the downrigger weight. These also serve to navigate through menu options.
AUTO UP: With a single press, automatically retrieves the weight to the Waterline Zero or Short Stop position. A long press initiates an “Auto Up All” for all networked downriggers.
MENU: A single press opens the Quick Menu for the current view, while a double press opens the main Settings Menu.
PRESET DEPTHS: Access your pre-programmed depths and the last catch depth.
LEFT/RIGHT Arrows: Make selections and adjustments within the menus.
EXIT: Closes the current menu.

Setting Up Your Network

Pairing Downriggers: Designate one unit as the “master.” On this unit, navigate to the Bluetooth settings and select “Pair Downrigger.” On the “client” downrigger you wish to pair, also go to the Bluetooth settings and select “Pair to Bluetooth Master.” The units will then connect. Repeat this process for up to four downriggers.
Connecting to Humminbird: Ensure your Humminbird unit has the latest software. On your fish finder, navigate to the Network menu and select “Bluetooth.” Your Cannon Optimum should appear as a discoverable device. Select it to pair.
Pairing Your Mobile Device: Download the Cannon app on your smartphone or tablet. In the app, you’ll be prompted to search for and connect to your Optimum downrigger via Bluetooth.

Putting the Precision Features to Work

Setting Preset Depths: From the main menu, go to “Preset Depths.” You can then manually enter and save up to five depths that you frequently fish.
Using Depth Cycle: In the Quick Menu, select “Depth Cycle.” You can then set the cycle range (e.g., 5 feet) and the interval. The downrigger will then automatically raise and lower your weight by that distance at the specified interval. This is an excellent tactic for triggering reaction strikes.
Engaging Bottom Tracking: Once your Optimum is connected to a compatible transducer, you can access “Bottom Tracking” from the Quick Menu. Set the desired offset from the bottom (e.g., 10 feet), and the downrigger will automatically adjust to maintain that distance as the bottom contour changes.

A Typical Day on the Water with the Optimum

Imagine a morning trolling for salmon. You start by powering on your networked Optimum downriggers. From your Humminbird’s screen, you deploy all your weights simultaneously with a single command. You notice on your fish finder that you’re marking fish consistently at 80 feet, so you quickly select your “80 feet” preset on your master downrigger, and all your lines descend to the strike zone.

Later in the day, the bite slows. You decide to try and trigger a reaction. You engage Depth Cycle on your two outside downriggers, setting them to cycle up and down by 7 feet every two minutes. A short while later, one of the cycling rods buries. After a successful fight, you use the “Last Catch Depth” feature to send your lure right back to the productive spot.

As you troll over a point, you activate Bottom Tracking to keep your inside lines just off the bottom without having to constantly make manual adjustments, preventing snags and keeping your presentation perfect. When it’s time to head in, a single long press of the “Auto Up All” button brings all your weights smoothly to the surface, ready for stowing.

Keeping Your Investment in Top Shape: Maintenance and Care

To ensure your Cannon Optimum provides years of reliable service, regular maintenance is key:

Rinse After Every Use: Especially in saltwater environments, thoroughly rinse the entire downrigger with fresh water to remove salt and debris.
Inspect the Cable: Regularly check your downrigger cable for any signs of fraying or kinking. Replace it if you find any damage to prevent losing a weight and potential damage to the unit.
Check Electrical Connections: Ensure that all power connections are clean, tight, and free of corrosion. Apply a dielectric grease to the connections to help prevent future corrosion.
Lubricate Moving Parts: Lightly lubricate the boom and swivel head periodically with a marine-grade lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
Storage: During the off-season, if possible, store your downriggers in a dry, protected environment.

The Cannon Optimum downrigger is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a strategic partner in your pursuit of fish. By taking the time to understand its powerful features and how to apply them, you can transform your trolling efforts, making every trip on the water more efficient, more informed, and ultimately, more successful.