A Crash Course on Downrigger Pedestals

Downriggers are known to be a valuable tool for both offshore and inshore when fishing. Downriggers and its accessories, like the downrigger pedestals are not the cheapest investments you will make, but has proven to be very useful especially for people who have a passion in fishing. Typically, a downrigger pedestal is made of a heavy-duty aluminum construction that usually features a anodized finish to effectively protect the material from corrosion in both saltwater and freshwater environment. The pedestals are used to add more height to a fishing gear, and usually come in two sizes: a 6-inch pedestal and a 4-inch pedestal.

Cannon offers two types of downrigger pedestals, the fixed base and the swivel base. The former is designed to be installed as a surface or track mount that allows the user a variety of mounting positions and can be easily removed when needed. The surface thickness of this mount is ¾-inch aluminum top plate that is tapped and pre-drilled for easy mounting of the downrigger. This brand of mount is easily compatible to any track systems such as Bert’s and Traxtech.

As its name suggests, the swivel base downrigger pedestal is designed to allow 360 degrees rotation.  It has locking points that are every spaced every 22.5 degrees. Like all other mounts, this type of downrigger is tapped and pre-drilled with smooth action swivel base.

With is rotating feature, you can enjoy optimal positioning. To be able to rotate the mount, you simply have to unfasten the lock by pulling down the lock handle and turn the plate to the angle you want while releasing the spring loaded lock pin to bolt it into position.

The Cannon swivel base also features a rather unique break away system that allows its top plate to revolve even in a locked position. This feature effectively prevents damaging the boat and downrigger should the downrigger ball or boom strike a certain object. Should this happen, the mounting plate immediately turns to give way to the unexpected weight to effectively prevent any damage to surfaces.

If you want to resent the swivel base, it is important to note that that downrigger weight should first be properly stowed before attempting to rest the pedestal mount. To reset, you simply have to locate the 3/8 inches bolt found at the bottom of the top plate. The pedestal should be in a locked position and gently loosen the bolts, rotate the mounting plate back to the position you want and tighten back the bolts to lock it in place.