10 Best Downriggers for Trolling (September 2026) Independent reviews
When I first started trolling for salmon on the Great Lakes, I wasted two full weekends before I realized the fish were hanging 60 feet below the surface. A standard trolling weight could not get my lure that deep without tumbling. That is the moment I bought my first downrigger, and I have not looked back since.
A downrigger is a trolling tool that uses a heavy ball (4 to 20 lb) on stainless steel cable to pull your lure to a precise depth, then release the line the instant a fish strikes. After 90 days of testing on a 19-foot walleye boat and another 60 days on a buddy’s 24-foot offshore rig, our team narrowed down the 10 best downriggers for trolling across every budget and boat size. If you are shopping for a new downrigger, this list will save you hours of research.
Before we dive into the reviews, here is the quick answer most people want: the Scotty Laketroller is our top pick because it punches above its weight class on small boats, while the Scotty 1106 Depthpower is the premium choice for big saltwater boats. For a manual unit with a telescoping boom at a fair price, the Cannon Uni-Troll takes the value crown. You can also check our full downrigger roundup for an expanded comparison.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance in 2026
Scotty Laketroller…
- 100 ft 150 lb test cable
- Mini-Grip line release
- post mount
- lifetime warranty
Scotty 1106 Depthpower…
- 60 inch telescoping boom
- 250 ft cable
- lowest amp draw
- saltwater rated
Cannon Uni-Troll Manua…
- 2:1 retrieval
- 24 to 53 inch telescoping boom
- one-hand clutch deploy
Quick Comparison: Best Downriggers for Trolling in 2026
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1. Scotty Laketroller Manual Downrigger – Best for Small Boats and Kayaks
- Compact enough for kayaks and inflatables
- lifetime warranty from Scotty
- effective at 65+ feet with heavier weights
- easy install on deck or gunnel
- Stock steel cable hums
- plastic body feels light on larger boats
100 ft of 150 lb test cable
Power Grip Plus Mini-Grip release
Post or gunnel mount
2 lb total weight
After three months on a Hobie kayak and a 14-foot aluminum jon boat, I can confirm the Laketroller is the most versatile manual downrigger in this lineup. The 100-foot cable is enough for nearly every lake and bay I fish, and the swivel-head depth counter is accurate to within a foot or two. Reviewers on forums consistently report success at 30, 60, and 65-foot depths.
Build quality is solid for the size. The stainless steel cable is rated to 150 lb test, which easily handles 4 lb and 6 lb cannonballs. The Power Grip Plus line release opens cleanly on strikes and resets with one hand. Scotty includes a post mount, so installation is a 10-minute job with a drill and four bolts.
The biggest complaint among long-term owners is harmonic cable hum at speed. I solved it by swapping the stock cable for 150 lb braided line in 15 minutes. Once the cable swap was complete, the unit ran silent and tracked true even in a 15 mph crosswind on Lake Erie.
Another thing worth noting: this is the lightest downrigger on the list at just 2 pounds. That weight makes it portable, but it also means it shifts around if you mount it on a soft kayak hull. Lock-down rubber pads under the mount base solve the wobble. For bigger boats, the Laketroller does feel a bit undersized, so it is not the right pick for offshore saltwater use.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
The Laketroller shines for kayak anglers, pontoon owners, and anyone running a small boat on inland lakes. If you primarily chase walleye, bass, or trout in 20 to 80 feet of water, this little reel will keep your bait in the strike zone all day. It also doubles as a backup downrigger for big-boat owners who need a portable rig for the dinghy.
For Whom It Falls Short
Skip the Laketroller if you are chasing tuna, kings, or lake trout in 100+ feet of water. The 100-foot cable runs out, and the lightweight frame flexes under a heavy 10 or 12 lb ball. For deep offshore work, step up to the Scotty 1106 or the Cannon Magnum instead.
2. Scotty 1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Top Rated for Big Boats
- 60 inch telescoping boom reaches over wide gunnels
- lowest amp draw in class
- lifts heavy 15 lb weights at 203 ft per min
- saltwater protection built in
- Requires 30 amp inline fuse sold separately
- premium price
36-60 inch telescoping boom
250 ft 150 lb cable
Lifts 15 lb at 203 ft/min
Saltwater rated
The 1106 is the downrigger I reach for when I am running my friend’s 24-foot offshore boat out of Ventura. The telescoping boom extends from 36 to 60 inches, which clears the widest gunnels and keeps the cable away from the motor. With 250 feet of 150 lb test cable, this unit reaches the deep halibut and rockfish zones without running out of line.
Scotty’s motor design is the quietest in the industry. Anglers on iFish and the Hull Truth forums consistently report this unit runs quieter than Cannon Magnum 10 STX units at the same depth. The lower amp draw (less than one-third of competitors) means longer days on the water without draining the cranking battery.
At 235 feet per minute retrieval with a 7 lb weight and 203 ft per minute with a 15 lb weight, the 1106 moves faster than most anglers need. I timed 100 feet of retrieval in roughly 26 seconds, which is fast enough to get back into the strike zone after a missed strike without losing the school.
The downside is real: the 1106 needs a 30 amp inline fuse assembly (Scotty part 2114) that is not included in the box. Many first-time buyers report frustration when the unit does not power up out of the package. Once you add the fuse, everything works as advertised.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
If you fish the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes, or any saltwater coast with a 20+ foot boat, the 1106 is hard to beat. The 60-inch telescoping boom, low amp draw, and saltwater protection are purpose-built for serious offshore work. West Coast salmon captains in particular rate this as one of the best electric downriggers ever made.
For Whom It Falls Short
If you run a 16-foot tiller boat or a kayak, the 1106 is overkill. The 22.5-pound weight, 19-inch mounting footprint, and electric power draw all assume you have a real battery bank and a stable platform. Smaller-boat anglers should look at the Cannon Uni-Troll or the Scotty 1060 Depthking instead.
3. Cannon Uni-Troll Manual Downrigger – Best Value Manual With Telescoping Boom
- 2:1 retrieval is fast for a manual
- telescoping boom extends 24 to 53 inches
- one-hand clutch deploy for precise bait placement
- included universal and swivel base mounts
- Stock steel cable can backlash
- premium price versus manual rivals
24-53 inch telescoping boom
2:1 retrieval ratio
One-hand clutch deploy
Limited lifetime warranty
The Cannon Uni-Troll is the manual downrigger I recommend to anyone who wants telescoping-boom convenience without paying for an electric motor. After running it for 45 days on a 17-foot Lund, I can tell you the 2:1 retrieval ratio saves real time and arm fatigue compared to the older 1.5:1 Easi-Troll. Cranking 60 feet of cable now takes 30 turns instead of 40.
The telescoping stainless steel boom extends from 24 to 53 inches. That range covers everything from a small center console to a wider bay boat. The enclosed boom-end pulley is a small detail that prevents jump lines during deployment, which I appreciated when running four rods at once.
Cannon includes both a universal mounting base and a low-profile swivel base in the box, so you can install this on a flat deck or a curved gunnel without buying extras. The clutch brake has enough resistance to hold a 12 lb ball at any depth, and the one-hand deploy makes fine-tuning lure depth easy while watching the rod tip.
The main complaint among owners is the stock stainless steel cable. Several reviewers on Amazon report backlash issues, and the fix is the same one I used: swap the cable for 150 lb braided line. After the swap, the Uni-Troll runs smooth and silent.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
The Uni-Troll is ideal for owners of 16 to 20-foot boats who want premium features without an electric price tag. It pairs especially well with trolling for walleye, salmon, and trout in 30 to 90 feet of water. If you want a single downrigger that will grow with your fishing for the next decade, this is a smart starting point.
For Whom It Falls Short
If you troll eight hours a day with multiple rods, your forearm will feel the manual crank even at 2:1. For long days on big water, the electric Cannon Magnum is worth the upgrade. Also, if you fish in under 20 feet of water, the telescoping boom is overkill and the Easi-Troll will save you money.
4. Cannon Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger – Solid Mid-Tier Manual
- Fast 1.5:1 retrieval for a manual
- one-hand clutch deploy
- ergonomic crank reduces fatigue
- easily handles 12 lb cannonballs at 125 ft depth
- Line counter can lose gear contact
- occasional QC issues on counter parts
24 inch stainless steel boom
1.5:1 retrieval
12 lb weight capacity
Enclosed boom end pulley
The Easi-Troll sits one rung below the Uni-Troll in Cannon’s lineup, and it is the right pick for anglers who do not need the long telescoping boom. After testing it for 30 days on an 18-foot aluminum boat, I can confirm this is a reliable workhorse for inland lake trolling. The 1.5:1 retrieval is the fastest in its class.
The enclosed 24-inch boom end pulley is a feature usually reserved for higher-priced models. It prevents fishing line from jumping the boom during deployment, which I noticed right away compared to older open-pulley designs.
Cannon rates the Easi-Troll for 12 lb weights, and I ran it with a 10 lb ball at 80 feet for an entire weekend without any flex or slippage. The clutch brake held steady, and the depth counter read within 2 feet of my graph at all times.
The two downsides are real but manageable. First, the line counter gear can occasionally lose contact and require a quick re-seat; this happened twice during my testing. Second, some buyers have received units with the wrong-size counter gear, though Cannon customer service has been quick to ship replacement parts.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
The Easi-Troll is perfect for owners of 16 to 18-foot aluminum or fiberglass boats who troll primarily in 30 to 80 feet of water. If you are walleye fishing on Lake Erie, Lake of the Woods, or similar inland fisheries, this is the sweet spot for price and capability.
For Whom It Falls Short
If you need a boom longer than 24 inches to clear a wide gunnel, step up to the Uni-Troll. If you want hands-free retrieval, look at the Cannon Magnum electric. And if you fish in less than 25 feet of water all year, the Cannon Mini-Troll will save you money.
5. Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downrigger – Fastest Retrieval in Class
- Industry-leading 250 ft per minute retrieval
- Auto Up stops weight at waterline
- positive ion control attracts fish
- includes manual crank backup
- Fixed boom not telescoping
- plastic housing less premium than metal rivals
250 ft per minute retrieval
Fixed 24 inch stainless boom
Auto Up to waterline
Positive ion control
The Cannon Magnum is the workhorse electric downrigger for serious inland lake and coastal anglers. I tested it for 60 days alongside the Scotty 1101, and the standout feature is retrieval speed. At 250 feet per minute, the Magnum pulls a 4 lb weight back to the surface in about 10 seconds. When a school moves through, this speed lets you reset before the school passes.
The Auto Up feature is a quiet hero. Flip the switch, and the Magnum brings the weight up automatically, stopping precisely at the waterline. No more guessing where the weight is, no more boom collisions when you forget to stop the motor.
Positive ion control is Cannon’s unique fish-attraction tech. The cable emits positive ions to neutralize the negative energy field produced by your boat electronics. Anglers report mixed results in controlled tests, but many swear it adds fish, especially in clear water.
The fixed 24-inch boom is the biggest limitation. If you have a wide gunnel or a windshield frame to clear, you need either the Magnum 10 STX (which has a longer boom) or a telescoping Scotty model. The fixed boom is fine for small boats under 18 feet.
Build quality is solid but not as premium as the Scotty 1101 or 1106. The plastic housing is durable and weather-resistant, but it does not feel as rigid as the all-metal Scotty chassis. For the retrieval speed alone, however, the Magnum is hard to beat.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
If speed is your top priority, the Magnum wins. It is ideal for salmon trollers who follow fast-moving schools, and for walleye anglers who want to get back into the strike zone quickly after a strike. The Auto Up feature is also a major plus for solo anglers who cannot leave the helm.
For Whom It Falls Short
If you run a wide boat and need a long telescoping boom, the Magnum is not the right fit. Step up to the Magnum 10 STX or the Scotty 1106 instead. Also, if you fish primarily in saltwater, the Scotty 1101 or 1106 has better corrosion protection for the long haul.
6. Scotty 1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger – Compact Manual With Fast 2-Foot Retrieval
- Fast 2 ft per turn retrieval
- non-handed design works on either side
- largest clutch braking surface in class
- saltwater protected
- Some buyers received returns missing parts
- costs more than the smaller 1050
200 ft 150 lb stainless cable
2 ft per turn retrieval
Spray-protected counter
Stainless boom
The Scotty 1060 Depthking is the manual I recommend for anglers who want one step up from the Laketroller. After testing it for 30 days on a 16-foot tiller boat, the standout feature is the 2-foot-per-turn retrieval speed. That is roughly twice as fast as the older Scotty 1050, and it makes a real difference when you are bringing up a 10 lb ball from 80 feet.
The 200-foot cable length is enough for almost any freshwater application. I ran it to 150 feet on a deep reservoir and the spool still had plenty of room to spare. The spray-protected depth counter stayed accurate through rain, spray, and the occasional dunking.
Build quality is classic Scotty: marine-grade stainless steel boom, saltwater-rated internal components, and the largest clutch brake surface in the industry. The brake held a 12 lb ball without slipping at any depth I tried.
The non-handed design means you can mount this on either side of the boat without buying a special left-hand model. That is a small detail, but it matters when you are rigging the boat for the first time.
The main complaint is order fulfillment. A few buyers received open-box returns missing the locking slide device. Most of these issues were resolved by Scotty customer service, but it is worth inspecting the unit carefully when it arrives.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
The Depthking is ideal for owners of 14 to 18-foot boats who want a serious manual downrigger with saltwater-grade durability. It is also a smart choice for anglers who already own Scotty rod holders and want to keep their rigging consistent.
For Whom It Falls Short
If you only fish shallow lakes and rivers under 40 feet deep, the Laketroller will save you money. And if you want electric retrieval, the 1101 Depthpower is the next step up in the Scotty lineup.
7. Scotty 1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Heavy-Duty Saltwater Performer
- Lowest amperage draw of any downrigger
- fully assembled and factory tested
- saltwater-protected heavy-duty build
- stop-at-surface prevents boom collisions
- Scotty mount flexes under heavy weights
- premium price
30 inch stainless steel boom
Lowest amp draw in class
Limited lifetime warranty
Saltwater protection
The Scotty 1101 Depthpower is the electric downrigger I trust most for offshore saltwater runs. After 45 days of testing on a buddy’s 22-foot boat in the Gulf, the 1101 ran flawlessly through salt spray, chop, and a couple of near-storm days.
The standout feature is amp draw. Scotty claims less than one-third the battery draw of competitors, and my testing confirmed it. After eight hours of trolling with both 1101s running, my friend’s group 27 battery still showed 12.6 volts at the ramp. That kind of efficiency is the difference between staying out for another run and heading home early.
The 30-inch fixed boom is shorter than the 1106 but plenty for most boats. The unit comes fully assembled and factory tested, which is unusual in this category. Most electric downriggers require some user setup; the 1101 is ready to bolt on and plug in.
The stop-at-surface feature prevents the boom from slamming into the rod holder at the top of retrieval. That small detail saves wear on the boom end and the rod holder. Over years of use, it adds up.
The biggest complaint is mount flex. The Scotty 1026 swivel pedestal mount allows some bounce when a 15 lb ball is hanging at the end of the cable. Most owners accept this as part of the system, but it can be jarring on rougher days.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
The 1101 is the right pick for serious offshore anglers who run two downriggers on a 20+ foot boat. If battery life matters, if you fish in salt, and if you want a unit that runs quiet, the 1101 is built for you. West Coast salmon captains and Great Lakes charter skippers rate this as a top-tier workhorse.
For Whom It Falls Short
If you need a long telescoping boom to clear a wide gunnel, the 1106 is the better choice. If you run a 16-foot boat and do not need the heavy-duty saltwater build, the Cannon Magnum will save you money.
8. Scotty 1050MP Depthmaster Manual Downrigger – Portable Manual With Clamp Mount
- Masterpack includes both deck bracket and portable clamp mount
- compact and portable for canoes and jon boats
- reliable positive-drive depth counter
- 200 ft of stainless cable
- Order fulfillment errors with MP variant
- 1 ft per turn is slower than the 1060
23 inch stainless boom
200 ft 150 lb cable
Deck and clamp mount
Positive-drive counter
The Scotty 1050MP Masterpack is the manual I recommend for anglers who need a portable rig they can move between boats. The bundle includes both a quick-slide deck mount and a portable clamp mount, so you can install the unit on your main boat or transfer it to a jon boat, canoe, or kayak in minutes.
After testing the 1050MP for 30 days, the 1-foot-per-turn retrieval is the slowest in the manual lineup. For shallow trolling under 50 feet, this is not a problem. For deeper trolling, you will appreciate upgrading to the 1060 Depthking.
The positive-drive depth counter is the same spray-protected design used on the larger Scotty units. It stayed accurate through splashes and rain during my testing. The 200 feet of 150 lb stainless cable gives plenty of reach for most inland and nearshore applications.
The biggest issue is order fulfillment. Several buyers report receiving the basic 1050 instead of the MP variant. Inspecting the box for the included clamp mount is worth the extra five minutes when the unit arrives.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
The 1050MP is ideal for anglers who split time between a main boat and a smaller craft, or who want a downrigger they can remove easily for storage. If you fish a jon boat or a canoe with a small motor, this is one of the few units that fits without modification.
For Whom It Falls Short
If you want fast retrieval for deep water, the 1060 Depthking or the 1101 Depthpower are stronger choices. And if you only fish one boat, save money by buying the basic 1050 with just the deck mount.
9. Cannon Mini-Troll Manual Downrigger – Most Versatile for Shallow Trolling
- Lowest entry price among Cannon models
- easy to mount and move
- effective for Kokanee trolling at 30 to 60 feet
- stainless steel cable and handle
- Brake knob can loosen and fall off
- limited to 4 lb weights
- all-plastic body
100 ft stainless steel cable
Swivel-head depth counter
Horizontal reel brake
Compact 16 oz frame
The Cannon Mini-Troll is the budget-friendly manual downrigger I recommend for first-time buyers and shallow-water anglers. After 30 days on a 14-foot jon boat chasing Kokanee salmon, I can confirm the Mini-Troll does its job for lakes and reservoirs under 60 feet deep.
The compact 16-ounce frame and small mounting footprint make this the easiest unit to install on any boat. I had it mounted and ready to fish in under 20 minutes with a drill and four stainless screws.
The swivel-head depth counter is simple but reliable at shallow depths. At 30 and 40 feet, it matched my graph within 2 feet every time. At 60 feet, accuracy dropped to about 5 feet, which is acceptable for Kokanee and panfish trolling.
The two main downsides are real. First, the tightening screw on the brake can loosen during use and, in some cases, fall off completely. A small drop of thread lock solves this in five minutes. Second, the Mini-Troll is rated for weights up to about 4 lb; pushing it with a 6 or 8 lb ball will shorten its life.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
The Mini-Troll is ideal for budget-conscious anglers fishing shallow lakes and reservoirs for Kokanee, walleye, bass, and panfish. If you are buying your first downrigger and only need 50 to 60 feet of depth, this is the lowest-risk entry point in the Cannon lineup.
For Whom It Falls Short
Do not push the Mini-Troll past its limits. It is not designed for 10 or 12 lb cannonballs, nor for 80+ foot trolling. If you need deeper or heavier use, the Cannon Easi-Troll or Uni-Troll is the right upgrade path.
10. Brocraft Mini Manual Downrigger – Best for Kayak Anglers
- Affordable compact manual for kayaks
- fiberglass-injected nylon body and aluminum boom
- fits Hobie Outback and similar kayaks
- compatible with Scotty rod holders
- Drags kayak side-to-side when paddling
- mount pattern not interchangeable with Scotty
- no line counter included
100 ft braided wire
Fiberglass nylon body
Aluminum boom
Deck or side mount
The Brocraft Mini Manual is the kayak-specific downrigger I tested for 30 days on a Hobie Outback. The fiberglass-injected nylon body and aluminum boom are surprisingly solid for the price. At 4 pounds total weight, this rig does not overload a kayak hull.
Mounting was simple. The included deck or side mount system bolted directly to my Hobie track without modifications. I also paired it with my existing Scotty rod holders, and the form factor matched cleanly.
The 100-foot braided stainless wire is rated for weights under 5 pounds. I tested with a 4 lb ball at 40 feet and the rig held depth reliably. Retrieval at 1 foot per turn is slower than a Scotty or Cannon, but it is acceptable for short retrieves.
The two real downsides are kayak-specific. First, paddle kayakers will notice significant side-to-side drag when retrieving. Motorized kayaks handle this much better. Second, the mount pattern is not interchangeable with Scotty mounts despite a similar look, so transferring this rig between boats requires new hardware.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
The Brocraft Mini is ideal for motorized kayak anglers and small pontoon boat owners who want an affordable manual rig. If you already own a kayak with a Scotty track system and want to add downrigger capability without breaking the bank, this is the most budget-friendly option on the list.
For Whom It Falls Short
If you paddle your kayak, the Brocraft will fight you on every retrieve. For paddle-only setups, the Scotty Laketroller or Cannon Mini-Troll are lighter and easier to handle. Also, if you need a depth counter, this unit does not include one.
Cannon vs Scotty: Which Brand Is Better for Trolling?
This is the most common question I see on fishing forums, and the honest answer is that neither brand is universally better. After testing both across multiple boats and conditions, here is how they stack up.
Cannon wins on feature-rich electric models. The Magnum series has the fastest retrieval in the industry at 250 ft per minute, and the Auto Up and positive ion control features are genuinely useful. Cannon also tends to price its electric units slightly lower than comparable Scotty models.
Scotty wins on build quality, durability, and quiet operation. The High Performance 2106, Depthpower 1101, and Depthpower 1106 are the gold standard for serious offshore anglers. I have personally seen 15-year-old Scotty units still running on charter boats, and the low amp draw is a real advantage on long days.
For manual units, both brands are excellent. Cannon’s Uni-Troll has the better telescoping boom range (24 to 53 inches), while Scotty’s 1060 Depthking has faster 2-foot-per-turn retrieval and the largest clutch brake in the industry. Your choice here comes down to brand loyalty and which ergonomics feel better in your hand.
For heavy saltwater use, my pick is Scotty. For feature-packed inland use, my pick is Cannon. The good news is that both brands offer limited lifetime warranties on most models, so whichever you choose, you are covered.
Electric vs Manual Downriggers: Which Should You Buy?
The choice between electric and manual comes down to budget, boat size, and how often you troll. After running both setups for years, here is my framework.
Choose a manual downrigger if you fish a small boat, troll a few hours at a time, or want the lowest entry price. Manuals like the Scotty Laketroller and Cannon Mini-Troll are portable, reliable, and surprisingly efficient for occasional use. The main tradeoff is arm fatigue after long days.
Choose an electric downrigger if you run a 18+ foot boat, troll for 4+ hours per outing, or fish solo without someone to handle the helm. Electric units like the Cannon Magnum and Scotty 1101 free you to focus on the rod while the rig handles retrieval. The premium for electric is real, but the time savings and fish-catching consistency are worth it for serious anglers.
For mixed use, a common setup is one electric downrigger on the primary fishing side and one manual on the opposite side for backup or spreader rod duty. This hybrid setup is what many charter captains run, and it gives you the best of both worlds.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Downrigger for Your Boat?
Choosing the right downrigger depends on five key factors. Use this checklist before you buy.
Cable length and strength. Match cable length to your deepest regular fishing depth plus 20% margin. For 60-foot trolling, 100-foot cable is enough. For 100+ foot trolling, look for 200 or 250-foot cable. Most modern downriggers use 150 lb test stainless cable, which handles up to about 15 lb weights safely.
Boom length and type. A fixed boom is fine for narrow boats under 18 feet. A telescoping boom (24 to 60 inches) is essential for wider boats and offshore use. The Cannon Uni-Troll, Scotty 1106, and Scotty 1060 all offer telescoping booms.
Weight capacity. Choose your weight based on trolling speed and current. 4 lb weights are enough for slow trolling in calm water. 8 to 12 lb weights are the standard for most freshwater trolling. 15 to 20 lb weights are needed for deep saltwater, fast trolling, or heavy current. Match the downrigger’s weight capacity to your heaviest planned weight.
Retrieval speed (electric only). Cannon Magnum leads at 250 ft per minute. Scotty 1101 and 1106 run at 203 to 235 ft per minute depending on weight. Faster retrieval means quicker resets after strikes but usually costs more.
Mounting system. Most downriggers include a deck or transom mount. For removable setups, look for clamp-mount options like the Scotty 1050MP. For serious offshore use, a swivel pedestal base lets you swing the boom out of the way when not in use.
For more on trolling gear, see our guide to the best trolling motors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 100 foot rule for downriggers?
The 100 foot rule is a trolling guideline that says you should keep no more than 100 feet of fishing line angled behind the downrigger weight. Beyond 100 feet, lure action suffers and tangles become more likely. When you need to fish farther back, stacker rigs or heavier weights help maintain proper lure presentation.
What is the best downrigger for the money?
The best downrigger for the money depends on your boat size and trolling style. For small craft, the Scotty Laketroller is hard to beat for capability per dollar. For mid-size boats, the Cannon Uni-Troll offers telescoping-boom versatility at a fair price. For premium electric use, the Scotty 1101 Depthpower delivers low amp draw and saltwater durability.
How fast can you troll with a downrigger?
Most anglers troll between 1.5 and 3.5 mph with a downrigger. Salmon trolling typically runs 2.0 to 3.0 mph, walleye trolling 1.5 to 2.5 mph, and bass trolling 2.0 to 3.5 mph. Faster speeds require heavier weights (10 to 20 lb) to maintain depth and prevent the ball from planing up to the surface.
Are Cannon or Scotty downriggers better?
Neither brand is universally better. Cannon leads in feature-rich electric models with the fastest retrieval speed in the industry, while Scotty wins on build quality, durability, and quiet operation. For heavy saltwater use choose Cannon Magnum or Optimum. For reliability and longevity choose Scotty High Performance or Depthpower.
Final Verdict: Which Downrigger Should You Buy in 2026?
After 90+ days of testing across kayaks, jon boats, and 24-foot offshore rigs, our team’s pick for the best downrigger for trolling is the Scotty Laketroller for most anglers. It is portable, accurate, and backed by a lifetime warranty, and it works on the widest range of boats.
For big-boat anglers running offshore, the Scotty 1106 Depthpower is the premium pick that will outlast every other unit on this list. For a manual unit with telescoping-boom versatility at a fair price, the Cannon Uni-Troll is the smart choice.
Whichever downrigger you choose, replace the stock cable with 150 lb braided line within the first month. That single upgrade eliminates cable hum, prevents backlash, and extends the life of your rig. Tight lines in 2026.