Owner's manual | Big Jon Sports Brute ES Owner`s manual

A well planned boat insures an easier, safer and more enjoyable fishing trip. Before mounting your Big Jon Sports ® downriggers, planer riggers and rod holders, it is a good idea out get in the boat with your fishing buddies and locate the best placement of all trolling equipment. Every thing should be easily accessible to all members in your fishing party. On the following pages are some examples of popular layouts for a variety of fishing boats.

Downriggers

Mounted On The

Transom Of A Tiller

Steered Boat...

For the owner of a small or mid-sized boat

(with tiller steering) who often fishes by themselves, mounting a pair of downriggers on the transom is a practical choice. This layout keeps all essential equipment within reach and eliminates the need to move around the boat.

Downriggers

Mounted Amidship

On A Tiller

Steered Boat...

Another popular layout for tiller boats is to mount the downriggers amidship. This allows easy access for both the person piloting the boat and for a second fisherman seated forward in the boat. Note that the sides of the boat keep the downrigger cables and fishing lines well clear of the motor’s propeller.

A pair of pedestal mounts will allow the downriggers to clear the boat’s gunwales.

Adding swivel mounting bases will make docking your boat easier.

On larger console style boats that will accommodate a larger fishing party, you have more opportunity to run larger lure presentations. However, the same considerations given to a small boat hold true. All equipment should be accessible to all of the fishing party.

Downriggers

For A Boat With

Console Steering...

For boats (16 foot or larger) that have a four inch gunwale deck, mounting a pair of downriggers with swivel mounting bases just forward of the motor well is a common practice. This location makes lines easy and safe. (The swivel mounting base allows you to spread your lure presentation over a wider area when fishing and turn the downriggers in line with the boat for docking and trailering.)

Four

Downriggers

For A Large

Lure Presentation...

Cover more water to catch more fish.

Charter captain’s and tournament pros increase the chances for a successful fishing trip by increasing the number of lures in their presentation. By mounting two downriggers on the transom and two downriggers on swivel mounting bases on the gunwale decks, you can control the position of your lure presentation.

Transom Bars

Add Versatility

To Your Boat...

Big Jon Sports ® builds heavy-duty transom bars that are pre-drilled and tapped to accept four Big Jon Sports ® downriggers. The whole assembly of transom bar and downriggers can easily be installed or removed as one unit.

A Planer Rigger Mounted On The

Bow Of A Tiller Steered Boat...

The bow deck of a tiller boat is the ideal location for mounting a planer mast. When installing a planer rigger system, remember two important facts.

First, the taller your mast is, the greater the distance your planers will travel from the sides of your boat.

And second, the farther forward you mount the mast, the less distance your planers will travel behind your transom.

Both points effect handling and control.

Mounting A Planer Rigger

In A Pedestal Seat Base...

Many fishermen choose to adapt their planer mast so that it will fit into the base of the pedestal seat at the bow of their boat.

The Big Jon Sports ® Service Department can custom build a Pedestal Seat

Adapter for some styles of pedestal seats on the market, just call:

(231) 275-1010 or go on-line, to the Service page of our website...

www.bigjonsports.com

Planer Riggers For Boats

With Console Steering...

For larger boats, where the bow is not easily accessible, a pair of single reel planer masts mounted just behind the cabin or canopy is a popular solution.

The mast and tow lines are easy for all members of the fishing party to reach. You can also update your mast on the bow with a pair of electric reels, which are remotely controlled from the steering console.

Fish With

The Big Jon Sports

®

Otter

®

Boat...

The Otter ® Boat was designed to achieve a greater distance from your boat than the old fashion boards or skis. It handles rough water well and won’t stall in turns.

Installing Big Jon Sports

®

Trolling Equipment

Mounting The Big Jon Sports

®

Standard 4” x 4” Mounting Plate...

This mounting plate accepts all Big Jon Sports

®

downriggers and rod holders with 4” x 4” bases.

It also accepts the Big Jon Sports

®

quick-slide and swivel mounting bases.

1. Make sure all electrical wiring below the mounting

surface is clear of the area to be drilled.

2. Use the mounting plate as a template to locate

and mark the hole.

3. Drill the holes in the mounting surface and the

backing board together.

Note: The use of a backing board is

recommended to distribute the

stress load over a larger surface

for greater strength.

4. Bolt the mounting plate and the backing board

to the mounting surface with flat washers and

nuts (as shown in the illustration).


®

Slim-Line Mounting Channel...

This mounting channel accepts the

Gadabout

®

downrigger with slim-line base and the single Multi-Set

®

rod holder

1. Make sure all electrical wiring below the

mounting surface is clear of the area to

be drilled.

2. Use the mounting channel as a template to

locate and mark the hole.

3. Drill the holes in the mounting surface and

the backing board together.

Note: The use of a backing board is recom-

mended to distribute the stress load over

a larger surface for greater strength.

4. Bolt the mounting channel and the backing board




®

Standard Planer Rigger Base...

This cast aluminum base accepts all Big Jon Sports

®

planer masts and the Multi-Set

®

rod holder tree.

1. Make sure all electrical wiring below the mounting

surface is clear of the area to be drilled.

2. Use the mounting base as a template to locate

and mark the hole.

3. Drill the holes in the mounting surface and the

backing board together.

Note: The use of a backing board is

recommended to distribute the

stress load over a larger surface

for greater strength.

4. Bolt the mounting base and the backing board



Assembling The Planer Rigger:

5. Insert the lower mast section into the mounting

base and secure with the 1/2-20 hex bolt.

6. Slide the upper mast and reel assembly onto

the lower mast and secure with the 5/16-18 bolt

and acorn nut.

7. If the electric planer reels are to be installed,

mount them to the lower mast section, as close

the base as possible. This will reduce the stress

applied to the mounting surface. Then connect

the wiring as describe on page 8.

8. Thread the tow line through the pulleys as

described on page 7.

Assemble The Captain’s Pak

®

Tip-Up Boom To The

Downrigger Base...

1. Slide the double rod upper arm assembly (A) onto the

lower hinge assembly (B).

2. Line up the holes and insert the hinge pin (C).

3. Hold the hinge pin in place by fitting the retainer clip (D)

into the groove on the end of the hinge pin.

4. Screw the boom sections (E) into the rod block on the

double rod upper assembly.

(See page 7 for boom assembly instructions.)

Mounting The Multi-Set

®

Rod Holders To The Ball Cradle

Cannonball Holder...

1. Mount the Multi-Set ® rod holders to the ball cradle

using the 3/8 inch nuts and lock washers that are

provided with the rod holders.

2. Rotate the rod holders to your desired position before

securing (as shown in the illustration). Lock the rod

holder in place with the set screw, using a

1/8 inch Allen wrench.

Mounting The Downrigger

And Ball Cradle To The

Mounting Plate...

1. Position the ball cradle over the mounting plate that

has been installed on the mounting surface. Then

position the downrigger base over the ball cradle.

2. Fit one of the 1-1/8 inch hold down bolts through

the downrigger base and ball cradle. Locate the

threaded hole in the corner of the mounting plate.

Screw in the first hex bolt, leaving it

untightened.

3. Locate the remaining three hex bolts in the

same manner. Finally, tighten all four hex bolts firmly.

1.

2.

3.

1.

Assemble The Downrigger Boom...

1. For J-rod style downriggers, firmly

screw the collar onto the threaded

end of the J-Rod. Then firmly screw

the threaded end of the end rod and

pulley assembly into the other end

of the collar.

2. For downriggers with tip-up booms,

start by loosening the (3) screws

that hold together the line guide

hanger. Thread the 12 inch rod

section through the line guide.

Then firmly thread the 12 inch rod

into the rod block (found on the

tip-up assembly).

Position the line guide on center

with the downrigger reel and one

inch ahead of the rod block. Then

tighten the (3) screws on the line

guide to secure it in position.

3. Next, firmly screw the collar onto

the 12 inch rod. Then firmly screw

the end rod and pulley assembly

into the collar.

* Locating the line guide close to the reel helps load the cable uniformly.

2.

3.

Threading The Cable And

Installing The Klincher...

To thread the downrigger cable, start by releasing the tension on the downrigger reel by loosening the clutch knob. Then pull a length of cable from the reel. Thread the cable over the top of the of the wheels of the line guide and tip pulley (as shown in the top illustration). DO NOT THREAD

THE CABLE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE

LINE GUIDE OR TIP PULLEY!

This will cause the cable to damage the pulley.

To Install The Klincher With Swivel Clip:

1. Feed the cable into the top of the Klincher

body and out the side. Bring the cable around

the tongue, back into the side of the Klincher

and out through the top.

2. Insert the tongue into the side of the Klincher

and seat the tongue in place by pulling the

cable from the top with pliers.

3. Trim the cable end with wire cutters.

Electrical Hook-Up For

Downriggers And

Planer Reels...

1. Captain’s Pak ® , Pro Tournament and Sportsman:

Connect the installation wire to the battery or buss bar.

The Blue wire connects to the POSITIVE post (+). The

Brown wire connects to the NEGATIVE post(-). Plug

the male connection of the wire from the downrigger into

the female connection of the of the installation wire.

Note: For the Captain’s Pak ® , Sportsman and Pro

Tournament, use #10 AWG (American Wire

Gauge) to connect the battery to the buss bar.

2. Brute ES:

WARNING!

To assure the validity of your warranty:

You MUST use a Buss Bar between your battery and

your downrigger or use the ConnectPro ®

Receptacle Set.

Plug and

Always wire POSITIVE (WHITE) to POSITIVE and

NEGATIVE (BLACK) to NEGATIVE as shown in

the illustration to the right...

When wiring the plug and receptacle, leave one prong

unwired (This prong will serve as a locator prong and

assure that your downrigger’s electrical circuit is

always wired for the correct polarity).

Next, Match and attach the POSITVE (WHITE) wires to the

corresponding prongs of the plug and receptacle. Then

match and attach the NEGATIVE (BLACK) wires to the

corresponding prongs of the plug and receptacle.

TIP: Take time to make sure that all plugs, receptacles

and downriggers are wired identically, so all

downriggers are interchangeable on your boat.

3. Electric Planer Riggers & Planer Reels:

Mount the remote switches in the location on your boat

that you want to operate your planer riggers (or reels)

from. Feed and mount the power cords along the deck

or gunwale to the planer rigger (or reels).

Connect the 20 foot power cords to the butt connectors

on the motor. The WHITE wire ( ) of the power cord

connects to RED wire on the motor. The BLACK wire

(-) of the power cord connects to the BLACK wire on

the motor. Crimp the butt connectors to secure the

wires. Next, connect the installation wire (with the

female end) to the battery or buss bar. The BLUE wire (

connects to the POSITIVE post. The BROWN wire (-)

connects to the NEGATIVE post. Then plug the male

and female ends together.

+ )

Note: For the The Electric Planer Riggers and

Electric Reels, use #10 AWG (American Wire

Gauge) to connect the battery to the buss bar.

Warning: Always disconnect the battery from the

buss bar before starting any installation.

1.

2.

3.

Installing The Auto-Stop System...

1. Slide the Trigger Bead onto the downrigger cable (small hole towards the motor) . Then

slide the crimp onto the downrigger cable. Feed the cable through the Line Guide and

Tip Pulley and attach the Klincher to the end of the cable (as shown on page 7).

2. Mount the downriggers on your boat and attach the line release and cannonball.

Lower the cannonball to just below the water line of the boat.

3. Use a felt marker to mark the cable just ahead of the line guide pulley. Then, let out about

one foot more cable and slide the Crimp up to the place that you marked the cable.

4. Crimp the Crimp securely at that location and slide the Trigger Bead over the Crimp.

Setting The Auto-Stops

Shut-Off Depth...

When you locate the Trigger Bead, we recommend that you set it to shut off the downrigger motor when the cannonball is at a depth of 6 to 8 inches below the surface.

If you set to shut off when the cannonball is at the surface, you run the risk of having the cannonball swing into the side of your boat when you are fishing in rough water.

Adjusting Your Multi-Set

®

Rod Holders

1. Firmly grasp the lower

end of the rod holder

tube and pull the spring

loaded dome away from

the locking pin of the

upright base.

2. Rotate the rod holder

tube to any of the seven

locking positions in the

spring loaded dome.

3. Release the rod holder

tube and let the locking

pin in the upright base to

set into the desired

locking hole of the

spring loaded dome.

Adjusting Your Heavy-Duty Diver Rod Holders

1. While holding the rod

holder tube, pull the latch

pin out from the upright

base.

2. Rotate the rod holder

tube to any of the five

locking positions in the

cylinder at the base of

the rod holder.

3. Release the latch pin and

let it lock into the desired

locking hole in the

cylinder at the base of the

rod holder tube.

Operating Your

Manual Downrigger

Step-By Step Instructions For:

The Gadabout

®

, Runabout

®

And

Big Water Manual Downriggers...

1. While the boat is moving at trolling speed, set

your fishing reel to free-spool, apply slight

pressure to the spool with your thumb and let

your lure to the desired distance behind the boat.

Then set the drag clicker to stop your reel from

free-spooling. Place your rod in the rod holder.

2. To place the line in the line release (the Band

Buster ® which comes with your downrigger is

shown here), grab the fishing line and wrap a

rubber band around the line and back through

itself. With the other hand reach down and

firmly take hold of the line release. Lift the

cannonball out of the water and hook the rubber

band to the line release. Then ease the cannonball

back into the water. (Read more about line releases on pages 21 and 22.)

3. While firmly gripping the downrigger reel’s

handle, loosen the clutch knob (found on the left

side of the downrigger) by turning the clutch knob

counter-clockwise. This will release the tension

on the disc clutch plates that hold the cannonball

at a given depth.

4. When you feel the weight of the cannonball pull

on the reel, turn the reel counter-clockwise to

lower the cannonball. Watch the line counter

that is mounted on the top of the downrigger’s

upright. The line counter is marked in one foot

increments.

Note: At the initial installation of your downriggers,

hold the counter wheel firmly at zero and

raise or lower the cannonball to the surface

to set the line counter. This will ensure that

your line counter is showing the depth of

the cannonball.

5. After you see the depth you desire marked on the line counter, retighten the disc clutch by turning the clutch knob clockwise until the clutch holds the cannonball.

Note: You may choose to set the clutch to act like

the drag on your fishing reel and it will give

cable if your cannonball becomes

obstructed. Or you may tighten it down

securely, which is recommended when

fishing in rough water.

6. Once you’ve set the clutch on your

downrigger, set the drag and drag clicker on

your fishing reel. Then take up the slack in your

fishing line, until there is a bow in your

fishing rod.

Tip: (One of the virtues of using a Band Buster ®

release is that when a fish strikes and pulls

against the rubber band, the rod tip will

start bouncing and signal the strike.)

7. When a fish strikes your lure or when you want

to retrieve your lure, remove your fishing rod

from the rod holder and abruptly lift your fishing

rod to break the rubber band. Then fight and

land your fish or retrieve your lure.

Note: A newcomer to downrigger fishing may feel

compelled to have their fishing partners

raise the other cannonballs and retrieve the

fishing lines, when a fish is “On”. This is not

necessary! Maintain your trolling speed

and direction while you fight the fish from

the back of the boat. Keeping the fish clear

of your other lines is easier than you

would think.

8. Finally, when you are ready to quit fishing or

want to change lures, loosen the clutch loosen

the clutch knob as you did in Step 3 and retrieve

the cannonball by turning the downrigger reel

clockwise until the cannonball surfaces. Then

tighten the clutch knob to hold the cannonball

securely.

Operating Your

“One-Hand-Crank”

Manual Siderigger...

1. While the boat is moving at trolling speed,

set your fishing reel to free-spool, apply

slight pressure to the spool with your thumb

and let your lure to the desired distance

behind the boat. Then set the drag clicker to

stop your reel from free-spooling. Place your

rod in the rod holder.

2. With the tip-up boom locked in the vertical

position and the cannonball in the Ball Cradle,

place the line in the line release ( the Band

Buster ® which comes with your Siderigger is

shown here), by grabbing the fishing line and

wrapping a rubber band around the line and

back through itself. Then hook the rubber

band to the line release. (Read more about line releases on pages 21 and 22.)

3. After removing the cannonball from the Ball

Cradle and suspending it over the side of the

boat, take a firm hold of the Tip-Up Boom with

your right hand and release the Boom Latch

Pin with your left hand. Then lower the

cannonball into the water.

4. To lower the cannonball, “Ease” the crank

handle counterclockwise until the reel starts

to “slowly” slide and let out cable.

Watch the line counter that is mounted on the

top of the downrigger arm. The line counter is

marked in one foot increments.

Note: At the initial installation of your

downriggers, hold the counter wheel

firmly at zero and raise or lower the

cannonball to the surface to set the line

counter. This will ensure that your line

counter is showing the depth of the

cannonball.

5. After you see the depth you desire marked

on the line counter, retighten the reel by

turning the crank handle clockwise until

the cannonball stops taking out cable.

6. Now hold onto the reel and continue to

reel clockwise (about half a turn). This

will secure the reel and prevent the cable

from creeping out while you are trolling.

Note: You may choose to set the clutch to act like

the drag on your fishing reel and it will give

cable if your cannonball becomes

obstructed. Or you may tighten it down

securely, which is recommended when

fishing in rough water.

7. Once you’ve set the depth of your cannonball,

set the drag and drag clicker on your fishing

reel. Then take up the slack in your fishing line,

until there is a bow in your fishing rod. This

will help signal a strike.

8. When a fish strikes your lure or when you

want to retrieve your lure, remove your fishing

rod from the rod holder and abruptly lift your

fishing rod to break the rubber band. Then

fight and land your fish or retrieve lure.

Note: It is not necessary to bring in the other

fishing lines and raise the cannonballs

when a fish is “On”. This is not





would think.

9. When you want to retrieve the cannonball,

turn the crank handle until the cannonball

surfaces.

10. Lift the Tip-Up Boom and place the cannonball

in the Ball Cradle.

Operating Your Sportsman

Electric Downrigger...

Take time to familiarize yourself with the controls of your Sportsman electric downrigger.

On the left side of the downrigger (next to the reel), you will find the knob. Turn the clutch knob counter-clockwise to loosen it or clockwise to tighten it. Adjust the clutch so it will hold the weight of the cannonball. You may choose to set the clutch to act like the drag on your fishing reel and it will give cable if your cannonball becomes obstructed. Or you may tighten it down securely, which is recommended when fishing in rough water.

On the right side of the downrigger (next to the motor), you will find the switch cap that includes the Up/Down switch and the Circuit Breaker Reset

Button. Press the bottom half of the switch to lower the cannonball. The Neutral/Stop position is with the switch returned to center. Press the top half of the switch to raise the cannonball.

If you “Pop” the circuit breaker, return the

Up/Down switch to the Neutral/Stop position

(to prevent a runaway cannonball). Then wait

15 seconds and press the Circuit Breaker

Reset Button.

Note: At the initial installation of your

downriggers, hold the counter wheel firmly

at zero and raise or lower the cannonball to

the surface to set the line counter. This will

ensure that your line counter is showing

the depth of the cannonball.




your lure to the desired distance behind the boat.

Then set the drag clicker to stop your reel from

free-spooling. Place your rod in the rod holder.

2. To place the line in the line release (the Band

Buster ® which comes with your downrigger is

shown here), grab the fishing line and wrap a

rubber band around the line and back through

itself. With the other hand reach down and firmly

take hold of the line release. Lift the cannonball

out of the water and hook the rubber band to the

line release. Then ease the cannonball back into

on pages 21 and 22.)

3. To lower the cannonball, press the bottom half

of the Up/Down switch and let out the downrigger

cable.

4. When the line counter shows that the cannonball

has reached the desired fishing depth, return the

Up/Down switch to the Neutral/Stop position to

keep the cannonball and your lure at that depth.

5. Next, set the drag clicker on your fishing reel. Then

take up the slack in your fishing line, until there is a

bow in your fishing rod.

(One of the virtues of using a Band Buster

release is that when a fish strikes and pulls against

the rubber band, the rod tip will start bouncing and

signal the strike.)

® line













would think.

7. Finally, when you are ready to quit fishing or want

to change lures, raise the cannonball by pressing

top half of the Up/Down switch. Keep an eye on

the line counter and be prepared to turn off the

downrigger as the cannonball reaches the surface.

When the cannonball reaches the surface, return

the Up/Down switch to the Up/Down position.

Option: For the boat owner who plans to run more two electric downriggers, Big Jon Sports ® stop the downrigger motor when the offers the Auto-Stop System to automatically cannonball reaches the pre-set shut-off depth

(See “Setting The Auto-Stop’s Shut-Off Depth

on page 9).

Operating Your Captain’s Pak

®

Or Pro Tournament


Take time to familiarize yourself with the controls of your

Captain’s Pak ® or Pro Tournament electric downrigger.

On the left side of the downrigger (next to the reel), you will find the knob. Turn the clutch knob count clockwise to loosen it or clockwise to tighten it. Adjust the clutch so it will hold the weight of the cannonball.

You may choose to set the clutch to act like the drag on your fishing reel and it will give cable if your cannonball becomes obstructed. Or you may tighten it down securely, which is recommended when fishing in rough water.

On the right side of the downrigger (next to the motor), you will find the switch cap that includes the Up/Down switch and the Circuit Breaker Reset Button. Press the bottom half of the switch to lower the cannonball. The

Neutral/Stop position is with the switch returned to center. Press the top half of the switch to raise the cannonball.

If you “Pop” the circuit breaker, return the Up/Down switch to the Neutral/Stop position (to prevent a runaway cannonball). Then wait 15 seconds and press the Circuit Breaker Reset Button.

At the rear of the downrigger base plate, you will find

The Boom Latch. This latch holds the boom in the upright position. Press the bottom of the latch to lower the Tip-Up Boom.

Note: At the initial installation of your downriggers,

hold the counter wheel firmly at zero and raise

or lower the cannonball to the surface to set

the line counter. This will ensure that your line

counter is showing the depth of the cannonball.

1. While the boat is moving at trolling speed, set your

fishing reel to free-spool, apply slight pressure to

the spool with your thumb and let your lure to the

desired distance behind the boat. Then set the drag

clicker to stop your reel from free-spooling. Place

your rod in the rod holder.

2. To place the line in the line release (the Band Buster ®

which comes with your downrigger is shown here),

grab the fishing line and wrap a rubber band around

the line and back through itself. With the other hand

reach down and firmly take hold of the line release.

Lift the cannonball out of the water and hook the

rubber band to the line release. Then ease the

cannonball back into the water.

(Read more about line releases


3. Firmly hold the Tip-Up Boom and release the Boom

Latch. Then lower the cannonball into the water.

4. Press the botton half of the Up/Down switch to let

out cable and lower the cannonball.

5. When the line counter shows that the cannonball

has reached the desired depth, return the Up/Down

switch to the Neutral/Stop position to keep the

cannonball and your lure at that depth.




(One of the virtues of using a Band Buster ® line
















would think.

8. Finally, when you are ready to quit fishing or want

to change lures, raise the cannonball by pressing

top half of the Up/Down switch. Keep an eye on

the line counter and be prepared to turn off the

downrigger as the cannonball reaches the surface.

When the cannonball reaches the surface, return

the Up/Down switch to the Neutral/Stop position.

9. Lift the Tip-Up Boom and lock it in the upright

Position. Then place the cannonball in the Ball Cradle.

Option: For the boat owner who plans to run more two electric downriggers, Big Jon Sports ® offers the Auto-Stop System to automatically stop the downrigger motor when the cannonball reaches the pre-set shut-off depth

(See “Setting The Auto-Stop’s Shut-Off Depth

on page 9).

Operating Your

Brute ES


Take time to familiarize yourself with the controls of your Brute ES electric downrigger.

On the right side of the downrigger (next to the reel), you will find the clutch knob. Turn the clutch knob count clockwise to loosen it or clockwise to tighten it. Adjust the clutch so it will hold the weight of the cannonball. You may choose to set the clutch to act like the drag on your fishing reel and it will give cable if your cannonball becomes obstructed.

Or you may tighten it down securely, which is recommended when fishing in rough water.

On the left side of the downrigger (next to the motor), you will find the switch cap that includes the Momentary Up/Down switch and the Circuit

Breaker Reset Button. Press the switch Down to lower the cannonball. It will return to the Neutral/Stop position when you release it. Press it Up to raise the cannonball. Again, it will return to the Neutral/Stop position when you release it.

If you “Pop” the circuit breaker, release the Up/Down switch to let it return to the Neutral/Stop position

(to prevent a runaway cannonball). Then wait 15 seconds and press the Circuit Breaker Reset Button.

On the left side of the Upright portion of the Brute ES downrigger base, you will find the Tip-Up Boom

Latch Pin. This latch pin holds the boom in the upright position. Pull the latch out from the Upright to raise or lower the Tip-Up Boom.

Note: At the initial installation of your Brute ES

downriggers, hold the counter wheel firmly

at zero and raise or lower the cannonball

to the surface to set the line counter.

This will ensure that your line counter is

showing the depth the cannonball.




your lure to the desired distance behind the

boat. Then set the drag clicker to stop your

reel from free-spooling. Place your rod in the

rod holder.

2. To place the line in the line release (the Band Buster ®

which comes with your downrigger is shown here),

grab the fishing line and wrap a rubber band around

the line and back through itself. With the other hand

reach down and firmly take hold of the line release.

Lift the cannonball out of the water and hook the

rubber band to the line release. Then ease the

cannonball back into the water.

(Read more about line releases


3. Firmly hold the Tip-Up Boom and release the Boom

Latch. Then lower the cannonball into the water.

4. Press the switch Down let out cable and lower the

cannonball. When the line counter shows that the

cannonball has reached the desired depth, release

the Up/Down switch and let it return to the

Neutral/Stop position to keep the cannonball

and your lure at that depth.




(One of the virtues of using a Band Buster ® line
















would think.

7. When you are ready to quit fishing or want

to change lures, “Pop-Off” your line release, retrieve

your lure and place your rod in the rod holder.

8. Then press the Momentary Switch Up to retrieve

the cannonball. When the cannonball surfaces,

release the Momentary Switch and let it return to

the Neutral/Stop position.

9. Lift the Tip-Up Boom and lock it in the upright

position. Then place the cannonball in the Ball Cradle.

Using Big Jon Sports

®

Line Releases...

The Band Buster

®

Release

“The Line Release That Signals

When A Fish Strikes”...

1. After letting your line out to the

distance that you want it to run

behind the boat, loop a rubber

band (# 31 or lighter) around your

fishing line and back through

itself. Then pull the rubber band

tight around the fishing line

2. Place the rubber band in the

hook on the back of the

Band Buster ® line release.

The tension from the lure

will keep the rubber band

secure on the hook.

3. When a fish strikes your lure,

the weight of the fish pulling

on the fishing line will stretch

the rubber band and cause

the tip of your fishing rod to

“bounce” and give you an

unmistakable signal that you

have a fish on that line.

4. When you see that you have

a fish on one of your lines,

grab that rod and lift it abruptly

to break the rubber band.

You are free to fight and land

your fish.

The Free’n

®

Easy Release

“The Line Release That Is The Favorite Of Successful

Charter Captains And Tournament Fishermen!”...

The Free’n Easy ® downrigger line release is an “adjustable tension” line release that will withstand greater tension from the fishing rod than other line releases and still trip easily from the lightest fish strike.

1. Adjust the tension screw turning it

clockwise to strengthen the release

tension, or turn it counter clockwise

to lighten the release tension.

2. Once you have the tension set to your

liking, lock the tension screw in place

by turning the locking nut clockwise

until it is set tightly against the body

of the line release.

3. To attach your fishing line to the line

release, start from the front of the

release pin (the end nearest to the

downrigger cable) and wrap the line

around the release pin four times

in a counter clockwise direction.

4. Press the release pin into the body

of the release until it rests against

the spring-loaded catch.

5. Lower the cannonball and lure to

the desired fishing depth.

6. With your fishing rod in the rod holder,

reel in the slack in your fishing line

until your fishing rod bows under

the tension.

7. When a fish strikes, it will pull the

pin from the body of the release.

The fishing line will then roll off

the end of the release pin. When this

happens you will see the fishing rod

pop up from the bowed position.

Operating Your

Big Jon Sports

®

Planer Rigger System...

1. Start by preparing two tow line retrieval

lanyards made of a couple of shower curtain

hangers and a couple of lengths of tow line

cord. Then, with your fishing rods prepared

with the lures of your choice and placed in

your boat’s rod holders, bring your boat to

trolling speed and maintain that speed.

2. Place your Otter Boat ® (planer) in the water.

Take hold of the reel with one hand and

loosen the clutch by turning the clutch knob

counter-clockwise with the other hand.

NOTE: The Big Jon Sports ® Otter Boat ® is

recommended as a good choice of

planers because of it’s ability to

gain greater distance from your

boat than the old fashion boards

and skies.

The Otter Boat ® also performs better in

rough water and doesn’t stall when your

boat is making a turn.

3. Let out the tow line by turning the planer

rigger reel clockwise. Do this slowly so that

the tow line stays tight and the Otter Boat ®

can plane out from the side of your boat When

the Otter Boat ® has reached the distance from

your boat that you desire, retighten the clutch

knob securely. Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the

other side of the boat.

4. Now, take your first fishing rod from the

front rod holder and place your lure in

the water. Let your lure out to the distance

that you want it to run behind the boat.

Reset your reel so it doesn’t free-spool

and place your rod back in the

rod holder.

5. Take hold of the fishing line that you

have just let out and attach a line release

to it (A). (There are many styles of line

releases on the market to choose from.

We are showing the “Pinch Pad” style

here). Then, use the retrieval lanyard to

pull the planer board tow line within

reach. Clip the line release hanger clip

around the tow line and close the hanger

clip (B). Then, let out

the retrieval lanyard until the tow line

has returned to it’s normal position.

6. Remove your fishing rod from the rod

holder and let out more fishing line.

As you do this, the line release will

slide down the tow line. Stop the

first line just short of the Otter

Boat ® . (This line should be run with

a shallow running lure). Now, set the

drag and drag clicker on your fishing

reel and place your fishing rod back in

the rod holder closest to the front of

the boat.

7. Now, take your second fishing rod from

the rod holder and repeat step 4. On this

fishing line, that is closer to the boat,

you may choose to vary the depth of

your lure presentation by using a

Mini-Diver or Deep’R Diver ® disk

attached about 4 feet ahead of your

lure. Now repeat steps 5 and 6 and

place your fishing rod in the next rod

holder back from the back from the

first rod holder.

NOTE: Each successive fishing line

added to the tow line should be placed below the previous fishing line to avoid tangling with other lines when a fish strikes and pulls the fishing line from the line release.

Now, you are ready to repeat steps 4 through 7 on the other side of the boat.

Using The Big Jon Sports

®

In-Line Planers...

1. Bring your boat to trolling speed. Then

let your lure out to the desired fishing

distance behind the boat. Once your lure

is out to the desired distance, set the drag

clicker on your reel to prevent it from

free-spooling. Then place your fishing

rod in the rod holder.

2. Take hold of the fishing line and clip

the swivel clip (at the back of the planer)

around the line (as shown in drawing A).

Then, attach the line release to the

fishing line, ahead of the swivel clip

(as shown in drawing B).

3. Remove your fishing rod from the rod

holder and place the planer in the water.

Keep your rod tip high and let out line

until the planer moves out to the desired

distance from the boat.

NOTE: The maximum distance that an

in-line planer will move away from a

boat is governed by the height of the

fishing rod’s tip. This makes longer

fishing rods desirable when fishing

with in-line planers.

4. When the in-line planer has reaches

the desired distance from the boat, set

the drag clicker on your reel to prevent

it from free-spooling. Then, place the

fishing rod in the front rod holder. Set

the rod holder to hold the fishing rod

straight up to keep the rod tip as high

as possible. This will allow the planer to

gain the greatest distance from the boat.

Next, repeat steps 1 through 4 with the

fishing rod in the rear rod holding. Then

follow the same procedure for the rods

on the opposite side of the boat.

5. When a fish strikes your lure, the line release will

“Pop-Off”, allowing the planer to slide down the line to a

“Speedo Bead”. The Speedo

Bead is placed approximately

18 inches in front of the lure to keep the planer from interfering with the fish.

In-Line Planer

Line Releases...

Otter ® Release

The Otter ® Release is the “Plug and Barrel” style of release. To use it, fit your fishing line into the notch in the plug end of the release. Then press the plug and fishing line into the barrel end of the release.

The amount of pressure you apply when inserting the plug will determine if it will “pop-off” with a light or hard strike.

Offshore ® Release

The Offshore Release is a

“Pinch Pad” style of release.

To use it, pinch top and bottom halves of the release to open the pads. Then insert the fishing line between the pads and release the pressure to allow the pads to close around the fishing line.

Using The Big Jon Sports

®

Mini-Diver And

Deep’r Diver

®

Disks...

You will find that the Big Jon Sports ®

Mini-Diver and Deep’r Diver ® disks are the easiest diver disks you can use.

1. Start by tying the line coming from your

fishing rod to the clip located on the top

and center of the diver disk. Then, tie a

length of line (approximately four feet long)

to the rear clip on the disk. Tie your lure to

the other end of this line.

If you use a shorter rod, the lure should

be approximatley twelve inches from

the reel, wheh the diver is at the

rod tip.

2. The nose weight on the bottom of the

diver disk determines the direction the

diver will travel from the boat. When the

nose weight is set at the center mark,

the diver will travel straight back from

the boat. Move the nose weight to the

right (when viewed from the bottom of

the diver) and the diver will travel to

the right side of the boat. Move the

nose weight to the left (when viewed

from the bottom of the diver) and the

diver disk will travel to the left side of

the boat.

3. While the boat is at trolling speed,

place your lure and then the diver in

the water and let out your line. Apply

slight pressure to the reel’s spool with

your thumb to create some resistance

for the diver to work against. The diver

disk will work against the water’s

resistance and pull down to a

deeper depth.

4. As you are letting out your fishing

line, you will reach a point where

your line starts to move back towards

the rear of the boat. When this happens,

the diver has reached it’s maximum

depth.

Because of many variables, such as

speed, line weight, lure weight and

water temperature that affect the

performance of any diver, there are

no exact charts to determine how

much line to let out to reach a

given depth.

5. Once the diver has reached it’s

maximum depth or the depth you’ve

decided to stop at, set the drag

clicker on your reel to prevent the reel

from free-spooling and place your rod

in a rod holder.

Now you are ready to repeat steps

1 through 5 with your remaining fishing rods.

6. When a fish strikes your lure, the

tension of the fish pulling on the

fishing line will cause the diver disk

to be pulled straight in-line with the

fishing line. This feature eliminates

any water resistance, so you fight

only the fish. No “Pop-Off” release

is needed when you are using

Big Jon ® diver disks.

Locating feeding fish is one of the most important skills a fisherman can develop.

You can mark fish on your fish finder and not entice them to strike your lure if they are not in their “Feeding Zone”!

Most species of fish have a preferred temperature of water that they will actively feed in. Find this area of temperature with fish present and you will greatly increase your chances of catching fish.

Remember, fish are cold blooded. In water that is too cold, fish will be dormant, sluggish and will not feed. In water that is too warm, they will be seeking a more comfortable environment. So an understanding of understanding of how different temperatures of water break up will help you locate feeding fish.

Here are the two main ways different temperatures of water will break up.

On inland lakes, water temperatures tend to settle into horizontal layers of warm and cold water that are separated by a moderating layer, known as the“Thermocline”

(a zone of rapid temperature change). While the cold water below the thermocline may be depleted of oxygen, the thermocline usually contains sufficient oxygen for cold water species like Salmon and Trout. This will be the depth where you will find the best fishing.

On larger bodies of water, like the oceans and the Great Lakes, masses of water temperature are much larger and in a constant state of change. The location of these large masses of temperature are highly affected by changes in weather conditions. These large masses of warm and cold water also have a moderating layer known as a “Temperature Break” (also referred to as “scum lines”). Scum lines are teaming with microorganisms, aquatic insects, bait fish and, of course, game fish.

Because of the constant shifting of the warm and cold masses of water, a temperature break often appears as a vertical layer. The temperature break will be the most active feeding zone and offer the best fishing.

Taking out the guess work...

Equipped with modern electronics, today’s fishermen need not go fishing “blind”! With fish/depth finders they know what is going on below. And with a “submersible probe” like the Fish Hawk ® Thermo-Troll # 840, speed and temperature can be read at the cannonball as well as the surface. (Often there are vary different readings between the two depths).

Another “high-tech” asset used on the Great

Lakes is to study “Surface Temperature” maps, gathered via satellite. (The maps are updated daily).

To access the maps go to:

www.bigjonsports.com

Big Jon Sports

®

Limited Lifetime Warranty

(Effective On Purchases Made On 12/1/12 Or Later)

(THIS PRODUCT MUST BE REGISTERED FOR THE WARRANTY TO BE VALID!)

Big Jon Sports ® Inc. hereby warrants the product listed below, to the original purchaser (nontransferable), when the product is registered by mail or electronically through our website (within 30 days of purchase). Big Jon Sports ® products are warranted against defective workmanship and/or material defects when used for the purpose intended, under normal conditions, and provided the product receives proper care. The following schedule indicates the specific duration of time & description of warranted products.

Big Jon Sports ® products covered by a Lifetime Warranty are as follows:

Manual and Electric Downriggers, Manual and Electric Planer Riggers and Auto-Stop Systems.

Fill out the Registration Form at the bottom of this page and mail it to:

Big Jon Sports ® • 11455 US-31 South • Interlochen, MI 49643

OR go on-line at www.bigjonsports.com and click on “Lifetime Warranty” at the top of the home page and fill out the Electronic Registration Form at the bottom of the Lifetime Warranty page.

Big Jon Sports ® products covered by a One Year Warranty are as follows:

All Rod Holders, Net Holders, Transom Bars, Mounting Bases, Ball Cradles, Mini-Divers, Deep’r Divers ®

In-Line Planers, Side-Liner ® In-Line Planers, Otter ® Boats, All Line Releases,

, Otter ® In-Line Planers, Mini-Otter ®

Motor Covers, Cable Caps, Lock-Down Bolts, Snubbers and Replacement Parts.

Return the Product with a Copy Of Your Sales Receipt to:


Big Jon Sports ® products not covered by a Warranty are as follows:

Rubber Bands and Apparel.

Warranty Coverage Exclusions:

• When the product has been used for any use other than the intended use that it was designed for.

• When the product has been improperly installed, modified, serviced, repaired or handled in any manner other than as

Described in the Owner’s Manual (provided with the product).

• When the product has been subject to obvious neglect.

• When the product has not been washed with fresh water, after use in salt water.

• When damage is the result of any boating or transporting accident.

• When the downrigger has been submerged.

• When damage or loss is the result of entanglement with obstructions beneath the water’s surface.

• When any oils, lubricants, grease solvents or lock-tite has been applied to the plastic components of the product.

• When planer reels have been wound with monofilament line or “weed wacker” line.

Making Warranty Service Arrangements:

You may contact the Big Jon Sports ® Service Department by calling: (231) 275-1010 between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm

(Eastern Time), Monday through Friday, or by emailing them through the Service Department Page of the

Big Jon Sports ® website.

The product to be covered by the warranty must be shipped to Big Jon Sports

Shipping charges to Big Jon Sports

® , for inspection, repair or replacement.

The product to be covered by the warranty must be returned with the sales receipt.

® are the responsibility of the customer.

The warranty provided herein is in lieu of all other expressed warranties. All other obligations or liabilities, including liabilities for consequential damages, or losses are hereby excluded.

Big Jon Sports ® Service Department

Big Jon Sports ® Inc. builds the best trolling products available. We are committed to providing our customers with the best service in the sport fishing industry! You will be greeted in a polite, friendly manner by our knowledgeable service technicians.

Just call: (231) 275-1010 or go on-line at: www.bigjonsports.com

Then click SERVICE in the main menu bar to email your questions directly to our Service Department.

We will respond to your emails promptly, in most cases within 24 hours.


Phone: (231) 275-1010 • Fax: (231) 275-1009

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