Cannon DRs versus Scotty rod holders... Help plz (SOLVED!!)

[FishnAddict]

I recently purchased a set of Canon digitroll downriggers to replace 2 of the 4 Scotty 1106s on my boat. 

I've used the new downriggers a few times now and absolutely can't stand the cannon rod holders, they are horrible. Having used Scotty gear for over 28 years, I'm very disappointed in the Cannon rod holders that don't kept the trolling rods facing upright. 

Please share a viable solution if you have one. 

Thanks in advance! 
-BWC

[wiperhunter2]

I recently purchased a set of Canon digitroll downriggers to replace 2 of the 4 Scotty 1106s on my boat. 

I've used the new downriggers a few times now and absolutely can't stand the cannon rod holders, they are horrible. Having used Scotty gear for over 28 years, I'm very disappointed in the Cannon rod holders that don't kept the trolling rods facing upright. 

Please share a viable solution if you have one. 

Thanks in advance! 
-BWC

I guess it depends on what you have grown accustom to using, I can't say I've ever had a problem with my Cannon rod holders. There are so many positions they can be put in, I guess I'm not sure what you are referring to  Why can't you face the holders upright? There are adjustments for up and down, fwd and aft. A pic might help.

[dubob]

I recently purchased a set of Canon digitroll downriggers to replace 2 of the 4 Scotty 1106s on my boat. 

I've used the new downriggers a few times now and absolutely can't stand the cannon rod holders, they are horrible. Having used Scotty gear for over 28 years, I'm very disappointed in the Cannon rod holders that don't kept the trolling rods facing upright. 

Please share a viable solution if you have one. 

Thanks in advance! 
-BWC

Since the Cannon rod holders can be adjusted vertically and horizontally, I assume you are probably meaning that the round tubes will not hold a level wind reel facing up - on top of the rod.  Cannon rod tubes are not open ended such that the rod can be placed in the tube so the reel rests against the top end of the tube edge keeping it friction mounted and reducing the chance of it rotating the reel around and under the rod.  Scotty tubes are open ended at both ends (not possible with the Cannon mount design) and the top end has a slight angle so the reel resting against that angle will prevent it from rotating.  The only fix I can think of to keep the reels facing up is to use a gunnel mounted rod holder from RAM, Cannon, Scotty, etc.

[ReelMasta]

These are my manual DRs

[BYUHunter]

I have never had this issue with any of my many Cannon Downriggers. I understand what you mean about the weight of the reel making the rod want to rotate downward, but if you have enough tension on the DR clip, this should be a non-issue. Try loading the rod more/putting more tension on the clip and that should fix your issue.

[BearLakeFishGuy]

I haven't had this issue with my Canon rod holders either. I put as much tension as possible on my rods without them releasing and it keeps my level-wind reels "upright"..... and I'm using a fairly substantial sized (i.e. heavy) reel too. FYI, I use 8.5' downrigger rods and NOT some 6' ugly sticks with spinning reels....just like the picture that Reelmasta posted.

[ReelMasta]

OMG.  WHY THE DIG?  Rude... Just sharing a very successful set up hoping to help with the post.  And BTY, those are kokanee specific rods not ugly sticks, and neither one has a spinning reel.

[wiperhunter2]

OMG.  WHY THE DIG?  Rude... Just sharing a very successful set up hoping to help with the post.  And BTY, those are kokanee specific rods not ugly sticks, and neither one has a spinning reel.

I could be wrong but I don't think he was referring to you, I think he was just saying he uses the same setup you have but he doesn't use ugly sticks, that others might use.

[BearLakeFishGuy]

No dig whatsoever, just like Wiperhunter2 said. I do see people using 5-6' ugly stick with spinning reels for their downrigger rods. I also see people reeling spinning reels with the reels facing "up". My downrigging gear looks just like the ones Reelmasta posted. I can't fathom how you saw what I posted as a "dig"? I would never beat around the bush like many people do. If I have something to say, I say it.

Going back to the original post, on my Canon MiniMags I could use a dremel cut-off wheel and remove the bottom of the rod holder tube so my rod would go all the way through it and have the reel sit against the top of the tube....as was mentioned. I don't have a need for that with proper tension my rods though.

[kandersonSLC]

I agree that with enough tension on the rod that it keeps the reel upright in the Cannon rod holder.

[FishnAddict]

Okay, first off thank you to all who've posted responses.

Secondly my apologies as I haven't responded earlier as I been out on the water testing out a great solution.

I have tried using the suggested approaches with the OEM cannon rod holders... and they simply don't cut it for me  I don't have time or patience to babysit the tension on the rods constantly given the depth changes of where I frequently fish.  Plus, I personally don't like fishing with overly heavy tackle and I don't like the way you have to keep so much tension on the line in order to keep the rod straight. There's a better way.

So I believe I've solved the problem once and for all. I've 3D printed an adapter that fits into the cannon rod side mounts, but then adapts directly to a Scotty rod holder.  This way I can have a BUNCH of tension, or NONE at all and my rods stay perfectly upright as it should without any handling from me.  Where I take a lot of kids or others that aren't focused on the details of fishing, this lets everything run hands free.

Here's some pictures of the elegant and proven solution.  Ultra hard and UV protection.

Questions welcome and again thank you to all those who've provided input.

-Fishn Addict