Abstract: An improved downrigger particularly adapted for use in downtrolling terminal fishing tackle at a selectable depth in the water, the improved downrigger including an improved base enabling the downrigger to be readily mounted on and removed from a boat, the base carrying a boom which may be easily indexed to any of four positions without requiring removal of the boom and associated mounting means therefor from the base. The downrigger also includes a cable reel and crank handle means that may be readily mounted for either right or left hand use, and, in addition, the downrigger includes means for indicating the depth or distance at which a trolling weight or terminal fishing tackle are being trolled in the water. In several embodiments of the invention, the boom may also be easily and quickly extended and retracted and improved means is provided for locking the boom in the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A downrigger for use in maintaining terminal fishing tackle at a desired depth in the water, the downrigger including a base housing indexably mounted on a base adapted to be fixed to a water craft, the base housing carrying a telescoping extensible boom which may be moved to an unobtrusive position when not in use and which also incorporates improved means for preventing jamming of the trolling weight cable during trolling operations. The base housing also carries a cable reel having a single crank handle readily adaptable for either right or left hand use, and the base housing includes means for securely holding a fishing rod during trolling operations while permitting the fishing rod to be easily and quickly released from the downrigger when a fish strikes.