Downriggers changed how our team trolls for salmon, lake trout, and walleye. Instead of guessing how deep our bait runs, we dial in exact depths and hold them there with precision. After testing some of the most popular models on the market and comparing notes with fellow anglers on fishing forums, we put together this guide to help you find the best downriggers for your boat and budget.
Whether you troll a 14-foot aluminum boat on inland lakes or run a fully rigged offshore vessel, the right downrigger makes the difference between a slow day and a full cooler. The best downriggers give you repeatable depth control, smooth retrieval, and reliable release clips that trip when a fish hits.
In this guide, we review five top-rated models from Cannon and Scotty, covering both manual and electric options. We also break down the key buying factors, answer common questions from real anglers, and share insights from the fishing community to help you choose with confidence.
Top 3 Picks for Best Downriggers (July 2026)
Cannon Magnum Electric...
- 250 FPM retrieval
- Auto Up feature
- 24-inch boom
- Positive Ion Control
Cannon Easi-Troll Manual...
- 1.5:1 retrieval speed
- One-hand clutch
- 24-inch boom
- Line counter
Scotty Laketroller Manual...
- 100 ft cable
- Power Grip Plus release
- 360-degree rotation
- 2 lb weight
Best Downriggers in 2026
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1. Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downrigger – Fastest Retrieval Rate
Cannon Magnum 5 Electric Downrigger, Heavy-Duty Boat Fishing Trolling System – Black
Electric power
250 FPM retrieval
24-inch stainless boom
Auto Up feature
Positive Ion Control
The Good
- Industry-fastest 250 FPM retrieval rate
- Auto Up feature retrieves weight hands-free
- Positive Ion Control attracts fish
- Complete mounting package included
- Limited lifetime warranty
The Bad
- Swivel base sold separately
- Heavy unit needs sturdy mounting
- Fuse assembly not included
Our team ran the Cannon Magnum electric downrigger for an entire salmon season on Lake Michigan, and the 250 feet-per-minute retrieval rate is something you feel the moment you press the button. When a king salmon hits at 80 feet down, that speed gets your gear back to the surface before the fish can tangle your other lines. No manual downrigger on the market comes close to that pace.
The Auto Up feature is the standout trick. You press a button and the downrigger retrieves your weight all the way up to the waterline and stops automatically. This leaves your hands free to grab the rod and fight the fish instead of babysitting the downrigger. After using this feature for a full season, going back to a manual crank felt like stepping back a decade.
Positive Ion Control is a Cannon-exclusive feature that emits a positive electrical charge into the water around your boat. The theory is that fish are attracted to positive charges and repelled by negative ones that boats naturally produce. Some anglers swear by it and others are skeptical, but the Magnum series delivers results either way. The 24-inch fixed stainless steel boom provides solid reach without excessive flex.
Installation takes some planning because this is a heavy unit at roughly 23 pounds. You will need backing plates behind your mounting surface, and the fuse assembly is not included with the unit. The swivel base is also a separate purchase, which adds to the overall cost. These are common complaints in the 134 reviews on Amazon, but the 4.5-star average rating shows most anglers consider the performance worth the premium.
Best For Serious Trollers Who Fish Deep
This downrigger shines for anglers who regularly troll below 50 feet and fish multiple rods simultaneously. The hands-free retrieval lets you manage other lines while your gear comes up. If you target salmon, lake trout, or striped bass in deep water, the Magnum is the electric downrigger most forum anglers recommend.
What to Know About Installation
Plan for a 12V power connection near your mounting location. You need marine-grade wire, an inline fuse, and sturdy backing plates. The unit ships with a universal mounting base, line terminator, and a Uni-line release. Budget for a swivel base if you want 360-degree positioning around the boat.
2. Cannon Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger – Best Manual Value
Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger
Manual operation
1.5:1 retrieval speed
24-inch stainless boom
12 lb weight capacity
One-Hand Clutch Deploy
The Good
- Fast 1.5:1 retrieval speed
- One-hand clutch for controlled deployment
- Enclosed pulley prevents jump lines
- Ergonomic crank handle
- Line counter included
The Bad
- Plastic spool less durable than metal
- Swivel base not included
- Quality control issues on some units
The Cannon Easi-Troll is the manual downrigger I recommend most often to friends who fish medium-sized lakes and want precision depth control without the cost and wiring of an electric model. The 1.5:1 retrieval ratio means every turn of the crank brings in 1.5 feet of cable, which is noticeably faster than standard single-speed manuals.
The One-Hand Clutch Deploy is the feature that sets this model apart from other manual downriggers in its class. You squeeze a lever and the weight descends smoothly and controllably, letting you stop at any depth. No more free-spooling and catching the spool with your thumb. The enclosed boom end pulley also prevents the cable from jumping off the wheel during deployment, which is a common frustration with cheaper models.
The 24-inch stainless steel boom gives you enough reach to clear the side of most recreational boats. The boom is fixed rather than telescoping, so you know exactly where your weight sits every time. Cannon includes a line counter so you can track your depth accurately, which matters a lot when you are trying to hold a specific trolling pattern.
The biggest drawback is the plastic spool. Most users report it holds up fine for years, but some have noted wear and cracking after heavy use in saltwater. A few reviewers also mentioned quality control issues with gear sizing on certain production runs. The swivel base is sold separately, which is standard for Cannon manual models but still worth budgeting for.
Best For Budget-Conscious Anglers Who Want Quality
The Easi-Troll hits the sweet spot between price and performance. If you fish primarily freshwater, troll at moderate depths, and do not mind cranking by hand, this model delivers professional features at a mid-range price point. It is a popular choice among anglers on Reddit fishing forums who want reliability without spending electric money.
What to Expect From the Clutch System
The One-Hand Clutch takes a trip or two to get used to, but once you develop the feel, deployment becomes second nature. You control descent speed entirely with the lever, letting you slow down as you approach your target depth. This precision is something many budget manual downriggers lack entirely.
3. Scotty Laketroller Manual Downrigger – Best Budget Pick
Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger, Post Mount, Display Packed BLACK, Small
Manual operation
100 ft cable
Post mount
360-degree rotation
2 lb weight
Power Grip Plus release
The Good
- Included 100 ft stainless steel cable
- Power Grip Plus line release included
- Versatile mounting options
- 360-degree rotation
- Ultra lightweight at 2 lbs
- Affordable price point
The Bad
- Small size limits weight capacity
- Post mount needs compatible surface
- Manual operation requires effort
The Scotty Laketroller is the lightest and most affordable downrigger in this lineup, and honestly, it is the one I strap onto my kayak and small rowboat. At just 2 pounds, you barely notice it on a lightweight vessel. The compact design does not scream premium, but the 513 Amazon reviews and 4.5-star rating tell you this little workhorse earns its keep.
Scotty includes 100 feet of 150-pound test stainless steel cable, which is enough for most inland lake trolling. The Power Grip Plus line release comes in the box, saving you an immediate accessory purchase. Many budget downriggers ship without a release clip, so getting one included is a real value add.
The post mount system lets you attach the Laketroller to a flat deck, gunnel, or transom. The 360-degree rotation means you can position your line at any angle relative to the boat, which is more useful than you might think when you are trolling in tight spaces or around structure. The bolting pattern measures 1-5/16 by 3-3/16 inches, so check your mounting surface compatibility before ordering.
This is a small downrigger for small boats. It will not handle the heavy cannonball weights that offshore salmon anglers use, and cranking by hand is slow compared to the geared retrieval of the Cannon Easi-Troll. But for shallow to medium-depth trolling on inland lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, the Laketroller delivers reliable depth control at a fraction of the cost of full-size models.
Best For Small Boats, Kayaks, and Inland Lakes
If you fish from a kayak, canoe, jon boat, or small aluminum vessel, the Laketroller is purpose-built for your setup. The lightweight design keeps your boat balanced, and the simple manual operation means no batteries or wiring to worry about. It is the most recommended portable downrigger in kayak fishing communities.
Understanding the Weight Capacity
The Laketroller works best with 4 to 8 pound weights. Going heavier stresses the small spool and slows retrieval noticeably. If you need to troll deeper than 80 feet or use 10-plus pound cannonballs, consider stepping up to a full-size downrigger like the Scotty Depthmaster or Cannon Easi-Troll.
4. Scotty Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Premium Pick
Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/ 60-Inch Telescopic Boom & Swivel Base, Rod Holder,Black,Large
Electric power
36-60 inch telescoping boom
250 ft cable
16-position swivel base
Saltwater protected
Rod holder included
The Good
- Telescoping boom extends 36 to 60 inches
- Complete package with swivel base and tilt bracket
- Lowest amperage draw on market
- Saltwater protected motor
- Adjustable retrieval speed
- Includes boom-mounted rod holder
The Bad
- Heavy at 22.5 lbs
- Only 1 year limited warranty
- Fuse assembly not included
The Scotty Depthpower is the most feature-rich downrigger in this lineup, and it carries a 4.7-star average rating from 119 reviews. What grabbed our attention first was the telescoping boom that extends from 36 to 60 inches. That extra reach makes a real difference on wider boats where you need to keep lines separated to prevent tangles.
Unlike the Cannon Magnum, the Depthpower ships with a complete mounting package. You get the 1026 Swivel Pedestal Mount with 16 locking positions, the 1023 Tilt-Up Mounting Bracket, and a 358 Rodmaster II rod holder mounted right on the boom. With Cannon, all of those accessories are separate purchases. This is why serious anglers on fishing forums argue the Depthpower offers better overall value despite the similar price point.
Scotty claims the lowest amperage draw of any electric downrigger on the market, using less than one-third the battery power of typical units. On full-day trips, this matters because running two electric downriggers for eight hours can drain a battery fast. The adjustable retrieval speed lifts a 7-pound weight at 235 feet per minute and a 15-pound weight at 203 feet per minute.
The 250 feet of 150-pound test stainless steel cable handles deep-water trolling without breaking a sweat. The motor is saltwater protected, so coastal anglers can use this confidently in marine environments. Our only real complaint is the 1-year limited warranty, which is shorter than Cannon’s limited lifetime coverage. The unit also requires a 2114 fuse assembly that is not included.
Best For Big Boats and Offshore Anglers
The telescoping boom and included swivel base make this the top choice for anglers running 18-foot-plus boats who need maximum positioning flexibility. If you troll offshore for salmon, striped bass, or saltwater species, the Depthpower gives you the reach, depth capacity, and saltwater protection you need.
How the Telescoping Boom Works in Practice
The boom telescopes from 36 to 60 inches and locks securely at your chosen length. Extend it fully when running multiple rods to maximize separation, then collapse it for transport and storage. The marine-grade stainless steel construction holds up well against corrosion even in saltwater environments.
5. Scotty Depthmaster Manual Downrigger – Compact All-Rounder
Scotty #1050 Depthmaster Manual Downrigger, Display Packed w/ Rod Holder, BLACK, 23"
Manual operation
23-inch boom
One foot per turn
Power Grip Plus release
Rod holder included
Compact design
The Good
- 23-inch stainless steel boom for solid reach
- One foot per turn is easy to operate
- Power Grip Plus line release included
- Compact and lightweight at 7 lbs
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Good value for a full-featured manual
The Bad
- Manual operation requires physical effort
- Line counter visibility can be poor
- Stock availability often limited
- May need extra mounting accessories
The Scotty Depthmaster sits between the bare-bones Laketroller and the premium Depthpower in the Scotty lineup. It offers a full 23-inch stainless steel boom, a rod holder, and the Power Grip Plus line release all in one package. For anglers who want more than a portable unit but do not need electric power, this model covers the middle ground well.
The one-foot-per-turn spool operation is the defining feature. Each full rotation of the handle brings in exactly one foot of cable, making depth tracking intuitive without staring at a counter. You can operate it easily with either hand from a seated position, which is important when you are managing rods and steering the boat at the same time.
The 23-inch boom provides enough reach for most small to mid-size boats. It is shorter than the Cannon Easi-Troll by one inch, which is negligible in practice. The 3/4-inch diameter stainless steel construction is sturdy and resistant to corrosion for both freshwater and saltwater use.
At 7 pounds, the Depthmaster is easy to mount and move between boats if needed. The compact dimensions of 25 inches deep by 7 inches wide by 6 inches high mean it stores easily when not in use. The main complaints from the 159 Amazon reviews focus on line counter visibility and occasional stock shortages. Some users also note the included rod holder works better with lighter trolling rods than heavy-duty setups.
Best For Mid-Size Boats and All-Around Trolling
The Depthmaster is the Swiss Army knife of this lineup. It works for salmon trolling on the Great Lakes, walleye fishing on reservoirs, and coastal fishing from mid-size boats. If you want one manual downrigger that handles a wide variety of fishing scenarios without specialized features, this is a solid choice backed by Scotty’s lifetime warranty.
How It Compares to the Cannon Easi-Troll
The Cannon Easi-Troll has a faster 1.5:1 retrieval ratio versus the Scotty’s 1:1 ratio. However, the Depthmaster includes a rod holder and the Scotty Power Grip Plus release, while the Cannon requires you to buy those separately. Your choice comes down to whether you value retrieval speed or included accessories more.
Downrigger Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One
Choosing between the best downriggers comes down to five key factors: power type, boom length, mounting system, weight capacity, and release clip design. Our team has broken down each factor below based on real-world testing and feedback from the fishing community.
Electric vs Manual Downriggers
This is the single biggest decision you will make. Electric downriggers use a 12V motor to lower and retrieve your weight at the push of a button. Manual downriggers require you to crank a handle to move the weight up and down. The performance difference is significant.
Electric models like the Cannon Magnum retrieve at 250 feet per minute, which is roughly five times faster than cranking by hand. When a fish hits at 80 feet and you have other lines in the water, that speed prevents tangles and lost fish. Electric models also feature hands-free retrieval systems that let you focus on fighting the fish.
Manual models cost significantly less, require no wiring, and have fewer components that can fail. Many anglers on Reddit fishing forums prefer manual downriggers specifically because of their simplicity. As one angler put it, a manual downrigger never blows a fuse or shorts out on the water. If you fish shallow depths under 50 feet and only run one or two rods, a manual model handles the job fine.
Boom Length and Type
The boom is the horizontal arm that extends your weight away from the boat. Longer booms keep your line farther from the hull, which reduces spooking fish and improves lure action. Short booms work fine on small boats where space is limited.
Fixed booms, like the 24-inch units on the Cannon Magnum and Easi-Troll, are simpler and have no moving parts to fail. Telescoping booms, like the 36-to-60-inch unit on the Scotty Depthpower, offer flexibility but add complexity and weight. For most recreational boats in the 16 to 20-foot range, a fixed 24-inch boom is the sweet spot.
Mounting Options
Downriggers mount to your boat in three common ways. Deck mounts bolt directly to a flat surface using a base plate. Gunnel mounts clamp onto the side rail of your boat. Swivel pedestal mounts elevate the downrigger and allow 360-degree rotation for maximum positioning flexibility.
Small boats and kayaks benefit from clamp-on or portable mounts like the Scotty Laketroller’s post mount. Larger boats with dedicated downrigger positions should use swivel bases for the flexibility to adjust angle on the fly. Always use backing plates when bolting through fiberglass or aluminum, because downriggers generate significant torque during retrieval.
Weight Capacity and Cannonball Selection
The weight you attach to your downrigger cable, commonly called a cannonball or downrigger ball, determines how deep you can troll and how stable your bait tracks. Heavier weights sink faster and track straighter but require more retrieval power.
For inland lake trolling at depths under 50 feet, a 6 to 8 pound weight works well. For Great Lakes salmon fishing at 60 to 100 feet, anglers typically use 10 to 12 pound weights. For deep saltwater trolling beyond 100 feet, you may need 15 pounds or more. Match your weight to your downrigger’s rated capacity and consider that heavier weights drain batteries faster on electric models.
Release Clips and Line Releases
The release clip is what connects your fishing line to the downrigger cable and trips when a fish strikes. Both Scotty and Cannon include basic release clips with their downriggers, but many serious anglers upgrade to aftermarket options.
The Chamberlain adjustable release clip earns consistent praise on fishing forums for its precision tension control. You can dial in the exact pressure needed to hold your line without false releases, which is a common complaint with stock clips. Scotty’s Power Grip Plus is a solid included option that handles most trolling situations adequately. Tension adjustment matters most when trolling with lighter line or in rough water where waves can trip sensitive clips.
The 100-Foot Rule Explained
The 100-foot rule refers to the relationship between your cannonball weight and trolling depth. As a general guideline, for every 100 feet of cable you let out, your weight will blow back approximately 10 to 15 degrees behind vertical due to water resistance and boat forward motion. This means if you are trolling at 100 feet deep with a 10-pound ball, your actual depth might be closer to 85 feet due to blow-back.
To compensate, experienced anglers add extra cable beyond their target depth. Heavier weights reduce blow-back but require more retrieval power. This is why electric downriggers with fast retrieval rates are popular among deep-water salmon trollers who deploy 200-plus feet of cable regularly.
Saltwater vs Freshwater Considerations
All five downriggers in this guide can handle saltwater use, but some are better suited than others. The Scotty Depthpower is explicitly saltwater protected with sealed components. The Cannon models use stainless steel hardware that resists corrosion but requires regular rinsing after saltwater trips.
If you fish exclusively in saltwater, rinse your downrigger with fresh water after every trip and periodically inspect the cable for corrosion. Stainless steel cable lasts longer in saltwater than braided line, which is why all five models come with stainless cable from the factory.
FAQs
What is the 100 foot rule for downriggers?
The 100-foot rule describes blow-back: for every 100 feet of cable deployed, your cannonball weight trails approximately 10 to 15 degrees behind vertical due to water resistance. This means your bait runs shallower than your cable counter indicates. To reach a true 100-foot depth, you may need to let out 110 to 115 feet of cable depending on weight size, trolling speed, and current.
How heavy should a downrigger weight be?
Most anglers use 6 to 8 pound weights for inland lake trolling under 50 feet, 10 to 12 pound weights for Great Lakes salmon fishing at 60 to 100 feet, and 15 pound or heavier weights for deep saltwater trolling beyond 100 feet. Match the weight to your downrigger capacity and remember that heavier weights reduce blow-back but drain electric downrigger batteries faster.
What is the best downrigger release?
The Chamberlain adjustable release clip is widely praised for precision tension control, making it the top choice among experienced trollers. The Scotty Power Grip Plus, included with Scotty downriggers, is a solid all-around release that handles most situations. Cannon’s Uni-line release works well for general trolling. Your choice depends on line weight, target species, and how much tension control you need.
Are downriggers worth it?
Yes, downriggers are absolutely worth it if you troll for species that school at specific depths like salmon, lake trout, walleye, and striped bass. They allow precise depth control that is impossible to achieve with diving planers or lead core line alone. Even a budget manual downrigger like the Scotty Laketroller dramatically increases your catch rate compared to trolling blind.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Best Downrigger in 2026
Finding the best downriggers for your fishing style comes down to matching features to your needs. For anglers who want the fastest retrieval and hands-free operation, the Cannon Magnum Electric is our editor’s choice. The Cannon Easi-Troll delivers the best value in a manual model with its 1.5:1 geared retrieval and one-hand clutch. Small boat and kayak anglers cannot go wrong with the ultra-portable Scotty Laketroller.
If you want a premium package with every accessory included, the Scotty Depthpower with its telescoping boom and swivel base is worth every penny. And the Scotty Depthmaster rounds out the field as a reliable compact manual for all-around trolling.
Whichever model you choose, investing in a quality downrigger will put more fish in your boat. Match the power type and features to your typical fishing depths and boat size, and you will be trolling with precision all season long.