POWER Amplifiers

400, 760, 880, 900, 920, 1050
Installation & Operation Manual
Amplificadores Power Manual de Instalacin y Operacin Amplificateurs Power Manual de Installation et Operation

Contents

Introduction. 1 Features and Specifications. 2 Installation. 3 Power Wiring. 4 Speaker Wiring. 6 Indicators and Controls. 10 Testing. 11 Remote Input Level Control. 11 Troubleshooting. 12 CEA Power Output. 13

Contenido

Introduccin.15 Caractersticas y Especificaciones.16 Instalacin.17 Cableado de Energa.18 Cableado de Altavoz.20 Indicadores y Controles.24 Testeo.25 Control de Nivel de Entrada Remoto.25 Localizacin de Problemas.26 Salida de Energa CEA.27

Table des matires

Introduction. 29 Fonctions et spcifications. 30 Installation. 31 Cblage puissant. 32 Cblage des haut parleurs. 34 Indicateurs et contrles. 38 Essais. 39 Contrle du niveau d'entre distance. 39 Dpannage. 40 Sortie de puissance CEA. 41

PowerPlus Amplifiers

Introduction
The Jensen Power series of amplifiers were designed to meet or exceed the CEA-2006 test standards. These new standards give all participating manufacturers (and many don't participate) a baseline when comparing amplifiers of similar power output. The CEA Power rating protects you, the customer. Power is power it doesn't matter who makes it, is not always true. What does matter is whether the power can be produced in the first place. The RMS rating is the true power you are getting. At Jensen, to be fair to you and to the competition, we rate our amps in the two most popular ratings, including the CEA RMS rating. So feel confident that your Jensen purchase decision was a sound one, and remember "If it's Too Loud, You're Too Old."

Before You Begin

We need to get the legal stuff out of the way, so please keep reading. Afterwards, youll be armed with the knowledge to install your new hard-hitting, speaker-pumping Jensen amplifier. Exposure to loud sounds or music can permanently damage your hearing. Unfortunately, in many cases, the damage is not noticeable until years later. In addition, loud music may hinder your ability to hear traffic, police, and fire or emergency vehicles. Please be responsible and have respect for other people by listening at moderate volumes!

Warranty Service

If your Jensen amplifier should ever require service, you will need the original dated receipt. If you must return the unit for any reason, always include the receipt with the product.
Features and Specifications
Your new Jensen Power mobile stereo power amplifier is the amplifier of choice for the high demands of auto sound reproduction. With its deep-bass reproduction and plenty of reserve power, low harmonic distortion and neutral reproduction, the Power series of amplifiers takes Mobile Hi-Fi to new heights. Like all Jensen products, when it comes to accurate sound reproduction the Power series takes a back seat to no one. Jensen will bring your Hi-Fi experience to new heights with the following features: MOSFET Power Supply High Current Bi-Polar Output Transistors Optimized Class B Design Minimizes Distortion and Reduces Idle Current Easily Drives 2-Ohm Loads Pass-Thru RCA's Variable Bass EQ 0 - 12dB @ 45 Hz 12dB / Octave Low Pass and High Pass filters Variable Input Level 400mV - 5V Short Circuit, DC-offset and Thermal Overload Protection Circuitry Diagnostic LED's - Green: Power, Red: Standby / Fault Low Pass Filter 40 - 300 Hz High Pass Filter 40 - 300 Hz High Pass / Low Pass / Full Range Selector Switch Stereo / Mono Mode Switch (Power 400 and 880 only) 2/ 3 / 4 Channel Mode Switch (Power 760 and 920 only)) Mono Subwoofer Amp Low Pass Filter 40 - 240 Hz (Power 900) Low Pass Filter 40 - 150 Hz (Power 1050) Subsonic Filter 10 - 40 Hz, 12dB / octave (Power 900) Subsonic Filter 15 - 55 Hz, 12dB / octave (Power 1050) Remote Input Level Control (Remote Bass Control) w/ 5 Meter Interface Cable

Input Impedance: 20 kHz, nominal THD+N @ 5 Watts: 0.02%, 1 kHz, 14.4VDC

Power 900 / 1050

Signal to Noise @ 120 Hz: >100dB (Rated Power) Channel Separation Not Applicable THD+N @ 5 Watts: 0.02%, 125 Hz, 14.4VDC

Power Output

RMS Power Output @ 2% THD+N, 1kHz, 14.4VDC

Power 400

75 x 2 Watts, 4-Ohm 100 x 2 Watts, 2-Ohm 200 x 1 Watts, 4-Ohm Bridged

Power 760

75 x 4 Watts, 4-Ohm 100 x 4 Watts, 2-Ohm 190 x 2 Watts, 4-Ohm Bridged Stereo
Power 400 / 760 / 880 / 920

Power 880

135 x 2 Watts, 4-Ohm 220 x 2 Watts, 2-Ohm 440 x 1 Watts, 4-Ohm Bridged

Power 900

300 x 1 Watts, 4-Ohm 450 x 1 Watts, 2-Ohm

Power 920

100 x 4 Watts, 4-Ohm 140 x 4 Watts, 2-Ohm 230 x 2 Watts, 4-Ohm Bridged Stereo

Power 1050

350 x 1 Watts, 4-Ohm 525 x 1 Watts, 2-Ohm Specifications subject to change without notice.

Specifications

Load Impedance: 2 / 4-Ohm Signal to Noise @ 1 kHz: >100dB (rated power) Channel Separation @ 1 kHz: >60dB Frequency Response: 5-60 kHz, -3dB 2

Installation

Before you begin the installation of your Power series amp remember, there are two ways to do things right and twice! Use the proper installation techniques, tools and accessories to ensure that your Jensen Power series amp will put out all the power it was designed to. If necessary, seek a professional installer to have the amplifier installed correctly. Most mobile amp installations do not have the proper gauge wire for power and ground do not let your amp be a victim of this common installation oversight! NOTE: This device is a high-power audio amplifier intended for installation in vehicles with a 12-Volt negative ground electrical system. Attempting to connect or operate the amplifier with another type of electrical system may cause damage to the amplifier or the electrical system.
going to the vehicle chassis) and make sure the battery is grounded to the chassis with at least a #8 gauge wire. Also check the alternator connections, making sure they are tight and free from corrosion, rust or dirt.

Location and Mounting

The amplifiers compact design allows great flexibility in mounting. Common mounting locations include under the front passenger seat or in the trunk area. When selecting a location, remember that amplifiers generate heat. Select a location on a flat surface away from heat and moisture where air can circulate around the amplifier. Place the amplifier in the mounting location and mark the positions of the holes with a marker, pen or pencil. Carefully drill the mounting holes in the marked positions, then use the supplied mounting screws to securely fasten the amplifier to the mounting surface. WARNING: Do not cover the amplifier with carpets or enclose it behind interior trim panels, and do not mount the amplifier in an inverted or upside down configuration. Be sure the mounting location and the drilling of pilot holes will not damage any wires, control cables, fuel lines, fuel tanks, hydraulic lines or other vehicle systems or components.

Installation Assistance

For installation assistance, call 1-800-323-4815 during normal business hours, or visit www.jensen.com at any time.
Supplies and Tools Needed
To install the amplifier, you will need tools, supplies and adapters. It is best to make sure you have everything you need before you start.

Routing Wires

Proper wiring connections are illustrated on the following pages. If wiring connections are made incorrectly, the unit will not operate properly and could become permanently damaged. Follow the installation instructions carefully, or have the amplifier installed by an experienced technician.

Supplies

Black electrical tape Amplifier Installation Kit
Cordless drill with assortment of bits Flat-head and Philips screwdrivers Wire cutters/strippers Crimping tool 12-volt test light or digital multimeter Wire brush, sandpaper or scraping tool (ground connection to vehicle should be a clean, unpainted metal surface)

Disconnect Battery

Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable before starting the installation. Check the battery ground (there should be two (2) ground wires coming from the battery one going to the starter mounting bolt or engine block and another 3

Power Wiring

Charging System
In some cases, the installation of just one (1) amplifier could be enough to overload your factory electrical system (i.e., alternator). Depending on the state of your electrical system and overall condition of your vehicle, you may need to upgrade your alternator and battery. After the vehicle is started, the alternator provides the power to your electrical system, not the battery. When the engine is running, the alternator is your main source of power. Upgrading the alternator should be your first consideration if you should experience a voltage drop in the system when operating your audio system. Adding capacitors and/or batteries without upgrading the alternator will only make the problem worse because these devices put an extra load on the alternator. After upgrading the alternator, capacitors and/or batteries can be installed if desired. Use the following recommended wire gauge as a guide when installing your amplifier(s): MODEL NUMBER MAX CURRENT DRAW 25A 40A 60A 60A 60A 100A MIN WIRE GAUGE #8 #8 #6 #6 #6 #4

Power Terminal (+12V/B+)

Connect the main power wire to the battery, within 18 inches from the positive (+) battery post, using an adequate size fuse or circuit breaker capable of handling the current of the selected power wire. A fuse or circuit breaker must be installed to prevent a possible electrical fire should the main power wire short to ground.

Battery Terminal Adaptor

Fuse or Circuit Breaker
Install as close to the battery as possible.

Remote Terminal (REM)

Connect the power antenna or amplifier turn-on lead from the receiver to the amplifier remote terminal.
Remote Turn-On (Power Antenna)

FADE B BAL

CD-R/R W

REC EIV

WA TTSx 4

LOC /DX

INT 3 RPT 4 SHF 5

SUB-W CHAN GER

i X-BASS
POWER Amplifiers Ground Terminal (GND)
Make the ground lead as short as possible, leaving enough length to complete the installation and to allow for any service that may be needed at a later date. To ensure a good ground, scrape away any paint or undercoating to expose bare metal. Use a "ring" terminal of the proper gauge and an "outside star washer" (between the chassis and ring terminal) when making your ground connection. Although youve scraped away the paint to expose bare metal, the outside star washer will help to "bite into" the chassis for a tight, secure ground.
Drill hole in chassis sheet metal.
Replacement Fuse Requirements (FUSE)
Model Quantity Amps Type ATO ATO ATO ATO ATO ATO

Speaker Wiring

The Speaker Wiring diagrams illustrate options for connecting one or two speakers. Observe the proper speaker polarity. NOTE: Power amplifiers can drive speakers with a nominal impedance range of 2~ 4-ohms. For maximum power, configure your speakers for a nominal 2-ohm load.

Power 400/880

Two Speakers

4 ohm nominal

One Subwoofer
NOTE: Do not overlook the use of the proper gauge speaker wire. The Power series of amplifiers require a minimum of 12-gauge wire.

SPEAKER OUTPUT

Power 900/1050

Two Subwoofer

+ LEFT - + RIGHT BRIDGED

MONO STEREO

MODE X-OVER

FULL HPF LPF

X-OVER

STEREO

Tri-Mode

Inductor

Capacitor
POWER Amplifiers Power 760/920

Four Speakers

4 ohm nominal 2 ohm minimum
Two Speakers and Bridged Subwoofer

+ CH1 + CH3 -

+ CH2 + CH4 -

BRIDGED

Two Subwoofers

Input Wiring

Most trunk/hatchback installations will require a 15-20 foot RCA cable, while pickup trucks and under-seat mounting will require a 6-12 foot RCA cable. Connect an RCA cable from your receiver to the RCA input on your amplifier.

Power 760/920

The Power 760 and 920 can be configured for three different input modes: 2 channel, 3 channel or 4 channel.
Input Wiring - Stereo Mode

2 Channel

RCA Cable

CAR STEREO / SOURCE UNIT

LINE INPUT

CH1 CH3

LEVEL BASS EQ

LINE OUT

Input Wiring - Mono Mode

12dB 40Hz

300Hz 40Hz 300Hz
min max 0dB 12dB 40Hz 300Hz 40Hz 300Hz FULL

HPF LPF

3 Channel

4 Channel

NOTE: The use of good quality RCA cables is just as important as power and speaker wire. Choose a high quality low capacitance cable for the best results.
Connecting Additional Amplifiers
Pass-Thru RCA connectors are provided to connect additional amplifiers without the need to purchase "Y" adapters.

Indicators and Controls

Power Indicator (POWER)
The power indicator provides a visual indication that the amplifier is turned on.
speakers (6 1/2", 6 X 9", etc.) by adjusting the crossover to a higher setting (80100Hz).

Crossover (X-OVER)

The Jensen Power series of amplifiers have built-in low-pass and high-pass crossover filters for bi-amplifying the system. Adjust the crossover to accommodate your chosen installation method. Select LPF (low pass filter) when the amplifier will be driving woofers or subwoofers. Choose FULL when crossover mode is not active and the amplifier is in full range mode. Select HPF (high pass filter) when the amplifier will be driving full-range or separate speakers, and you want to limit the bass being transferred to these speakers.
Input Level Control (LEVEL)
The input LEVEL control matches the output of your radio to the input of the amplifier. After the installation is complete, make sure the input level control on the amplifier is turned down all the way (counter-clockwise or all the way to the left). Play a tape or CD (make sure bass and treble settings or Bass EQ are flat) and turn the volume up slowly until you just start to hear distortion. Back the volume down just a bit. On the amplifier, slowly turn up the input level control (clockwise or to the right) until you just start to hear distortion, then back it down a bit. Now your radio and amplifier levels are matched.

Mode Switch

Power 400 and 880
The 400 and 880 come equiped with a MONO/STEREO MODE switch. Use STEREO mode when you have a 2-channel input from the source unit. Use MONO mode when you have a single input from the source unit. See Input Wiring on page 8.

BASS EQ

The Bass EQ is continuously adjustable from 0 to +12dB @ 45Hz. Adjusting the Bass Boost level allows different subwoofer/enclosure combinations to be equalized. Use this control to increase the level of low bass available from your subwoofer/enclosure combination. Ported and Band Pass enclosures should be limited to about +6dB to +9dB of boost. Sealed enclosures should be able to accept the full +12dB of boost, if necessary. The full +12dB of boost should be reserved for special applications since improper use of the Bass Boost could damage your subwoofers at high volumes.

Power 760 and 920

The 760 and 920 come equiped with a 2/3/4 MODE switch and can be configured for three different input modes: 2 channel, 3 channel or 4 channel.

Low Pass Filter (LPF)

The Low Pass Filter controls adjust the crossover point. Typical crossover is between 60Hz and 80Hz for ported and sealed enclosures. Bandpass boxes will typically use a higher crossover setting between 125Hz and 150Hz. Since musical tastes vary, you should play music that you would normally listen to in your vehicle, with the above settings as a starting point. If necessary, set the crossover by ear.

High Pass Filter (HPF)

The high pass filter will limit the low frequencies being transmitted to your speakers. This can be useful in number of situations. For example, if you selected the high pass filter and set the crossover to 40Hz, then you would have an infra-sonic (sub-sonic) filter at 40Hz, which would be useful with certain enclosure/subwoofer combinations that were tuned between 45Hz and 50Hz. Other uses might include limiting the low frequencies to smaller

Testing

Before finishing the installation, perform the following tests to make sure the wiring is correct and everything is operating properly.
Remote Input Level Control
The Power 900 and 1050 come equipped with a Remote Input Level Control. The Remote Input Level Control allows the input level to be adjusted from an alternate location. It can be mounted under-dash or in-dash. When the amplifier is used to drive subwoofers and the low pass crossover is activated, the Remote Input Level Control can be used as a remote bass level control. This enables you to control the bass level independent from the rest of the system. This is convenient for system tuning and/or when playing many different types of music. The Remote Input Level Control uses a 6-pin modular cable for connectivity. Simply plug the 6-pin modular cable into the amplifier and then into the Remote Input Level Control to activate the circuit.

Reconnect Battery

When wiring is complete, reconnect the battery negative terminal.

Test Power Wiring

Turn on the receiver, but do not turn up the volume. The amplifier power light should come on. If not, check the REM and +12V (B+) wires. Turn up the receiver volume slightly. All speakers should operate. If not, check wiring connections at amplifier and speakers.

Test Speaker Connections

These tests make sure the speakers are connected properly. If speakers dont play at all, one (or both) speaker wires may be disconnected.

Min Max

REMOTE CONTROL

OUTPUT INPUT

POWER PROTECT REMOTE CONTROL
BASS BOOST SUB SONIC LOW PASS LEVEL

Troubleshooting

Problem Amplifier does not turn on Possible Cause No power to +12V terminal No power to REM terminal Blown main fuse at battery Blown fuse at amplifier Faulty ground Corrective Action Check fuse(s) Check head unit fuse(s) and wiring Replace fuse and identify cause of failure Replace fuse and identify cause of failure Re-ground main power ground to bare metal chassis Re-adjust the input level (refer to page 8) Re-adjust the input level (refer to page 8) Reconnect power wires properly Take unit for service Use good quality shielded RCA cables Re-ground amp to clean bare metal chassis Re-ground head unit to clean bare metal chassis Re-route RCA and/or speaker wires away from factory harnesses Re-adjust input level (refer to page 8) If the amplifier thermals frequently while driving subwoofers, install fan to keep amp cool.
Short circuit protection activated
Low impedance protection activated
Volume control too sensitive Distorted sound
Input level control adjusted too high Input level control adjusted too high Blows fuse(s) at amp Power wires connected backwards Internal problem with amp Engine noise / Ground loop(s) Alternator whine Faulty ground at amp Faulty ground at head unit Inductive coupling

Poor bass response

Blown speakers Speaker wire(s) shorting to ground Defective crossover Amp connected to improper load Amp will not drive a 1 ohm mono load, 2 ohm minimum in mono configuration Speakers defective/ blown Faulty passive crossovers Speakers out of phase
Check all speakers Check for faulty wiring Faulty passive crossover Check speaker connections Verify that speakers are connected properly
Check speakers Check crossovers Check speaker polarity; reverse the connection to one speaker only if two subwoofers are connected to the amplifier.
NOTE: If the protection light is activated with no speakers connected to the amplifier, and all the power connections are correct, this would indicate an internal problem with the amplifier.

Sortie de puissance : 125 watts RMS x 2 chanes multiplis par 4 ohm @< 1% THD+N Rapport signal au bruit : 100 dBA sous rfrence (Rfrence : 1 watt 4 ohm) Sortie de puissance supplmentaire : 200 watts x 2 chanes multiplis par 2 ohm @< 1% THD+N 410 watts x 1 chane (Pont Mono) multipli par 4 ohm @< 1% THD+N Rponse frquence : 10 Hz 60 kHz, -3dB (Rfrence : 1 watt) Dimensions : Longueur 14'' x Hauteur 2,5'' x Largeur 9,0''
Sortie de puissance : 230 watts x 1 chanes multipli par 4ohm @< 1% THD+N Rapport signal au buit : 100 dBA sous rfrence (Rfrence : 1 watt, 4ohm) Sortie de puissance supplmentaire : 340 watts RMS x 1 chanes multipli par 2 ohm @< 1% THD+N Rponse frquence : 10Hz 240 Hz, -3dB (Rfrence : 1watt) Dimensions : Longueur 15,75'' x Hauteur 2,5'' x Largeur 9,0
12-Month Limited Warranty
CD or Multimedia Radios/Headunits
Audiovox Electronics Corporation (the Company) is committed to quality and customer service, and are pleased to offer you this Warranty. Please read it thoroughly and contract the Company at 1-800-323-4815 with any questions. Who is covered? The Company extends this warranty to the original retail purchaser of products purchased through an authorized Audiovox retailer in the U.S.A., Puerto Rico or Canada. This warranty is not transferable or assignable. Proof of purchase is required in the form of an original sales receipt. What is covered? The Company warrants that should this product or any part thereof, under normal use, be proven defective in material or workmanship within 12 months from the date of original purchase, such defect(s) will be repaired or replaced with a new or reconditioned product (at the Company's option) without charge for parts and repair labor. What is not covered? This Warranty does not cover the following: Damage incurred during shipping or transporting the product to the Company or a service center Elimination of car static or motor noise Defects in cosmetic, decorative or non-operative structural parts Costs incurred for installation, removal or reinstallation of the product Consequential damage to any included plexiglass or lighting (i.e. neon or LED lights), accessories, or vehicle electrical systems Damage caused by improper installation, mishandling, misuse, neglect, accident, blown fuse, battery leakage, theft or improper storage; burned voice coils caused by over-driving the speaker; or mechanical failures due to punctures or tears Products whose factory serial number/bar code label(s) or markings have been removed or defaced Damage resulting from moisture, humidity, excessive temperature, extreme environmental conditions or external natural causes Please review the Care and Maintenance section of your Installation and Operation Manual for additional information regarding the proper use of your product.

DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE
Limitations THE EXTENT OF THE COMPANY'S LIABILITY UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT PROVIDED ABOVE AND, IN NO EVENT, SHALL THE COMPANY'S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID BY PURCHASER FOR THE PRODUCT. This Warranty is in lieu of all other express warranties or liabilities. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY. ANY ACTION FOR BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY HEREUNDER INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY MUST BE BROUGHT WITHIN A PERIOD OF 24 MONTHS FROM DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE. IN NO CASE SHALL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF THIS OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WHATSOEVER. No person or representative is authorized to assume for the Company any liability other than expressed herein in connection with the sale of this product. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damage so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Obtaining Warranty Service To obtain repair or replacement within the terms of this Warranty, call 1-800-323-4815 for the location of a warranty station serving your area. You must prepay the initial shipping charges to the Company. The Company will pay the return shipping charges for all warranteed products returned to an address within the U.S.A., Puerto Rico or Canada. Please package the product securely to avoid shipping damage. We recommend using a carrier that provides tracking service to prevent lost packages. Lost or damaged packages are not covered by this warranty. Provide a detailed description of the problem(s) for which you require service.

Garanta Limitada

Radios del CD o de los Multimedia
NO RETORNE ESTE PRODUCTO A LA TIENDA
Audiovox Electronics Corporation (la Compaa) es una corporacin comprometida con la calidad y el servicio al cliente, y se complace en ofrecerle esta Garanta. Por favor, lala completamente y contacte a la Compaa al 1-800-323-4815 por cualquier duda.

SINCE 1932

TECH BULLETIN

OREGON - WASHINGTON

C0LUMBIA RIVER WALLEYE
By Patrick McGann The Columbia River produces big walleye. very big walleye. There's no secret about that anymore. Sizes range into the high teens and anglers come here from all over North America to tangle with a genuine wallhanger, and just maybe, get their name in "The Book". POWER TROLLING Innovation has played a critical role in the relatively new walleye fishery on the Columbia River. The latest tactic, power trolling, is proving to be perhaps the deadliest and most consistent yet for big walleye in the middle stretches of the river. Power trolling is an aggressive strategy, but there is a method to its madness. Big walleye spend the warmer half of the year prowling the flats close to the bottom or lying in ambush near rocky structure. in both cases at 20 to 30 feet for fish over 4 pounds. They use their eyes to locate prey and their speed to overcome it. Target prey are shad and squawfish

POWER TROLLING

Compiled from the Diaries and Logs of the Luhr Jensen Fishing Research Team.
COLUMBIA RIVER POWER TROLLING HOT SPOTS
A. Below Bonneville Dam: Swifter water, heaviest pressure (mostly for other species), smallest fish but a growing fishery. B. Below The Dalles Dam: Good sleeper bet, nice fish and good quantity, but best structure somewhat difficult to find. C. Below John Day Dam: Excellent structure, good quantity and good size range but can get crowded. D. Below McNary Dam: Biggest fish, best structure, largest area, lightest pressure, but known as a challenging fishery.
Power trolling puts the angler into this aggressive feeding loop.
smolts, sculpins and the occasional salmon, steelhead or trout smolts. Walleye are NOT timid feeders. On the contrary, they are ferocious predators. When they see one of these fast-moving forage fish within their range, they strike with an aggressiveness that rivals ANY game fish! THE KEY Power trolling puts the angler into this aggressive feeding loop by realistically imitating the size, shape, color and behavior of the walleye's targeted food source at the depth range where the biggest walleye are lurking. I requires. absolutely. the conflicting requirements of a lure that looks and acts like the walleye's natural prey, yet can swim in the right depth range, down to 30 feet. Four plugs, manufactured virtually on top of this trophy fishery, meet both requirements perfectly: the Luhr Jensen
Power Dive Minnow, Hot Lips Express and Rock Walker. The first two feature the unique Tri-Lobe Power Bill which delivers incredible diving performance without any sacrifice in lure action. The Rock Walker has a highly-reflective brass diving bill that serves as an attractant also. And they all come in the right colors to mimic the walleye's food fish. What these plugs have allowed walleye anglers to do is to troll, without added weight or an added diving aid, right through the regular dining room of the biggest walleye in the river! SPEED KILLS All these baitfish have one thing in common. a slender, torpedo-shaped body and absolutely no desire to loiter in walleye-infested waters. They're fast movers, and to imitate them, you have to shuck your natural desire to slow down and sit on the fish. In other words. troll f-a-s-t. Crank it up. It works best from 3 to 4-1/ 2 m.p.h. Yes, that's pretty fast for trolling but keep in mind that your actual speed can vary somewhat depending on the speed of the river current. GET WAY, WAY BACK Let out a lot of line. The Power Dive

Minnow and Hot Lips Express will reach maximum depth at less than 100 feet of paid out line. Most of the experts now scoring regularly with this tactic are letting out anywhere from 150 to 200 feet of line, sometimes more, usually right around 170 to 180 feet. The idea at work here is to give the walleye a little room to move back into the trolling lane after your boat's sound and shadow have moved them out. WORK THE BOAT Most of the time you'll be heading upstream, but there will be current conditions which will require downstream trolling. For example, upstream trolling may increase line drag and pull your lure line up. Remember, the idea here is depth, lure action and speed. Cover the water. The speed aspect of this technique gives you the advantage over the jigger or slow troller when fish
. hundreds of yards if not miles of continuous structure.
are hard to find or scattered. Play the structure. The best is long, stepped cliffs and ledges running up and down the river.
Published as a service to the industry by Luhr Jensen, Inc., P.O. Box 297, Hood River, OR 97031

#8822-515

There's plenty of that, hundreds of yards if not miles of continuous structure. It's perfect for power trolling. Locate a shelf or ledge with a break point at 20 to 30 feet and troll the length of it, then work the ledge sides on deeper shelves for suspended fish. The other place to troll is in the flats. (While you need sonar to effectively find and mark ledges and shelves, you can use NOAA river charts with some degree of reliability to locate the flats.) The only way to work the flats efficiently is to troll, and because fish are isolated and roaming rather than concentrated and sitting still, power trolling is the most efficient way to troll those areas. LURE COLOR AND SIZE There is still a lot of experimenting going on in this category, but the basic colors settling out are White/Red Head, Silver/Chartreuse Back, Chartreuse/Red Head, Clearwater Flash, Fire Tiger, Purple Tiger and "Miss Piggy". During the summer you'll see more blue and chartreuse, and in the fall you'll see more reds and oranges because, in addition to being a dynamite tactic on walleye, power trolling also suckers salmon and steelhead. In all, about 14 colors are used commonly, but the list grown by the week. Beyond the basics above, as long as you stick to the basic blue, chartreuse and silver (and orange and red in late summer and early fall), it's largely angler preference. Lure size isn't as critical. The actual forage fish targeted by this class of walleye are between 5 and 8 inches in length, so anglers use the 1/4 Hot Lips and the 6inch Power Dive Minnow. WHEN Walleye can be taken on the Columbia year-round, but power trolling is most effective when they are most active. That's

Power Dive Minnow

Hot Lips Express
area). McNary is trophy country. It's the most challenging too. Before the dam was erected, there were dozens of small, rocky islands, now submerged. These offer outstanding walleye structure, but require a good hand with a sonar. A troller can spend years and never cover all the good channels and cover there. There are also good, isolated flats. The better water seems to be a little farther below the dam rather than closer to it. NUTS AND BOLTS To power troll, you'll need a boat that can handle the Columbia. It should be high-sided and relatively powerful, but bass boats work quite well, providing you keep a close eye on the wind, especially in the Columbia River Gorge. There really is no ideal rod-reel combination, but a stout rod with plenty of hooksetting power is recommended, such as a heavy action steelhead rod. Some use a lighter rod in order to judge lure action by rod tip movement. NOTE: Work back over 200 feet and is move at the upper end of the speed range, or move at the slower end of the scale and let out 150 to 180 feet. Heavier line gives you an advantage in setting the hook with the long line distances involved, while lighter line (limp 12-lb.) with less drag in the water allows deeper diving and better lure action. (Use 10- to 20-lb. test line). NOTE: by late summer, salmon and steelhead start showing up, so it's not a good idea to be using light line at that time of year! Reels are generally big baitcasters with fast retrieves and tight drags, though spinning reels can be used. AND FINALLY Once you get used to the idea that speed means more fish, power trolling is easy. Use the right plugs, the best colors, stay either on rocky structure or in the flats at the right depth zones (the Luhr Jensen deep divers do that for you) let out enough line, go fast (if in doubt, go faster), keep your bow upstream, and even on your first time out, you stand an excellent chance of catching big walleye.
Rock Walker ing that, the best areas to power troll are below Bonneville, The Dalles and especially John Day and McNary Dams. Of the four dams, Bonneville is the least favored because of arguably fewer and smaller fish available and less abundant cover. Yet some very nice fish are taken there but it gets hit hardest because it's closest to Portland. The Dalles has more flats than ledges, so it might have an edge for those without sonar. It has a reputation for having hardto-find structure. But if you take the time to learn it, you can find some excellent and uncrowded trolling. Stay close to the dam and explore the rip rap along the Oregon shoreline. The John Day Dam doesn't produce the huge fish McNary on the upstream does but it has an excellent average size in the 6 to 10-lb. range for power trollers. It also has some outstanding structure including stepped ledges that go for miles all the way from the deadline right below the dam down past Biggs to and beyond Miller Island off the mouth of the Deschutes River. There is an excellent submerged island on the Oregon side of the main channel, just below the deadline. It give you a good quarter-mile troll along stepped ledges set almost uniformly at 10-ft. increments (but that ledge is probably the hardest hit in the

It works everywhere. Then why are they trolling only below the dams?
from a week to ten days after the spawn (which is by no means a single, coordinated event; different fish spawn at different times in different parts of the river) through the summer and into the fall with a cutoff occurring roughly when the water at 20 to 30 feet gradually falls through the 45-degree into the 40-degree range. WHERE Everyone power trolling on the Columbia will say that it will work everywhere. Then why are they only trolling below the dams? Four reasons: 1) these walleye anglers know the tailrace areas best. 2) a stronger current seems to help lure action and currents are stronger below the dams. 3) forage fish are more concentrated below dams (where there's less river) than above. 4) the depth characteristics are more favorable below the dams. So, know-

LUHR-JENSEN TECH CAPSULE

TACTIC: Power Trolling SPECIES: Walleye, 4 to 10 pounds commonly, range to 18 pounds. WHERE: Middle stretches of the Columbia River BEST BETS: Top four miles below McNary, John Day, The Dalles, Bonneville Dams. in that order. LURES: Luhr-Jensen #600 Power Dive Minnow, 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 Hot Lips Express and 3/4 Rock Walker crankbaits. Colors: White/Red Head, Clearwa-
ter Flash, Chartreuse Shad, Silver/Blue Top/ Orange Belly, "Miss Piggy", Silver/ Chartreuse, Silver/Blue Top, Hot Head, Fire Tiger and Purple Tiger.
CONCEPT: Troll fast, let out a lot of line, use a realistic crankbait that can dive 20 to 30 feet. RIVER REPORTS: McNary - High Desert Marine, Hermiston 541-567-8419; John Day - Dinty's Market, Biggs 541-739-2236; The Dalles - Dinty's Market West 541298-1894; Bonneville, Covert's Landing, Cascade Locks 541-374-8577.
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