I’ve spent the last three summers chasing king salmon and lake trout across the Great Lakes with my team, and I can tell you one thing without hesitation: the downrigger you run quietly decides whether you catch fish or just burn fuel. A downrigger is a device that uses a weighted cable to deploy your fishing line at a precise, repeatable depth while trolling, and once you’ve used one, going back to flatline trolling feels like fishing blind.
In this guide, I’m breaking down the eight best downriggers for trolling I have personally used, mounted, broken, and replaced over the years. We tested everything from $89 manual units on a kayak to $900 electric workhorses on a 22-foot charter boat. Along the way I’ll walk you through manual vs electric trade-offs, Cannon vs Scotty debates, weight selection, mounting options, and the mistakes that cost me fish in my first season.
If you only have 60 seconds, scroll down to my Top 3 picks below. Otherwise, read the whole thing, because I packed in the practical detail I wish someone had told me before I spent my first $600.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Downrigger Picks for October 2026
Cannon Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger
- Fast 1.5:1 retrieval
- One-hand clutch deploy
- Lightweight at 7.43 lbs
Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downrigger
- 250 FPM retrieval speed
- Auto-up feature
- Positive Ion Control
Scotty 1073 Laketroller Manual Downrigger
- 360 degree rotation
- 100 ft cable included
- Fits in 5 gallon bucket
These three cover the most common scenarios we run into: budget beginners, serious salmon anglers who want electric power, and kayak or small-boat users who need portability. The full breakdown follows below.
Best Downriggers for Trolling in October 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Scotty 1073 Laketroller Manual |
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 Scotty 1106 Depthpower Electric |
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 Scotty Strongarm Manual |
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 Scotty 2116 High Performance Electric |
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| Cannon Easi-Troll Manual |
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 Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual |
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| Cannon Magnum Series Electric |
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 Seahorse Manual by Troll-Master |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Scotty #1073 Laketroller – Best for Kayaks and Small Boats
Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger, Post Mount, Display Packed BLACK, Small
100 ft cable
360 degree rotation
Kayak portable
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Compact and lightweight at 2 lbs
- Easy to install on small craft
- Fits in a 5 gallon bucket for transport
- Effective at getting lures deep on kayaks
- Backed by lifetime warranty
Cons
- Wire cable creates loud whining noise
- Only 100 ft of cable limits deep trolling
- Flimsy for larger offshore boats
The first time I mounted a Scotty 1073 Laketroller on my kayak, I expected a toy. After three months of walleye trips on Lake Winnebago, I had pulled spoons down to 60 feet and landed more fish than I did with a $400 rod holder setup the season before. This little unit is the entry point most anglers underestimate.
The 1073 ships with 100 feet of 150-pound test stainless cable and Scotty’s Power Grip Plus line release, and the post mount bolts to a flat surface, gunnel, or transom in about ten minutes. The whole rig weighs 2 pounds, so it doesn’t punish a small craft, and it rotates a full 360 degrees, which matters more than you’d think when you’re dodging stumps or working along a weed line.
I did swap the stainless cable for braided line after one trip, because the metal cable sings at speed and spooks fish in clear water. That fix took me ten minutes and another $12, and it’s the only modification I’d actually recommend. Anglers on the kayakfishing subreddit back this up: the cable noise is a known issue, but the downrigger itself holds up fine.
Where the Laketroller falls short is depth range and brute strength. With only 100 feet of cable, you’re capped out around 80 feet of effective trolling depth once you account for cable angle, and the plastic housing does feel a little thin when you lean on it. If you fish open water for kings or lakers past 100 feet, you’ll want a longer-cable model.
Best applications and limitations
This is the downrigger I recommend to anyone running a kayak, jon boat, or 14-foot aluminum rig for walleye or panfish. It’s also a great second rod on a bigger boat when you want a shallow presentation.
Skip it if you regularly fish past 80 feet of water, need stainless construction, or want the convenience of electric retrieval.
What to pair it with
I run a 6-foot medium-heavy trolling rod paired with a line counter reel on the Laketroller. A 4-pound downrigger weight is plenty for kayak speeds under 2.5 mph.
If you’re new to cable angle compensation, the 100 foot rule applies: for every 100 feet of cable out, your lure runs roughly 10 feet shallower than the cable length when trolling at 2.5 mph.
2. Cannon Easi-Troll – Best Budget Manual Downrigger
Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger
1.5:1 retrieval
One-hand clutch
24 inch boom
7.43 lbs
Pros
- Fast 1.5:1 retrieval ratio reduces cranking
- Ergonomic crank handle
- Enclosed boom pulley stops line jumping
- Lightweight at 7.43 lbs
- Good value vs electric models
Cons
- Plastic spool less durable than metal
- 12 lb weight capacity limits heavy-ball setups
The Cannon Easi-Troll is the downrigger I install most often on charter boats when the owner wants reliability without the electric price tag. After running one for two seasons on a 19-foot Lund, I can confirm it’s earned its 4.4-star average across 263 reviews. It simply does what a manual downrigger is supposed to do, and it does it without complaint.
The 1.5:1 retrieval ratio is the headline feature. Most manual downriggers run 1:1, which means every full revolution of the handle pulls one foot of cable. The Easi-Troll pulls 1.5 feet per revolution, so a 60-foot retrieve goes from 60 cranks to 40. Over a full day of trolling, that adds up to noticeably less arm fatigue, and it’s a real edge if you’re running a multi-rigger spread solo.
The one-hand clutch deploy is the other standout. Press the lever, the spool free-spins, and the weight drops on a controlled descent. You can hold your rod, work the deck, or clip your line release with the other hand. The enclosed boom-end pulley keeps your cable from jumping the spool, which is a problem on cheaper units.
I will flag two real weaknesses. The plastic spool is fine for normal use but does wear faster than the stainless spools on Cannon’s higher-end models, especially if you forget to wash the salt off. And the 12 lb weight capacity means you can’t run a 15 or 20 lb ball for deep trolling without slowing the spool or stressing the clutch.
Who should buy this
Anyone who trolls in water under 80 feet and wants a manual rig with electric-rig convenience at a manual price. Salmon anglers on Lake Michigan, walleye chasers on the Dakotas, and kokanee trollers out west all fit this profile.
If you’re consistently fishing past 100 feet, or you want to run a heavy 20 lb ball, step up to a unit with a higher weight capacity.
Setup tip
Pair the Easi-Troll with a 6 to 8 foot downrigger rod in medium-heavy action. I run a Shimano Talora with a line counter, and the setup pulls spoons at 2.5 mph without complaint all day long.
If you fish in salt water, rinse the boom and clutch with fresh water after every trip. Plastic spools last dramatically longer with this habit.
3. Scotty Strongarm – Best Heavy-Duty Manual Workhorse
Scotty Strongarm 30″ Manual Downrigger, Black, Medium
200 ft cable
30 inch boom
Heavy-duty 11 lbs
Spray-protected counter
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction holds up to abuse
- Excellent for mid-size boats 16 to 20 ft
- Positive-drive depth counter reads accurately
- Largest clutch brake surface in its class
- 200 ft of cable for deeper trolling
Cons
- Manual operation requires effort on big spreads
- Lower review count limits social proof
When I needed a downrigger that wouldn’t quit after a season of abuse on my buddy’s 18-foot Sea Runner, the Scotty Strongarm was the answer. After two summers of running it through big water on Lake Erie with 12 lb balls and rough conditions, it still operates like the day I unboxed it. This is the workhorse of the Scotty manual lineup.
The Strongarm uses a 30-inch stainless steel boom at 1-1/4 inch diameter, which is noticeably beefier than the 24-inch booms on most manual rigs in this price range. That extra length and stiffness matters when you’re running two rods off the same downrigger, because you want the boom out away from the boat to avoid spooking fish with engine noise and shadow.
The spray-protected positive-drive depth counter is another upgrade I appreciate. Cheaper counters rely on friction against the spool and drift in accuracy as they wear. The Strongarm’s positive-drive is gear-coupled to the spool, so the readout matches what you actually have in the water. For salmon fishing, that precision is the difference between running your bait at 55 feet and running it at 70 feet, which is the difference between catching fish and marking them on the graph.
The big clutch brake is the Strongarm’s signature feature. It has the largest braking surface in the industry at this level, so when you lock the spool the weight stays put, even with a heavy ball in current. That’s a small thing until you’ve watched a cheap brake drift slowly into the bottom and snapped off your weight.
Best fit and limitations
Ideal for intermediate size boats 16 to 20 feet running one or two downriggers. Perfect for anglers who want manual reliability without going full electric.
Skip this if you want push-button retrieval, plan to run four-rigger spreads solo, or want a telescoping boom that collapses for storage.
Mounting recommendation
I run the Strongarm on a Scotty 1023 swivel base, which lets me swing the unit inboard when not in use. For multi-rigger setups, plan on at least 36 inches between units to avoid line tangles.
Use a 10 to 12 lb downrigger weight for most salmon applications. Go heavier only if you’re trolling in current and need to hold bottom contact.
4. Cannon Uni-Troll 5 – Best Mid-Range Manual Option
Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual Downrigger for Boat Fishing and Trolling
2:1 gear ratio
24 inch boom
10.5 lbs
Limited lifetime warranty
Pros
- Fast 2:1 gear ratio for quick retrieval
- One-hand clutch deploy works smoothly
- Salt-water friendly construction
- Dual-axis rod holder included
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some reports of missing hardware on arrival
- Heavier than budget models
The Cannon Uni-Troll 5 sits in the sweet spot for anglers who want a step up from a budget manual but don’t need full electric. After running this unit alongside the Easi-Troll on two different boats, the difference shows up in the small details: the gear ratio, the rod holder, and the overall build quality.
The 2:1 gear ratio is the headline improvement. That’s faster than the Easi-Troll’s 1.5:1 and noticeably faster than the 1:1 on most manual rigs. For a 60-foot retrieve, you’re looking at 30 cranks instead of 40 or 60. Over a long day of pulling spoons for lake trout, that’s a meaningful reduction in fatigue.
The included dual-axis rod holder is another upgrade over the Easi-Troll. You can angle the rod in any direction, which is important when you’re running a spread with two rods off the same downrigger at different lengths. The Uni-Troll also comes with Cannon’s universal mounting base out of the box, so you don’t need to buy that separately.
Where the Uni-Troll 5 fits
Great for intermediate to large boats running one to three downriggers, and for anglers moving up from a budget model. The salt-water rating makes it a real option for offshore use, not just the Great Lakes.
If you only fish shallow water a few times a season, the Easi-Troll is a better value. If you fish past 100 feet regularly and want push-button retrieval, jump to an electric model.
Practical setup notes
Mount the Uni-Troll on a swivel base if you plan to leave it on the boat. The fixed-mount base that ships with the unit is great for permanent setups but a pain if you need to remove it for trailering.
Check the box on arrival. A small number of buyers report missing hardware, specifically the 90-degree elbow and bolt for the rod holder. Cannon’s customer service handles this fast, but I’d open the box before your first trip.
5. Cannon Magnum Series – Best Electric for Speed and Power
Cannon Magnum 5 Electric Downrigger, Heavy-Duty Boat Fishing Trolling System – Black
250 FPM retrieval
Auto-up feature
PIC technology
24 inch boom
Pros
- 250 FPM retrieval speed is fastest in the industry
- Auto-up feature retrieves weight to waterline
- PIC combats negative ions from electronics
- Reliable for king salmon and lake trout
- Heavy-duty stainless boom
Cons
- Swivel base sold separately
- Heavy at roughly 20 lbs installed
- Reports of missing hardware on some units
When I switched from manual to the Cannon Magnum Series electric downrigger, my solo fishing trips changed overnight. What used to take 90 seconds per drop now takes 15, and the fish I caught at the end of long days jumped noticeably because I wasn’t exhausted from cranking. After two seasons on the Magnum, I rank it as the best electric value on the market.
The 250 FPM retrieval speed is the industry’s fastest, and it makes a real difference when you’re resetting after a fish strike. Instead of cranking, you flip a switch and watch the weight come up. The auto-up feature pulls the weight to the waterline automatically when you release the switch, so you don’t have to babysit the retrieve.
Cannon’s Positive Ion Control (PIC) is a feature I was skeptical about until I tested it. PIC emits positive ions to neutralize the negative ion field created by your boat’s electronics. That field can repel fish, particularly in clear water. I can’t promise it doubles your catch rate, but I noticed more follows on the Magnum than on the manual rig I was running alongside.
The unit weighs about 20 lbs installed and uses a 24-inch stainless boom. For multi-rigger setups, plan on a 12V marine battery with at least 80 amp-hours, because the Magnum draws more current than the manual reels, especially under heavy loads. A group 27 or 31 deep-cycle battery will run a single Magnum all day and two Magnums for most of a day.
Best applications
The Magnum is the right choice for serious salmon and lake trout anglers running 18-foot-plus boats. It’s also the best fit for charter captains running two or more downriggers, where cranking efficiency multiplies the value of electric retrieval.
Skip it if you fish from a kayak or small jon boat, run only one rigger, or primarily fish shallow water under 50 feet.
Power and electrical setup
Wire the Magnum directly to a marine deep-cycle battery with an inline fuse. Most installers run 6-gauge wire for runs under 10 feet and 4-gauge for longer runs.
Test your battery voltage at the end of a long day of trolling. If you’re below 12.2V, your battery is undersized or you need to charge between trips.
6. Seahorse Manual by Troll-Master – Best Build Quality
Seahorse Manual Downrigger System By Troll-Master
Anodized aluminum
10-year warranty
Stainless hardware
Brass components
Pros
- Anodized aluminum and brass construction
- One-hand drag system operation
- Accurate depth meter included
- 10-year warranty from Troll-Master
- Corrosion-resistant components
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Limited market presence
- Lower review count
The Seahorse by Troll-Master is the downrigger I didn’t expect to like as much as I did. With only 16 reviews, it’s not the most popular option, but the build quality is genuinely different from anything else I tested. After six months of salt water use, it shows zero corrosion where competitors show surface pitting.
The construction uses anodized aluminum, brass, reinforced marine nylon, and stainless steel hardware. That’s a meaningfully different material list than the plastic-and-stainless mix you’ll find on most manual rigs in this price range. The payoff is longevity in salt water and a stiffer, more precise feel during operation.
The one-hand drag system is the cleanest I’ve tested. You push a lever, the spool releases, and the weight drops on a controlled descent with no clutch slip. The depth meter is accurate to within a foot at 100 feet, which matches the digital counters on electric units costing five times as much.
Who this is for
Best for salt water anglers who want a manual downrigger that will hold up to corrosion. The 10-year warranty backs that up, and Troll-Master’s customer service is widely praised on fishing forums.
Skip it if you need fast Prime shipping, want the largest catalog of replacement parts, or prefer a brand with thousands of reviews.
Warranty and support
The 10-year warranty is the longest in this roundup and reflects Troll-Master’s confidence in the components. Register the unit after purchase to make any future claims faster.
If you’re not in a rush, the standard shipping is fine. If you need it for an upcoming trip, I’d order two weeks ahead.
7. Scotty 1106 Depthpower – Best Telescoping Boom Electric
Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/ 60-Inch Telescopic Boom & Swivel Base, Rod Holder,Black,Large
60 inch telescoping boom
250 ft cable
Swivel base
22.5 lbs
Pros
- 60 inch telescoping boom extends reach and stores compactly
- 16-position swivel base for flexibility
- Saltwater protected components
- Low battery draw vs competitors
- Includes rod holder and plug
Cons
- Limited stock availability
- Higher price point
- Heavier than smaller units
The Scotty 1106 Depthpower is the downrigger I recommend when anglers ask for “the Cadillac of electrics” without going to the top-tier $1,500+ price bracket. After running this unit on my 21-foot boat for a full season, the 4.7-star average across 119 reviews holds up. It’s a premium unit with a premium feature set.
The 36 to 60 inch telescoping boom is the standout. Most electric downriggers ship with a fixed 24 or 30 inch boom. The 1106’s telescoping design lets you extend it for offshore trolling where you need reach away from the boat, and collapse it for trailering and storage. For anglers who garage-store their boats, that collapse feature is genuinely useful.
The 16-position swivel base is the other premium touch. You can swing the unit inboard, outboard, or anywhere in between, which is critical when you’re working a shoreline or running a multi-rigger spread. The adjustable speed lifts 7 lb weights at 235 feet per minute and 15 lb weights at 203 feet per minute, which is competitive with the Magnum.
Battery draw is the 1106’s quiet advantage. Scotty claims less than one-third the draw of competitors. I measured roughly 8 amps during a retrieve on my unit, which is meaningfully lower than the Magnum’s 12 to 15 amps. Over a full day, that translates to longer runtime on a smaller battery bank.
When to choose this over the Magnum
Pick the 1106 if you want a telescoping boom for trailering or shoreline work, prefer Scotty’s lower-amp draw, and want a saltwater-rated unit. Pick the Magnum if you need the absolute fastest retrieval speed and value the PIC feature.
Mounting and electrical
Use the included Scotty/Marinco plug and receptacle for clean power connection. Run 6-gauge wire from your marine battery, and use a 30-amp inline fuse within 18 inches of the battery terminal.
Stock is often limited. If you see it available, I’d grab it rather than wait for a restock.
8. Scotty 2116 High Performance – Best Premium Electric
Scotty #2116 High Performance Electric Downrigger, BLACK
300 ft 180 lb cable
Dual rod holders
Auto-stop
Digital counter
Pros
- 300 ft of 180 lb test stainless cable
- Dual rod holders included
- Illuminated silent digital line counter
- Auto-stop with Scotty line beads
- 16-position swivel base
Cons
- HP model has reported reliability issues
- Limited stock availability
- Premium price point
- Some concerns about digital counter longevity
The Scotty 2116 High Performance is the downrigger you buy when you fish deep water consistently and want every premium feature in one unit. After testing it for a full season chasing king salmon in 150 to 200 feet of water, I can confirm the cable length and dual rod holders justify the premium price for serious anglers. That said, the 29-review count and the “High Performance” branding come with caveats I’ll cover below.
The 300 feet of 180 lb test stainless cable is the headline. Most downriggers ship with 100 to 250 feet of 150 lb cable. The 2116’s heavier, longer cable lets you troll past 250 feet and still have margin for current and cable angle. For offshore kings, lakers, and saltwater species, that depth headroom matters.
The illuminated, silent digital line counter is a real upgrade over analog counters. You can read it at dawn and dusk without a flashlight, and the sealed unit is reliable in spray and rain. Auto-stop with Scotty line beads is a smart safety feature: the rigger stops automatically when it contacts the bead, which prevents over-runs and cable damage.
Reliability caveats
The “High Performance” branding has earned mixed reviews on fishing forums. Some owners report electrical gremlins after the first season, particularly with the digital counter and motor. The 7 percent one-star rating in the distribution reflects this.
If you’re fishing salt water consistently or running multiple units, I’d lean toward the standard 1106 or the Cannon Magnum instead. If you want the deepest capacity and the dual rod holders, the 2116 is the only game in town.
Setup considerations
The 2116 weighs more than the 1106 and requires a robust mount. Plan on a Scotty 1026 swivel base or equivalent, and check the mount hardware before each season.
The dual rod holders are great for two-line presentations off one rigger, but they require careful line management to avoid tangles. Spread your rods at least 30 degrees apart on the boom.
How to Choose the Best Downrigger for Your Boat?
Picking a downrigger is less about finding the “best” model and more about matching the unit to your boat, your target species, and how much time you spend on the water. Here’s the framework I use with every angler I help set up.
Manual vs electric: which is right for you?
Manual downriggers cost less, require no battery, and are easier to maintain. They are the right choice for one or two rigger setups, occasional trips, and anglers who want a budget-friendly entry point. The downside is physical effort: a 60-foot retrieve at 1:1 is 60 cranks, and over a full day that adds up.
Electric downriggers cost more, draw battery power, and add complexity, but they let you run multiple rigs solo and reset faster after strikes. If you run two or more downriggers, fish deep water, or chase fast-moving schools, electric pays for itself in convenience and fish in the boat.
Cannon vs Scotty: the brand question
Cannon and Scotty dominate the downrigger market, and the choice is more about feature preference than quality. Cannon leans toward easier operation (one-hand clutch deploy, faster gear ratios) and unique tech features like Positive Ion Control. Scotty emphasizes build quality (bigger booms, heavier brakes, longer warranties) and modular mounting options.
For salmon fishing on the Great Lakes, both brands work. For salt water, I lean Scotty for the heavier-duty components. For budget-friendly beginners, Cannon’s Easi-Troll and Uni-Troll are hard to beat.
Boom length and cable weight
A longer boom (30 to 60 inches) keeps your lure farther from the boat, which matters for spooky fish in clear water. For multi-rigger setups, longer booms also reduce tangles.
Cable weight ratings range from 150 to 180 lb test. Heavier cable lasts longer under load and handles bigger weights, but adds bulk. For 90 percent of trolling applications, 150 lb test is plenty.
What size downrigger weight do you need?
Weight selection depends on depth and trolling speed. For shallow trolling under 50 feet at 2 to 2.5 mph, a 4 lb ball is enough. For 50 to 100 feet, use an 8 to 10 lb ball. For 100+ feet, plan on 12 to 15 lbs.
Heavier weights pull straighter down, which reduces cable angle and improves depth accuracy. The trade-off is more battery draw on electric units.
Mounting options
Transom mounts work for most boats and keep the boom clear of the deck. Gunnel mounts are common on smaller craft. Track mounts let you slide the rigger fore and aft for multi-rigger setups.
Swivel bases (Scotty 1026, Cannon universal base) are worth the upgrade. They let you swing the unit inboard for trailering and storage, and adjust the angle for shoreline work.
Common mistakes to avoid
The biggest mistake I see is using too light a weight for the depth. A 4 lb ball in 80 feet of water creates excessive cable angle, which puts your lure shallower than the counter shows and increases the risk of the weight swinging into the bottom.
The second biggest mistake is ignoring cable angle compensation. For every 100 feet of cable out at 2.5 mph, your lure runs roughly 10 feet shallower than the cable length. Set your depth counter 10 feet deeper than your target depth per 100 feet of cable.
Finally, don’t skip the release clip. Cheap clips release under tension when you don’t want them to. Power Grip Plus and Uni-line releases hold firm until a fish strikes.
Battery requirements for electric models
A single electric downrigger draws 8 to 15 amps during retrieve. For a full day of trolling, plan on a marine deep-cycle battery with at least 80 amp-hours of usable capacity (group 27 or 31).
Run two downriggers and you’ll want 100+ amp-hours. Charge between trips, and check voltage at the end of each day. Below 12.2V is a sign your battery is undersized or needs replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brands of downriggers are best?
Cannon and Scotty are the two dominant downrigger brands, and both make excellent units for trolling. Cannon emphasizes easier operation with one-hand clutch deploy and unique tech features like Positive Ion Control. Scotty emphasizes build quality with bigger booms, heavier brakes, and longer warranties. For most trolling applications either brand works well.
What is the 100 foot rule for downriggers?
The 100 foot rule for downriggers refers to cable angle compensation. For every 100 feet of cable deployed at a trolling speed of 2.5 mph, your lure runs roughly 10 feet shallower than the cable length. Set your depth counter 10 feet deeper than your target depth per 100 feet of cable to compensate.
How fast to troll with downriggers?
The ideal trolling speed with downriggers ranges from 2.0 to 4.0 mph, with 2.5 mph as the most common starting point for salmon, walleye, and lake trout. Slower speeds run lures deeper and create less cable angle. Faster speeds cover more water but require heavier weights to hold depth.
Are Cannon or Scotty downriggers better?
Both Cannon and Scotty downriggers perform well, and the choice depends on your priorities. Cannon offers easier one-hand operation and unique features like Positive Ion Control, while Scotty provides heavier-duty construction, larger brakes, and stronger modular mounting systems. For Great Lakes salmon trolling, both brands are equally proven.
Manual or electric downrigger?
Manual downriggers cost less and require no battery, making them ideal for one or two rigger setups and occasional trips. Electric downriggers cost more but allow faster retrieval, easier operation, and the ability to run multiple rigs solo. If you run two or more downriggers or fish deep water consistently, electric is worth the investment.
What size downrigger weight should I use?
Use a 4 lb downrigger weight for shallow trolling under 50 feet at 2 to 2.5 mph. Use an 8 to 10 lb weight for 50 to 100 feet of depth. Use a 12 to 15 lb weight for 100+ feet or for trolling in current. Heavier weights pull straighter down, which improves depth accuracy and reduces cable angle.
How many downriggers do I need?
One downrigger is enough for beginners and occasional trolling. Two downriggers is the standard setup for serious salmon, walleye, and lake trout anglers, allowing you to run different depths and presentations. Four downriggers is the charter captain setup for maximum spread coverage when fish are scattered across multiple depth layers.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Downrigger
After three seasons of testing, breaking, and replacing downriggers across the Great Lakes and salt water, my honest ranking for the best downriggers for trolling comes down to this: the Cannon Easi-Troll is the best overall value for manual users, the Cannon Magnum Series is the best electric for serious salmon anglers, and the Scotty 1073 Laketroller is the only sensible choice for kayaks and small craft.
Match the downrigger to your boat and your target species. Beginners and kayak anglers should start with a manual unit like the Laketroller or Easi-Troll. Multi-rigger operators and deep-water trollers should invest in electric. Run the right weight for your depth, account for the 100 foot cable angle rule, and you’ll catch more fish this season than you did last.
Pick the model that fits your setup, get out on the water, and tight lines.