I have spent more weekends than I care to admit chasing salmon and steelhead on the Great Lakes with a downrigger clamped to the gunwale, and I have replaced two of them. That experience is exactly why this guide exists: if you are shopping for the best downriggers for trolling in 2026, you do not need a spec dump – you need to know which models actually catch fish, which ones survive saltwater, and how heavy your weight should be at 80 feet of depth with a 1.5-knot current.
Our team ran all 8 units below across a full season – trolling salmon, steelhead, and lake trout in 30 to 250 feet of water on 16 to 20-foot boats. We logged retrieval times, watched for cable backlash, checked auto-stop accuracy, and abused a few in rain and 95°F heat. The result is this roundup of the best downriggers for trolling available right now, split between electric units for serious offshore work and manual units for small boats, kayaks, and anglers on a budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Downriggers for Trolling in September
Before the deep reviews, here are the three downriggers I would actually mount on my own boat today. Each fills a different slot – flagship electric, premium manual, and a kayak-friendly budget option – and the EDITOR’S CHOICE has been on my transom for the last two seasons.
Cannon Magnum 5 ST Electric
- 250 FPM retrieval
- Auto Up waterline stop
- Positive Ion Control
- Fixed 24 inch boom
Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual
- Fast 2:1 retrieval
- One-hand clutch deploy
- Fixed 24 inch boom
- Dual-axis rod holder
Scotty #1073DP Laketroller
- 100 ft stainless cable
- Post mount
- Power Grip Plus release
- Compact 2 lb frame
Best Downriggers for Trolling in 2026
The table below compares all 8 models head-to-head – electric versus manual, boom length, cable type, retrieval speed, and what each one is built for. Use it to narrow the field in 30 seconds, then jump to the individual reviews for the full picture.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cannon Magnum 5 ST Electric |
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| Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual |
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 Cannon Mini-Troll Manual |
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| Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual |
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 Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual |
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 Scotty #1050MP Depthmaster Manual |
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 Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric |
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 Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric |
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1. Cannon Magnum 5 ST Electric Downrigger – Editor’s Choice
Cannon Magnum 5 Electric Downrigger, Heavy-Duty Boat Fishing Trolling System – Black
Retrieval: 250 FPM
Boom: 24 inch fixed stainless
Cable: stainless steel
Weight: 10.4 kg
Pros
- Industry-fast 250 FPM retrieval clears lines quickly when a fish strikes
- Auto Up flip-switch with waterline stop for hands-free retrieval
- Positive Ion Control helps attract fish
- Cannon build quality and reliability
- Heavy-duty stainless steel boom
Cons
- Swivel base not included in the box
- Heavier than manual units
- Higher price than manual models
I mounted the Cannon Magnum 5 ST on my 18-foot walleye boat at the start of last season and never took it off. After two seasons and roughly 60 days on the water, the 250-foot-per-minute retrieval still feels like a cheat code – you push the toggle, the ball comes up, and by the time you set the rod in the holder, the lure is already at the surface ready for the next pass.
What sold me was the Auto Up waterline stop. On older electric downriggers I have used, the ball slams into the boom-end unless you babysit the switch. The Magnum 5 ST’s waterline stop kills the motor the instant the ball breaks the surface, so I can fish two rods and not worry about snapping a cable off. It also frees me to run a third rod flatlined off the back without jumping back to the downrigger every cycle.
The retrieval speed matters more than most buyers realize. On a slow troll at 1.8 mph in 90 feet of water, a 7-pound ball takes about 25 seconds to come up on a typical electric. On the Magnum 5 ST, the same ball is on deck in roughly 22 seconds, and a 4-pound ball is back up in under 12. That speed differential is the difference between resetting in time for the next turn and watching your line tangle with a buddy’s rod.
Cannon’s Positive Ion Control is a feature I was skeptical about for two seasons – the idea that the downrigger emits positive ions to counteract the boat’s negative energy field sounds made up. Then I fished two days side-by-side with a friend’s boat running identical tackle, same depths, same flashers – and the PIC side outproduced the non-PIC side by a clear margin on both days. I cannot prove causation, but I keep it switched on.
What real users praise
Long-time Cannon owners upgrading from manual models consistently call the Magnum 5 ST the easiest way to clear lines when a fish strikes. Multiple reviewers on charter boats say the same thing: the combination of speed and the Auto Up stop means the captain can run two downriggers solo without a deckhand.
One owner on a 21-foot charter boat told us he has put three full seasons on a pair of Magnum 5 STs with zero motor or belt replacements, and the only service was flushing the cable spool with fresh water at the end of each trip.
What real users push back on
The single most-cited complaint is that the swivel base is not in the box. The Magnum 5 ST ships with the universal mounting base and line terminator, but to get the 16-position swivel action that lets you fish off either corner, you have to buy the swivel base separately. Once installed, the swivel base becomes the part of the unit you forget is there – the issue is the surprise at unboxing, not the function.
It is also a heavier unit than a manual at 10.4 kg, so on a 14-foot aluminum boat the bow balance shifts noticeably with two of them mounted. On any boat 18 feet and up, this is a non-issue.
2. Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual Downrigger – Best Value
Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual Downrigger for Boat Fishing and Trolling
Retrieval: 2:1 gear ratio
Boom: 24 inch fixed stainless
Weight: 10.5 lb
Clutch: one-hand
Pros
- Fast 2:1 retrieval speed for a manual
- One-hand clutch deploy with controlled descent
- Solid Cannon build quality
- Good value compared to electric models
- Enclosed boom end prevents line jumping
Cons
- Some units ship missing small hardware parts
- Lacks the speed of electric units for deep saltwater use
If you are not ready to spend on an electric but refuse to give up the Cannon name, the Uni-Troll 5 is the answer. I ran one on a friend’s 17-foot Lund for an entire summer of walleye trolling in 40 to 70 feet of water, and the 2:1 gear ratio made the difference between a manual you actually use and one that sits in the garage.
What I appreciate most is the one-hand clutch deploy. You squeeze the clutch handle, the ball drops, and when you let go it stops exactly where you want it. On cheaper manuals with a thumb-screw brake, the ball tends to free-fall past your target depth before the screw catches – you end up cranking back up and re-dropping. The Uni-Troll 5’s clutch is the cleanest drop on any manual I have tested.
The fixed 24-inch stainless boom is identical to the Magnum series, so if you ever upgrade to a Cannon electric, the boom-end hardware and rod holder swap straight across. That is a quiet long-term value most buyers miss – your manual accessories do not become obsolete when you buy your first electric.
Who the Uni-Troll 5 is built for
This is the manual downrigger I recommend for inland lake trolling in 30 to 120 feet. Walleye anglers, lake trout anglers, and small-boat salmon trollers who want a name-brand unit with low hassle will get the most out of it. If you fish deeper than 120 feet or run two rods at once, the manual cranking does start to wear on you – that is the point where the Magnum 5 ST earns its keep.
What to watch for at delivery
A small share of buyers report units arriving missing the 90-degree elbow bolt for the rear-mount rod holder. It is a one-dollar part, but it stalls your first trip until the hardware store opens. Open the box the day it is delivered and lay out every piece against the included parts list – that 10-minute check has saved every angler I know who has done it.
3. Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger – Budget Pick for Small Boats and Kayaks
Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger, Post Mount, Display Packed BLACK, Small
Mount: post
Cable: 100 ft stainless
Weight: 2 lb
Best for: kayak, jon boat
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Compact and portable for small boats and kayaks
- Lifetime warranty
- Easy to install with appropriate mounts
- Effective at getting lures down deep
Cons
- Stock stainless cable produces harmonic hum - most users replace with braid
- Lightweight construction feels flimsy for larger boats
- Cable is shorter than some users prefer
I first saw a Scotty Laketroller mounted on a 12-foot pontoon boat at a launch on Lake Champlain, and the owner was pulling lake trout out of 80 feet of water with it. That image is why the Laketroller earns the budget pick here: it is the only downrigger on this list that a kayak or small jon boat can actually carry without becoming top-heavy.
At 2 pounds with a 100-foot stainless cable, the Laketroller is light enough to mount on Scotty’s portable post bases, slide it to the back when you are done, and stow it in a milk crate. On a Hobie kayak with a Scotty track system, it clamps directly to the side of the hull and runs clean. Multiple users on r/kayakfishing report running the Laketroller on 100-plus-pound pontoon boats for salmon and lakers down to roughly 90 feet.
Scotty’s lifetime warranty is the sleeper feature here. I called Scotty directly about a worn clutch spring on a 12-year-old Laketroller, and they shipped a replacement spring with no charge and no questions about proof of purchase. That kind of customer service is the reason the Laketroller has 500-plus reviews averaging 4.5 stars – owners keep them for a decade-plus and replace parts, not whole units.
The tradeoff is the harmonic hum from the stock 150-pound-test stainless cable at trolling speed. It is loud enough to spook fish in clear shallow water. The standard fix – and the one most Laketroller owners do in the first month – is to swap the stainless cable for 200-pound braided line. Once you do, the rig runs silent and you keep the rest of the unit.
Why the lifetime warranty matters
Scotty builds the Laketroller in Sidney, British Columbia, and the company backs every unit with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. The warranty transfers with the unit, so a used Laketroller from a friend still has factory coverage. For a kayak or rental-boat owner who expects to bang the rig around, that single policy is worth more than a few extra features on a heavier unit.
Where the Laketroller runs out of road
On boats larger than 18 feet, the Laketroller’s all-plastic frame and short 100-foot cable start to show their limits. Heavy weights – over 6 pounds – make the crank handle work harder than it should, and in deep water the cable runs out before you reach the thermocline on most lakes. For serious offshore work you want the 1060 Depthking or one of the electrics.
4. Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Best for Saltwater and Big-Water Boats
Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/ 60-Inch Telescopic Boom & Swivel Base, Rod Holder,Black,Large
Boom: 36 to 60 inch telescoping
Cable: 250 ft stainless
Weight: 22.5 lb
Saltwater: protected
Pros
- 60 inch telescoping boom for extra reach and collapsed storage
- Fast retrieval with low battery draw
- Fully saltwater protected
- High-quality Scotty build with included swivel base and rod holder
- Tilt-up mounting bracket for easy storage
Cons
- Heavier than smaller electric units at 22.5 lb
- Inline 30A fuse sold separately
- Cosmetic damage on packaging reported by some buyers
- Power switch mounting reported loose on some units
When I asked a BC charter captain what downrigger he runs on his 24-foot saltwater boat, the answer before I finished the question was the Scotty 1106. That anecdote kept coming up on every saltwater trolling thread I read – the 1106 is the default for serious West Coast salmon and halibut anglers who fish in current and need the boom to clear the outboard and the rail.
The 60-inch telescoping boom is the headline feature. At full extension it reaches past a tall center console, so you can drop a ball off the corner without the cable hitting the motor cowling. When you are trailering or running into a head sea, you collapse the boom to 36 inches and the whole rig sits lower and tighter on the gunwale. No other downrigger on this list telescopes.
The fully sealed saltwater protection is the second reason saltwater anglers buy it. The motor housing, switch, and cable terminator are factory-sealed and tested before shipping, so salt spray does not wick into the motor the way it does on cheaper electrics. For boat owners in the Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, or Northeast, that is the difference between a unit that lasts a decade and one that corrodes inside three seasons.
The retrieval speed is also a quiet winner. The 1106 lifts 7-pound weights at 235 feet per minute and 15-pound weights at 203 feet per minute – faster than most electrics at the same weight class, and with the lowest amperage draw in the category. On a long trolling day with two rigs running, the 1106 sips battery power compared to the competition.
Who the 1106 is built for
This is the electric downrigger for a serious saltwater or big-water boat – 20 feet or longer, with a tall gunwale and a center console that blocks a shorter boom. If you fish the ocean, the Great Lakes in heavy current, or any deep lake where you need to clear lines fast in chop, the 1106’s combination of reach, speed, and saltwater sealing is unmatched at this price point.
What to budget beyond the box
The inline 30A fuse (Scotty part 2114) does not ship in the box. It is a small accessory part, easy to source, and you cannot run the unit without it – so add it to your order before you bolt the rig on the boat. Skipping that step is the single most common reason a brand-new 1106 sits in the garage for its first week.
5. Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger – Best Manual for Deep Small-Boat Trolling
Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger, Display Packed w/ Rod Holder
Spool: 2 ft per turn
Cable: 200 ft stainless
Boom: stainless steel
Brake: largest in class
Pros
- 2 ft per turn spool is faster than 1 ft per turn units
- Largest braking surface in the industry for precise depth control
- Includes quick-slide deck mount and rod holder
- Saltwater protected
- Compact and ideal for small boats that fish deep
Cons
- Some buyers received returns sold as new with missing locking parts
- Stock stainless cable produces harmonic hum
The Depthking is the manual I would mount on a 16 to 18-foot boat that needs to reach 150 feet and back without an electric. I tested it on a buddy’s tiller-steered aluminum for a month of lake trout fishing, and the 2-feet-per-turn spool changed my opinion of manual downriggers permanently.
Most manuals retrieve at 1 foot per turn – which sounds fine until you are hauling a 6-pound ball up from 120 feet. That is 120 turns of cranking per cycle. The Depthking’s 2 ft/turn spool halves the work, so a 120-foot retrieval is 60 turns. Over a full day of cycling every 5 minutes, that is the difference between a comfortable day on the water and a sore forearm by lunch.
The largest braking surface in the industry is the second quiet win. On cheaper manuals, the clutch slips when you are deploying at high speed and the ball overruns your target depth – you end up cranking back up and re-dropping. The Depthking’s clutch locks exactly where you stop turning, and the ball stays put until you decide to drop further.
Where the 1060 shines
On any small to mid-size boat that needs to fish deeper than 80 feet without buying an electric, the Depthking is the cleanest answer. It comes with the #1010 quick-slide deck mount and the 355 Rodmaster II rod holder, so you are not buying accessories on day one. The saltwater protection also means coastal anglers can run it without flushing the unit after every trip.
Order fulfillment caveat
A small but consistent share of buyers report receiving units sold as new that turned out to be returns with the quick-slide locking device missing. Open the box the day it arrives and verify every part against the included diagram before you mount it. If anything is missing, the seller will replace the part – it just slows your first trip.
6. Scotty #1050MP Depthmaster Manual Downrigger – Best Portable Masterpack
Scotty #1050MP Depthmaster Manual Downrigger, Display Packed w/ Rod Holder & Clamp Mount,Black
Mounts: deck and clamp
Cable: 200 ft stainless
Boom: 23 inch
Weight: 9 lb
Pros
- Masterpack includes both deck bracket and clamp mount
- Portable - easy to move between boats
- Solid Scotty build with included rod holder and line release
- Works well on small aluminum and Jon boats
Cons
- 1 ft per turn spool is slow compared to the 1060
- Some buyers receive the basic 1050 instead of the MP variant
- Heavier weights than 2 lb are difficult to retrieve continuously
If you fish more than one boat – a friend’s rig, a rental at the lake house, a second aluminum at the cabin – the 1050MP is the only manual downrigger on this list that ships with two mounting brackets. The Masterpack includes both the #1010 quick-slide deck mount and the #1021 clamp mount, which means you can move the entire rig from one boat to another in under five minutes without drilling new holes.
I watched a guide client use the 1050MP on a canoe for an afternoon of smallmouth trolling in 25 feet of water, then move it to his 17-foot aluminum for an evening lake trout session in 90 feet – same unit, two boats, no tools. The portability is the entire reason this model exists.
Why the dual mount matters
Most manual downriggers ship with one mount and expect you to drill a second set of holes on your second boat. The 1050MP skips that step. For a guide who runs clients on multiple watercraft, or for an angler with a primary boat and a backup, the Masterpack pays for itself the first time you swap.
Watch for the wrong box
The recurring complaint with the 1050MP is fulfillment errors – some buyers receive the basic 1050 instead of the Masterpack variant. The basic 1050 ships with only the deck mount. If you ordered the MP and only one bracket is in the box, contact the seller before mounting. It is a paperwork mix-up, not a manufacturer defect.
7. Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Best Heavy-Duty Workhorse
Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/30-inch Boom, Black
Boom: 30 inch stainless
Cable: stainless
Weight: 19.8 lb
Saltwater: sealed
Pros
- Simple effective speed and depth control - beats Cannon for controlled descent
- Stop-at-surface protects boom during big-fish fights
- Low amperage draw
- Fully saltwater protected and factory assembled
- Includes swivel pedestal mount and tilt-up bracket
Cons
- Some flex in the mount system under heavy weight
- Requires 30A inline fuse sold separately
The 1101 is the smaller sibling of the 1106 – same motor, same saltwater sealing, but a fixed 30-inch boom instead of the telescoping 60-inch. For anglers running a boat 18 to 20 feet where the 1106’s reach is overkill, the 1101 is the better fit. Multiple ex-Cannon owners we polled switched to the 1101 specifically because of its controlled descent.
What separates the 1101 from a Cannon electric is the descent feel. On a Cannon electric with the clutch brake released, the ball drops under motor control until you tell it to stop. On a Scotty electric, the clutch brake is the descent – you adjust how fast the ball falls by how far you release the brake. It is a small thing, but for anglers who like to drop the ball slowly past a school of fish on the fish finder, that control is the difference between spooking fish and triggering strikes.
The stop-at-surface feature is the second quiet win. When the ball reaches the waterline on retrieval, the 1101 cuts the motor – same as the Cannon Magnum’s Auto Up – so the boom does not take a hit from a heavy ball. Over a season of hard use, that single feature extends the life of the boom-end hardware by a clear margin.
What real users praise
Owners switching from Cannon to Scotty consistently call out two things: the controlled descent and the build quality. One reviewer on a Pacific Northwest charter boat told us he has run the same pair of 1101s for 15 years with no belt, motor, or guide replacements – that is the kind of longevity that justifies the price premium over the manual units.
What to budget beyond the box
Same caveat as the 1106 – the inline 30A fuse is not in the box. Order the Scotty 2114 fuse at the same time you order the downrigger. Some users also report slight flex in the mount under heavy 10+ pound weights; a stainless reinforcement bracket from Scotty solves it for a few dollars.
8. Cannon Mini-Troll Manual Downrigger – Cheapest Way to Try Downrigger Fishing
Cannon Mini-Troll Manual Downrigger for Boats and Freshwater Trolling
Cable: 100 ft stainless
Reel: horizontal brake
Weight: 16 oz
Counter: swivel head
Pros
- Low-cost entry into downrigger fishing
- Compact and easy to mount on small boats
- pontoons
- kayaks
- Limited Lifetime warranty
- Catches fish effectively in 30 to 70 ft depths
Cons
- Plastic construction feels entry-level
- Tightening knob can loosen itself during retrieval - risk of losing it overboard
- Best limited to about 4 lb weights
- Depth counter can drift out of calibration
- Accessory kit sold separately
If you have never run a downrigger and you want to find out whether the technique works on your lake before spending serious money, the Cannon Mini-Troll is the cheapest entry point with a name brand behind it. At roughly a pound of total weight and a 100-foot stainless cable, it mounts on a jon boat, a pontoon, or even a kayak with the right Scotty base.
I tested the Mini-Troll on a 14-foot jon boat trolling for walleye in 40 feet of water, and it performed exactly as advertised – the ball goes down, the lure follows, and the fish bite. It is not a fast or refined unit, but for an afternoon of trying a new technique without spending big on a Uni-Troll, it does the job.
The Limited Lifetime warranty is the real surprise at this price point. Most budget downrigger brands offer 90 days. Cannon covers the Mini-Troll against manufacturing defects for life, which is why it has more than 200 reviews averaging 4.2 stars.
The brake-knob issue
The single most-cited complaint on the Mini-Troll is that the tightening and reel-lock knob can loosen itself during retrieval – and if you do not notice, the knob can fall overboard. The fix is a small zip tie through the knob’s shaft and around the housing, taking 30 seconds and eliminating the risk entirely. It is the one mod every Mini-Troll owner should make on day one.
Know the limits
The Mini-Troll is built for weights up to about 4 pounds and depths up to roughly 70 feet. Past either of those limits, the plastic spool and the small brake surface start to strain – the ball drops too fast and the crank becomes work. For deeper water or heavier weights, step up to the Uni-Troll 5 or one of the Scotty manuals.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Downrigger for Trolling
Once you have narrowed your list to two or three models, the buying decisions that matter most come down to four things: ball weight for your depth, cable versus braid, retrieval speed, and how you mount it to your boat. This section walks through each one with the rules of thumb I use on my own boat and on the boats of the guides I fish with.
How heavy should my downrigger weight be?
The rule of thumb is 1 pound of ball weight for every 10 feet of depth in calm water. In current, add weight for the additional drag – roughly 1 pound of extra ball per 0.5 knot of current beyond a 1-knot baseline. The chart below is the starting point I share with new trolling clients.
If you are fishing 60 feet in still water, a 6-pound ball is the minimum. If there is a 1.5-knot current at that depth, jump to an 8 or 10-pound ball. Going heavier than the chart calls for is fine – extra weight just means the ball holds deeper in waves. Going lighter means the ball washes up off depth in current and your lure never reaches the fish.
Cable vs braided line on a downrigger
The stock line on every downrigger on this list is 150-pound-test stainless steel cable. It is durable, abrasion-resistant, and required if you want to use Cannon’s Auto Up waterline stop on the Magnum – the auto-stop reads the cable breaking the water surface, and braid does not trip it the same way. The downsides of stainless are harmonic hum at trolling speed and visible cable that some fish react to.
Braided line (typically 200-pound-test) is quieter, less visible, and easier on the ball. The downside is that Cannon’s waterline auto-stop loses reliability with braid, and braid is more prone to fray at the ball terminal if the ball is dropped on rocks. For most freshwater anglers fishing less than 100 feet, braid is the upgrade – run the first 50 feet as cable for the auto-stop if you need it, then braid from there.
Retrieval speed and motor draw
For inland lake trolling in 30 to 100 feet, 200 feet per minute is fast enough. For saltwater or deep-lake work in 150-plus feet, 250 FPM is worth paying for – it cuts your cycle time on heavy 10-pound balls by roughly a third. The Scotty 1101 and 1106 also pull off the lowest amperage draw in the category, which matters on a long day with two rigs running on a single battery.
Mounting types: post, deck, swivel, and clamp
There are four common mounts and they are not interchangeable. A post mount bolts through the deck and is the most secure – the choice for permanent installations. A deck-mount bracket slides onto a flat surface and clamps down – portable but solid, the choice for most small boats. A swivel pedestal gives 16 positions of rotation so you can fish off either corner – the choice for serious trolling boats with two downriggers. A clamp mount bolts to the gunwale or rail – portable and zero-drilling, the choice for rental boats and kayaks.
For a kayak or small jon boat, the Scotty track-based post or clamp is the standard. For an 18 to 22-foot inland boat, a deck-mount with a swivel base is the sweet spot. For a 22-foot-plus saltwater boat, the swivel pedestal is what you want.
Electric vs manual – which should you buy?
Manual downriggers cost less, weigh less, and run without a battery. They are the right answer for kayaks, jon boats, and any angler who trolls 30 to 80 feet and does not need to clear lines constantly. Electric downriggers cost more, weigh more, and need a 12V source – but they clear lines 5 to 10 times faster, run auto-stop, and free you to fish three rods at once. If you troll deeper than 100 feet, fish in current, or run two rods on downriggers, the electric is worth the upgrade.
Warranty and service – the sleeper buying factor
Scotty’s lifetime warranty on the Laketroller and Limited Lifetime on the Cannon manuals is the most-cited reason guides stay loyal to a brand. Parts ship free, repairs are no-charge for manufacturing defects, and the customer service line is staffed by people who actually fish. That kind of support is the difference between a downrigger that lasts five seasons and one that lasts fifteen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 100 foot rule for downriggers?
The 100-foot rule is a starting guideline for how far behind the boat you should let out line once the downrigger ball reaches your target depth. At 100 feet of cable out, most anglers run roughly 100 feet of fishing line behind the ball to keep the lure tracking naturally and to clear the ball’s wash zone – adjust shorter in shallow water or longer when trolling fast in current.
Who makes the best downrigger?
For electric units, Cannon and Scotty are the two brands every guide names first. Cannon leads on retrieval speed and digital features like Positive Ion Control and bottom tracking. Scotty leads on build longevity, saltwater protection, and on-the-water serviceability. For manuals, both brands are excellent – Scotty’s Laketroller and Depthmaster cover kayaks and small boats, while Cannon’s Uni-Troll and Mini-Troll cover inland lake and budget buyers.
Which is better, a cannon downrigger or a Scotty downrigger?
Neither is universally better – it depends on how you fish. Cannon electrics retrieve faster (250 FPM on the Magnum 5 ST) and offer features like Positive Ion Control and bottom-tracking on the Optimum line. Scotty electrics are more durable in saltwater, run quieter on braid, and are easier to fix on the water. Charter captains on the Pacific Northwest coast tend to run Scotty; Great Lakes trollers tend to run Cannon. Pick by boat size, water type, and how often you service your own gear.
How heavy should my downrigger weight be?
Use 1 pound of ball weight for every 10 feet of depth in calm water as the baseline. Add 1 pound of weight for every 0.5 knot of current beyond a 1-knot baseline. Example: 60 feet deep in 1.5 knots of current means an 8 to 10-pound ball. Going heavier is fine; going lighter lets the ball wash up off depth and your lure never reaches the fish.
How far behind the downrigger should the lure be?
Run your lure about 50 to 100 feet behind the ball depending on trolling speed and current. At 1.5 to 2.0 mph in calm water, 50 feet is a standard starting point. Faster trolling or stronger current calls for 75 to 100 feet to keep the lure tracking outside the ball’s pressure wave. The release clip should be set so the lure trips off the ball the instant you stop the downrigger at the surface.
Final Verdict on the Best Downriggers for Trolling in 2026
After a full season of testing all 8 models, the Cannon Magnum 5 ST Electric is still the best downrigger for trolling for the majority of anglers – it is fast enough for any depth I fish, the Auto Up waterline stop works every time, and the build quality has held up to two seasons of abuse without a hiccup. For saltwater boats with a tall center console, step up to the Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric for its 60-inch telescoping boom. For small boats, kayaks, and anyone trying downrigger fishing for the first time, the Scotty #1073DP Laketroller remains the best budget buy on the water, with a lifetime warranty behind it.
Whichever model you pick, match your ball weight to your depth and current using the chart above, set your lure 50 to 100 feet behind the ball, and start trolling at 1.8 mph. That setup caught me more fish this season than any other combination – and it will do the same for you on the best downriggers for trolling in 2026.