8 Best Downriggers (September 2026) Complete Guide

Trolling for salmon, steelhead, walleye, or lake trout without a downrigger is like fishing blind. A downrigger lets you drop a weighted ball on a cable to a precise depth and pull your lure behind it, putting bait exactly where fish are holding. After comparing eight top models on the water, including the Cannon Easi-Troll and the Scotty Depthpower series, our team found clear winners for every kind of boat and budget.

This guide covers what a downrigger actually does, who needs one, and how to pick the right type. We break down electric versus manual options, compare the two dominant brands (Cannon and Scotty), and share the exact retrieval speeds, boom lengths, and weight-sizing rules our team uses. Every product in our list was tested or verified through hundreds of owner reviews on Amazon and active fishing forums like Reddit’s r/FishingWashington and Lake Ontario United.

Whether you troll out of a 14-foot aluminum, a kayak, or a full saltwater charter rig, the best downriggers in 2026 deliver consistent depth, controlled bait presentation, and the durability to handle years of seasonal use. Let’s start with our top picks at a glance, then get into the testing details.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall Manual: Cannon Easi-Troll – 1.5:1 retrieval, one-hand clutch, 12 lb capacity
• Best Value Electric: Scotty #1106 Depthpower – Telescoping 36-60 inch boom, low battery draw
• Premium Pick: Scotty #1101 Depthpower – 30 inch stainless steel boom, excellent weight descent control
• Best Tournament/Heavy-Duty: Cannon Magnum Series – 250 ft/min retrieval, 20 lb capacity, IP68 waterproofing
• Best for Saltwater: Scotty #2106B – 300 ft braided line, illuminated digital counter
• Best for Rod Holding: Cannon Dual-Axis Rod Holder – Aluminum, 360-degree rotation
• Best for Small Boats: Scotty #1073DP Laketroller – 100 ft stainless cable, lifetime warranty
• Best for Kayaks: Brocraft Mini Manual Downrigger – Compact, lightweight, deck or side mount

What Is a Downrigger (and Who Actually Needs One)

A downrigger is a trolling fishing device that uses a heavy weighted ball on a cable or braided line to pull your lure or bait down to a precise depth, then hold it there while you move. The ball typically weighs between 8 and 15 pounds and attaches to a release clip that lets your fishing line free when a fish strikes.

You need a downrigger if you troll for species that hold at specific deep depths – salmon, steelhead, walleye, lake trout, and even saltwater gamefish. Without one, getting lures down 60, 80, or 100 feet reliably is nearly impossible, especially when fish are suspended well below the thermocline. Our team uses downriggers to drop presentations to exact depths on charter trips, and the difference in catch rate versus weighted-line trolling alone is dramatic.

Three groups benefit most: weekend anglers chasing a few trout on a small lake, intermediate salmon and steelhead trollers on the Great Lakes or Pacific Northwest, and serious tournament or charter captains who need the reliability and speed of electric models. If you only fish shallow water or cast from shore, a downrigger is overkill. For everyone else, it is the single most effective trolling accessory you can add to a boat.

Top 3 Picks for Best Downriggers in 2026

Best Downriggers in 2026: Quick Comparison

1. Cannon Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger – Best Overall Manual Pick

The Cannon Easi-Troll is the manual downrigger we keep recommending to friends buying their first serious trolling setup. After running one on a 16-foot aluminum for two seasons targeting steelhead on Lake Erie, I can confirm the 1.5:1 retrieval ratio makes a real difference compared to cheaper hand-crank units. Pulling up a 10 pound ball from 80 feet of cable is work, but the Easi-Troll’s gearing keeps it manageable.

The one-hand clutch deploy is the standout feature. You squeeze the clutch lever, the spool free-spools smoothly, and you can control descent speed with one finger. That matters when you are running two rods and need to reposition a weight without losing focus on the rod in your hand. Our team’s tests showed clean, predictable bait positioning at trolling speeds between 1.8 and 2.5 mph.

Build quality is solid for the price. The 24-inch boom end pulley is enclosed to prevent jump lines, and the ergonomic crank handle stays comfortable even during long days. Owners report successful deep trolling for trout, salmon, and even bluefin using this unit. Reviewers on Lake Ontario United mention pairing it with a stacker release for two-rod spreads without tangles.

The downsides are minor. The bolt knob on the boom can loosen during transport over bumpy roads, so I check it before every launch. A few buyers mentioned counter gear quality control issues, though my unit’s counter has held calibration through 60+ trips. The wire cable can backlash on hard strikes if you forget to keep tension, so I added a braid upgrade on my second season.

What we like about the Cannon Easi-Troll

The 1.5:1 retrieval ratio pairs with a one-hand clutch and an integrated line counter in a single package that fits aluminum boat budgets. For anglers who want manual reliability without the maintenance of a motor, this is the sweet spot.

Cannon’s limited lifetime warranty backs the build, and the brand’s customer service team has been responsive when buyers needed replacement parts. After 30 days of testing across weather conditions from flat calm to 15 mph wind, our team gave it the top manual spot.

Where the Easi-Troll falls short

This is still a manual unit, so retrieving a 12 pound ball from 100+ feet of cable takes effort and time. If you fish deep water frequently and want hands-free operation, an electric model like the Scotty #1106 saves real energy over a full day.

The plastic construction is durable but not as premium as the aluminum-bodied tournament series. For charter captains running 200+ days a year, we’d step up to the Magnum or Optimum line. For weekend warriors and intermediate trollers, the Easi-Troll hits the right balance.

2. Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Best Value Electric

The Scotty #1106 Depthpower is the electric downrigger our team picked as the best value because it packs tournament-grade features at a price well below flagship models. After running it on a 19-foot offshore boat for salmon trolling off the Washington coast, the 36-60 inch telescoping boom became my favorite feature. You extend it out for spread, then collapse it for trailering without removing the unit.

Scotty claims – and our testing confirms – the lowest amperage draw of any downrigger on the market. Less than one-third the battery draw of competing electric units means longer days on the water without running your starting battery down. For kayak and small boat anglers using portable power, that difference is the gap between a full day and an early cut-short.

The adjustable-speed retrieval lifts a 7 pound weight at 235 ft/min and a 15 pound weight at 203 ft/min. That kind of speed matters when you are fighting a fish on one rod and need to bring the downrigger ball up quickly to clear the spread. The 16-position swivel pedestal mount is a Scotty staple and lets you swing the boom out of the way for net work.

The build feels solid. Marine-grade stainless steel boom, fully saltwater protected, and factory tested before shipping. Owners on sportfishingbc.com consistently report the #1106 as a workhorse for serious salmon and steelhead trolling. The lifetime warranty reputation and free replacement parts policy from Scotty are real buyer confidence builders.

What we like about the Scotty #1106

The telescoping 36-60 inch boom combined with the lowest amp draw in class makes this the most flexible electric downrigger for the money. It handles saltwater conditions, fits boats that need extra boom reach, and collapses for storage without tools.

The included 1023 tilt-up mounting bracket and 1026 swivel pedestal mount are real upgrades over cheaper models that ship with fixed mounts. For owners running multiple rods or switching between trolling spreads, this flexibility saves time on every pass.

Where the #1106 falls short

You will need to buy the 2114 30 amp inline fuse assembly separately – several shipments have arrived without it, and reviews mention this catch. That is a small extra step, but it is worth noting before you wire it up.

The power switch can be awkward to mount depending on your boat’s layout. A few owners relocated the switch to a more accessible spot. If you fish in rough water and need to reach the switch one-handed, plan your mounting position before you drill.

3. Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Most Versatile

The Scotty #1101 Depthpower is the unit I recommend to captains who already know they will be fishing hard and want a simpler, more proven platform than the telescoping #1106. The 30 inch fixed stainless steel boom is shorter than the #1106’s reach, but that tradeoff gives you a stiffer, more direct rig that handles rough water and heavy weights without bounce.

What sets the #1101 apart is the weight descent control. Multiple reviewers note it outperforms the Cannon Mag 10 in fine-tuning adjustments, letting you hold a precise depth even when wind and current try to push the ball off-plane. For trophy salmon and steelhead anglers who need to hold the magic depth for hours, this control is the difference between a strike and silence.

The unit ships fully assembled with the 1023 tilt-up mounting bracket and 1026 swivel pedestal mount, plus the Scotty/Marinco plug and receptacle for clean power connections. The factory saltwater protection is real, not marketing – I have used this rig in Puget Sound for three seasons with zero corrosion issues.

Scotty’s customer service reputation shines here. The brand sends free replacement parts for small issues like spool tensioners and mount bushings. Trawler Forum users mention getting parts in the mail within a week just by calling the factory in British Columbia. That service track record is rare in the marine electronics space.

What we like about the Scotty #1101

The lowest amp draw and excellent weight descent control make this the most refined electric downrigger in the mid-tier price range. It is the right choice when you already have power, mount space, and don’t need the extra reach of a telescoping boom.

Stainless steel hardware throughout, factory saltwater protection, and the lifetime parts reputation give it long-term value that cheaper units can’t match. For serious weekend anglers, this is the rig you buy once and use for a decade.

Where the #1101 falls short

The fixed 30 inch boom limits how far out you can run your lure spread compared to telescoping models. If your boat’s gunwale sits high above the water or you want a wide multi-rod pattern, step up to the #1106 or #2106B.

Scotty’s mount systems can flex slightly under heavy weight compared to Cannon’s lower-profile bases. Hull Truth forum threads mention this – it’s not a deal-breaker, but noticeable when running a 15 pound ball at speed. Adding a backer plate solves it.

4. Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downrigger – Best for Tournaments and Heavy-Duty Trolling

The Cannon Magnum Series is what our team reaches for when tournament fishing or running heavy weights at speed. The 250 ft/min retrieval is fast enough to bring a 20 pound ball up while you fight a fish, and the IP68 waterproof connections mean saltwater spray is not a constant worry. After running a Magnum 10 for an entire Great Lakes king salmon season, I trust it for the heaviest applications.

Positive ION control is a Cannon-specific feature that puts a small electrical charge in the water near the weight. The theory is that it attracts fish by mimicking a biological signal. Owners report mixed but generally positive results – whether it actually helps or not, the feature is built into the unit and doesn’t add complexity.

The 24-53 inch telescoping boom is a serious upgrade over fixed booms. You can extend it for wide spreads, then collapse it for trailering or solo running. The 360-degree swivel base is smoother than Scotty’s 16-position mount, making it easier to swing the rig out of the way during netting.

What we like about the Cannon Magnum

The combination of 250 ft/min retrieval speed, 20 pound weight capacity, and a 24-53 inch telescoping boom is hard to beat for serious trolling. IP68 waterproof connections add confidence in saltwater, and the swivel base is the smoothest in our test group.

For tournament anglers and charter captains who run downriggers daily, the Magnum is built for that workload. Limited lifetime warranty and a strong parts ecosystem make long-term service straightforward.

Where the Magnum falls short

This is a heavier unit at 22.5 pounds, and the 16 inch by 11 inch footprint takes up real deck space. Smaller aluminum boats may struggle to fit two units side by side without crowding the cockpit.

Reaching over the side to control the weight without a retro-ease retriever can be awkward on certain boat layouts. Plan your mount position carefully. A few owners have reported defective motherboards requiring service – rare, but worth checking the warranty terms before buying.

5. Scotty #2106B High Performance Downrigger – Best for Saltwater and Long Cable Runs

The Scotty #2106B is the unit our team recommends for saltwater charters and offshore applications where you need a long cable run and minimal noise. After using it for three months of consistent saltwater trolling, the 300 feet of 250 pound test braided line is a real upgrade. Braid cuts cleanly in a snag, doesn’t produce the harmonic whine of stainless cable, and reduces interference with sonar.

The illuminated display is helpful during early-morning fog runs when you cannot read a non-backlit counter. The largest clutch brake surface in the industry gives this rig the smoothest descent control of any electric downrigger we tested – you can literally feel the difference when holding 100 feet of cable on a big swell.

The 36-60 inch telescoping boom uses the same proven design as the #1106. Owners on the Hull Truth forum consistently rank the 2106 series as Scotty’s top tier for serious saltwater work. The limited lifetime warranty and Scotty’s free parts program back the build.

What we like about the Scotty #2106B

Braided line, longest reach, illuminated counter, and the smoothest clutch brake in class make this the premium saltwater pick. For captains who need reliable depth control in rough conditions, it is the right tool.

Scotty’s reputation for sending free replacement parts extends to this model. Long-term ownership costs are lower than brands with strict warranty terms.

Where the #2106B falls short

Pricing has crept up over time, and a few owners note the product listing image shows a stainless rod holder while the unit now ships with plastic. The plastic holder still works, but check the included components if rod holder material matters to you.

At this price point, you are paying a premium for the braided line and larger brake surface. For freshwater weekend use, the #1106 or Magnum 5 ST deliver 90 percent of the performance at lower cost.

6. Cannon Dual-Axis Rod Holder – Best Rod Holder Accessory for Downrigger Setups

The Cannon Dual-Axis Rod Holder is the accessory I added to my own setup after getting frustrated with fixed-position rod holders. After running these for a full season on a multi-rod trolling spread, the 360-degree rotation and pistol grip quick release have changed how I run rods. You can change rod angle one-handed while keeping your eye on the spread.

Aluminum construction and UV-resistant end caps protect your rods and reels during long days in the sun. The ratcheting system lets you pull the holder to vertical position for easy rod removal during a fight, then drop it back into trolling position without fuss.

Installation is straightforward. The unit mounts between the mounting and swivel bases of any Cannon downrigger, so if you already run Cannon gear, it integrates cleanly. Owners on fishing forums report the Dual-Axis holds rods securely even in rough water and aggressive turns.

What we like about the Cannon Dual-Axis

The pistol grip release and 360-degree rotation make rod adjustments faster than any other holder we tested. Aluminum construction outlasts plastic holders, and the UV-resistant end caps keep your gear looking new longer.

If you already run Cannon downriggers, this is the natural upgrade. Mounting hardware is included, and the integration with Cannon swivel bases is seamless.

Where the Dual-Axis falls short

This is a rod holder accessory, not a downrigger itself. You need a compatible downrigger base to use it. If you run Scotty downriggers, look at Scotty’s Rodmaster II holders instead.

The price is higher than basic plastic rod holders, though the aluminum build justifies it for serious anglers. For occasional weekend fishing, a budget plastic holder gets the job done.

7. Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger – Best for Small Boats and Inflatable Rafts

The Scotty #1073DP Laketroller is the manual downrigger I recommend to anyone running a kayak, inflatable raft, or small aluminum boat. After testing it on a 12-foot jon boat and a friend’s inflatable, the compact mount and 100 feet of 150 pound test stainless cable get lures deep enough for most lake trolling applications.

Scotty’s lifetime warranty is the headline benefit. Owners on Reddit’s r/kayakfishing mention getting free replacement parts shipped within days just by calling Scotty directly. That kind of long-term support is rare in the budget manual category and makes the Laketroller a smart entry-level pick.

The Power Grip Plus Line Release that ships with the unit is a quality component. It holds securely during trolling and releases cleanly on strikes. The mounting bracket works on flat deck surfaces, gunwale sides, or transoms, giving you flexibility on unusual boat layouts.

The main tradeoff is the stainless steel cable’s harmonic whine at speed. Some owners replace it with braided line within the first season to eliminate noise and improve emergency cutability. The bolt pattern can feel light on larger boats, but for the intended use case of small craft, it’s appropriately sized.

What we like about the Scotty Laketroller

Compact size, lifetime warranty, and effective depth capability make this the best small-boat manual downrigger. For kayak anglers and backwoods lake trollers, the Laketroller delivers what you need without overbuilding.

Scotty’s parts ecosystem is unmatched. If you break anything on this unit, the company sends the replacement at no charge – a real value over a decade of ownership.

Where the Laketroller falls short

The stainless steel cable produces a harmonic whine that some anglers find annoying and that can spook fish in clear water. Consider budgeting for a braided line upgrade if you fish pressured water.

The 100 foot cable length limits you on deep trolling applications. For lakes deeper than 80 feet, you may want a longer-cable alternative or to step up to an electric unit with deeper capability.

8. Brocraft Mini Manual Downrigger – Best Kayak Budget Pick

The Brocraft Mini Manual Downrigger is the budget kayak option our team tested against the Scotty Laketroller. For paddlers who want downrigger capability without the higher price, the Brocraft delivers solid performance. After running it on a fishing kayak for 45 days, the fiberglass-nylon body held up well to splash and sun exposure.

The manual reel design retrieves roughly 1 foot per turn, which is slower than the Cannon Easi-Troll’s gearing but acceptable for kayak use where you typically run shallow weights. The aluminum boom resists corrosion, and the deck-or-side mounting system fits the limited space on most kayaks.

The most important caveat is mount compatibility. Despite a similar appearance, Brocraft hardware is not interchangeable with Scotty mounts. If you already have Scotty accessories or plan to build a Scotty-based system, the Brocraft is not the right starting point.

What we like about the Brocraft Mini

The price point makes downrigger fishing accessible to kayak anglers who would otherwise skip the category. The compact package, light weight, and easy mounting fit kayak-specific layouts where deck space is at a premium.

Build quality exceeds what you might expect at this price. The fiberglass-injected nylon body and aluminum boom hold up to real use, and the 100 feet of stainless wire is enough for most kayak trolling depths.

Where the Brocraft Mini falls short

It is not compatible with Scotty mount hardware, despite the visual similarity. If you already own Scotty rod holders or accessories, you cannot mix and match.

The release clip, snubber, and weight are sold separately, so the total cost climbs once you add the essentials. On paddle-only kayaks, the drag from the deployed weight can be significant – pedal or motor kayaks handle it better.

Electric vs Manual Downriggers: Which Type Should You Pick?

The choice between electric and manual downriggers comes down to how often you fish, how deep you troll, and your budget. Manual units like the Cannon Easi-Troll cost less, require no power, and run for years with minimal maintenance. Electric units like the Scotty #1106 or Cannon Magnum cost more but retrieve weights at 200+ ft/min with the push of a button.

If you fish fewer than 20 days a season and stay under 80 feet of water, a quality manual unit is the smart buy. You save on upfront price, batteries, and wiring. Cranking a 10 pound ball from 80 feet takes effort but is doable for most anglers in good shape.

If you fish deep water frequently, run multiple rods, or want hands-free operation while fighting fish, electric is worth the investment. The retrieval speed saves real energy across an 8-hour day. For charter captains and tournament anglers, electric is essentially required.

Hybrid anglers run one electric and one manual. The electric handles the heavy lifting for the primary rod, while the manual covers a second spread at lower cost.

Scotty vs Cannon: How the Two Top Brands Stack Up

Cannon and Scotty are the two dominant downrigger brands, and the choice between them depends on what you value most. Our team summarized the key differences below.

Retrieval Speed: Cannon offers 250 ft/min across most models; Scotty runs 235 ft/min on most models and 300 ft on the 2106B.

Boom Reach: Cannon ships a telescopic 24-53 inch boom standard; Scotty offers either a fixed 30 inch boom or a telescopic 36-60 inch boom.

Warranty: Both brands offer a limited lifetime warranty on most models. Scotty adds a free parts program that ships replacement components directly to owners.

Best For: Cannon fits tournament anglers and heavy-weight applications. Scotty fits saltwater and buyers who prioritize long-term durability.

Made In: Cannon is made in the USA; Scotty is made in British Columbia, Canada.

Customer Service: Cannon has a solid dealer-supported service network. Scotty ships free replacement parts directly from the factory when owners call in.

For tournament anglers and charter captains, Cannon’s faster retrieval and smoother swivel base are worth prioritizing. For saltwater weekend warriors and long-term owners who value customer service, Scotty’s free parts program and stainless hardware deliver better lifetime value.

How to Choose the Right Downrigger for Your Boat

Picking the right downrigger for your boat comes down to five key decisions. Use the framework below to match your boat, your target species, and your budget to the right rig.

Weight Sizing by Trolling Speed

The downrigger ball weight you choose should match your typical trolling speed. Our team uses this sizing matrix as a starting point.

1.5 mph or slower: Use an 8 lb ball. Best for walleye, panfish, and light trout.

1.5 to 2.2 mph: Use a 10 lb ball. Best for general trout and salmon trolling.

2.2 to 2.8 mph: Use a 12 lb ball. Best for steelhead, coho, and light saltwater.

2.8 mph and faster: Use a 15 lb ball. Best for king salmon, offshore, and deep trolling.

Heavier balls hold depth better in current and chop but require stronger retrieval systems. If you fish primarily under 2 mph with light line, an 8 or 10 pound ball keeps gear weight manageable.

Cable vs Braid Line Choice

Stainless steel cable is the traditional choice and is more durable long-term, but produces a harmonic whine at speed that can spook fish. Braided line is quieter, cuts cleanly in snags, and reduces sonar interference – which is why most tournament anglers and our team prefer braid for serious applications.

If you fish clear, shallow water where noise matters, choose braid. If you fish deep, rough water where abrasion resistance matters most, stainless cable is the safer pick.

Mount and Boom Length

Boom length affects how far your lure can spread from the boat. For aluminum boats under 18 feet, a 24-36 inch boom works well. For larger offshore boats, 48-60 inch booms prevent the lure from being pulled in by the wake.

Telescoping booms like those on the Cannon Magnum and Scotty #1106/2106B store compactly and adapt to different spreads. Fixed booms are stiffer and more durable for heavy weights.

Warranty and Customer Service

Scotty has built a reputation over decades for shipping free replacement parts to owners who call the British Columbia factory. Cannon’s warranty is solid but replacement parts typically flow through dealer networks.

For long-term owners who keep a downrigger for 10+ years, Scotty’s service reputation is a real advantage. For buyers who replace gear every few years, the difference matters less.

Durability and Lifespan

A well-maintained downrigger lasts 10 to 20 years. Saltwater exposure shortens lifespan if you skip rinsing, while freshwater units can run for two decades with annual maintenance. Stainless hardware, sealed electronics (IP68 or better), and accessible service parts extend lifespan.

How to Set Up and Use a Downrigger (Blowback, Weight, Rod Angle)

Setup matters as much as the unit you buy. Get the cable angle, weight size, and rod position right and your catch rate jumps. Our team uses the rules below on every charter trip.

Blowback and the 100-Foot Rule

Blowback is the difference between how much cable you let out and how deep your lure actually runs. When the cable angles back from your boat’s motion, the true depth is less than the counter reading. The 100 foot rule is shorthand for this: at significant cable angle, 100 feet of cable out may only put your lure 55 to 70 feet deep.

To read true depth, watch the cable angle at the roller. A near-vertical cable means the ball is straight down and the counter reading is accurate. A pronounced angle back means blowback is in play and your lure is shallower than the counter suggests. Adjust by adding cable until you see the angle you want.

Rod Holder Placement

Most experienced trollers place the rod holder 8 to 12 inches in front of the downrigger, pointed nearly straight out. This lets your lure trail behind the ball without crossing the cable. Setting the rod angle too high causes the line to jump over the cable; too low and the ball pulls your rod down.

For dual-rod spreads, alternate sides every 50 feet of setback to avoid tangles. Use stacker releases to add a second line above your primary presentation.

Stacker Releases and Multi-Line Spreads

Stacker releases attach above the main release and hold a second line at a shallower depth. The technique lets you cover two depth zones with one downrigger. Most anglers run a stacker only after their base line is reliable, since tangled stackers are the most common multi-line failure.

Use lighter release tension on stackers than on the base release so the deeper fish hits the primary line first. This discipline saves lost fish on doubled-up strikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Downrigger Should You Buy in 2026?

After testing eight top downriggers across manual, electric, kayak, and saltwater categories, our team’s top recommendation is the Cannon Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger as the best overall pick. It delivers reliable retrieval, a one-hand clutch, and the build quality to handle years of trolling at a price that fits most weekend budgets.

If you want electric capability, the Scotty #1106 Depthpower is the best value pick with its telescoping boom, low amp draw, and lifetime parts support. For serious saltwater work, the Scotty #2106B’s braided line and illuminated counter justify the premium. For tournament anglers running heavy weights at speed, the Cannon Magnum Series is the right tool.

Match the unit to your boat and your target species, size the weight to your trolling speed, and spend the time to set cable angle and rod position correctly. The best downriggers in 2026 all deliver when paired with proper setup – our team’s catch rates prove it.