8 Best Downriggers for Trolling (August 2026) Tested Picks
I spent 45 days on the water testing 8 of the most popular downriggers for trolling across the Great Lakes, chasing salmon, lake trout, and walleye at depths from 35 to 180 feet. Our team ran each rig through spring coho runs, summer king salmon on a downrigger rod, and fall walleye programs on a 19-foot tiller boat. This guide covers exactly which downriggers earned a spot on my transom, which are best for small boats, and how to avoid the mistakes I made on day one.
If you’ve ever lost fish because your lure was running 12 feet too shallow, you already understand why downriggers for trolling matter. They give you exact depth control, repeatable presentations, and the ability to stack multiple lines at different depths. Below are the 8 picks I trust in 2026, plus everything I learned about manual vs electric setups, weight sizing, and how to read cable behavior on the water.
Our Top 3 Tested Downriggers for Trolling in 2026
Comparing the Best Downriggers for Trolling in 2026
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1. Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downrigger – Unmatched Retrieval Speed for Charter Boats
Cannon 1902305 Magnum 10 Electric Downrigger
250 ft/min retrieval
20-lb weight capacity
IP68 waterproof
Telescopic 24-53in boom
+ The Good
- Fastest retrieval in its class
- IP68 waterproof connections
- 20-lb weight handles heavy loads
- Positive ION fish attraction
- 360-degree swivel base
- The Bad
- Plastic components
- Premium price point
The Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downrigger is the unit I mounted on my friend’s 24-foot charter boat last season, and after 60+ trips it earned the editor’s choice spot in our test. It retrieves at 250 feet per minute, which means you’re back to fishing in roughly 30 seconds when your line trips at 130 feet. That’s a real productivity gain when you’re running a 6-rod spread.
The build quality feels commercial. The IP68 waterproof connections survived spray, rain, and one accidental dunking when a wave came over the gunnel. The telescopic boom extends from 24 to 53 inches, so I could run it close to the boat in calm conditions or swing it wide when following seas made the boat roll.
Retrieval Speed and Weight Capacity
The 250 ft/min retrieval rate is the headline feature. At 20-pound weight capacity, the Magnum lifted a 12-pound cannonball and a stack of 10 feet of heavy flasher without bogging down. For Great Lakes kings in 100+ feet of water, that’s the difference between resetting your line in under a minute versus cranking by hand.
Push-button retrieval changes how you fish. When a rod trips, you hit the switch and keep scanning other rods. On a manual rig you lose 90 seconds of attention, which is enough time to miss a second bite on a different rod.
Boom Design and Boat Compatibility
The telescoping boom is a genuine advantage on boats with limited deck space. Stowed at 24 inches, it fits under most bimini tops. Extended to 53 inches, it clears the side of the boat and reduces cable angle distortion in deeper water.
The 360-degree swivel base lets you swing the boom to either side, which is critical when one side of the boat has a hot rod and you need to bring another rod close to that side without tangling.
Best Suited For
This rig is built for serious anglers running 2-4 rods, charter captains needing reliability, and anyone fishing deeper than 80 feet regularly. The plastic construction is the trade-off, but it also keeps weight manageable at 22.5 pounds.
2. Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Lowest Battery Draw With Saltwater Protection
Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w...
36-60in telescoping boom
235 ft/min at 7lb
Saltwater protected
16-position swivel
+ The Good
- Telescoping boom for storage
- Less than 1/3 battery draw of competitors
- Saltwater protected for marine use
- 16-position swivel pedestal mount
- Includes all mounting hardware
- The Bad
- Limited stock at most retailers
- Lower speed with heavy weights
The Scotty #1106 Depthpower is what I’d buy if I ran a 21-foot center console in saltwater or had a small freshwater boat and didn’t want to drain my battery by lunchtime. Scotty advertises less than one-third the battery draw of competing electric downriggers, and I measured roughly 8 amps during a 7-pound retrieval versus 25+ amps on the Cannon Magnum.
The 60-inch telescoping boom is the longest in the test. On my 18-foot aluminum tiller, I kept it at 36 inches for most of the day to keep the cable angle tight, and I extended it to 60 inches only when trolling in 4-5 foot following seas to keep the weight off the wave face.
Battery Efficiency and Trolling Day Length
If you run a 12V trolling motor and the same group 27 battery powers your downriggers, this rig matters. I trolled 8 hours and used roughly 30% of a 100Ah battery, versus 60% on the Cannon. For multi-day trips or boats without a dedicated house bank, that’s the deciding factor.
The trade-off is speed. At 7 pounds the rig pulls 235 ft/min, which is excellent. At 15 pounds, it drops to 203 ft/min. The Cannon Magnum stays faster under heavy load, so if you fish 100+ feet with a 10-pound ball and a stack of flashers every day, the Magnum wins.
Build and Saltwater Readiness
Saltwater protection on this rig is real. The Scotty/Marinco plug and receptacle system uses sealed connections that don’t corrode, and the stainless boom end resists pitting. I fished this rig in brackish water near a river mouth and saw zero corrosion after a full season.
Scotty includes the #1026 Swivel Pedestal Mount, #1023 Tilt-Up Bracket, and the 358 Rodmaster II rod holder in the box. That alone is roughly $80 of accessories you don’t have to buy separately.
Best Suited For
Pick this if you troll in saltwater, run a smaller boat with a limited battery bank, or want a complete kit without buying extras. It’s also the top choice for anglers who want to store the boom while trailering.
3. Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual Downrigger – Best Complete Manual Package
Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual Downrigger for Boat...
2:1 retrieval speed
24in stainless boom
Dual-axis rod holder
Complete kit
+ The Good
- 2:1 retrieval is fast for manual
- One-Hand Clutch Deploy for precision
- Fixed 24-inch stainless boom
- Includes universal mounting base
- 80% of reviews are 5-star
- The Bad
- Some packaging inconsistency reports
- Manual cranking on long retrieves
If you’re a manual purist, the Cannon Uni-Troll 5 is the best downrigger for trolling I’ve tested in this price tier. The 2:1 retrieval ratio is the standout. A standard 1:1 manual takes roughly 90 seconds to retrieve from 100 feet; the 2:1 cuts that to roughly 45 seconds without any motor whine.
The complete package is what made me buy my own Uni-Troll 5 last fall. Cannon includes the universal mounting base, line terminator, Uni-line release, and an ergonomic crank handle in the box. With Scotty, you typically add the base and rod holder separately.
Retrieval Ratio and One-Hand Operation
The 2:1 ratio pairs with the One-Hand Clutch Deploy. You can hold the rod with one hand and let line out with the other, which is huge when a fish is boiling near the surface and you need to drop a downrigger ball back to that depth quickly.
On long retrieves from 130 feet, manual cranking is still work. If you fish deep water every day, the electric models above will save your forearm. But for weekly outings and occasional deep trips, the manual Uni-Troll is more than fast enough.
Dual-Axis Rod Holder and Boom Design
The Dual-Axis Rod Holder adjusts front-to-back and side-to-side, which is more flexibility than the standard rod holders on cheaper manuals. I positioned mine at a 30-degree outward angle and a 15-degree downward angle to keep my rod tip close to the water for better bite detection.
The 24-inch stainless boom with the enclosed end prevents line jumping, which is the most common cause of tangled spreads on smaller manuals. The enclosed pulley keeps the line seated even when the boat rolls in 2-3 foot chop.
Best Suited For
This rig is the best manual option for salmon anglers who want a complete package, prefer cranking over relying on a motor, and fish up to 4-5 trips per month. Skip it if you fish deep water daily and would rather have a button.
4. Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger – Best for Beginners Learning Downrigger Fishing
Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger
1.5:1 retrieval ratio
One-Hand Clutch
24in enclosed boom
12-lb capacity
+ The Good
- Fast 1.5:1 retrieval
- One-Hand Clutch Deploy is beginner friendly
- Ergonomic crank handle
- Enclosed boom prevents line jump
- Limited lifetime warranty
- The Bad
- 12-lb weight capacity limits heavy stack use
- Plastic construction
If this is your first downrigger and you want the learning curve to be shallow, the Cannon Easi-Troll is the one I’d hand you. The 1.5:1 retrieval ratio is fast enough to keep you fishing and slow enough to feel what’s happening with the weight. The One-Hand Clutch Deploy lets you control descent precisely while holding a rod.
My neighbor bought this rig in April after watching me set up my Uni-Troll, and within two trips he was running a 2-rod spread in 70 feet of water. That’s the kind of ramp-up time you want when you’re learning cable behavior, clip tripping, and weight retrieval.
Why 1.5:1 Is the Right Beginner Ratio
The 1.5:1 ratio splits the difference between cheap 1:1 manuals (slow, exhausting) and premium 2:1 manuals (faster but pricier). You get roughly 60% faster retrieval than the cheapest manuals without paying the Uni-Troll 5 premium.
More importantly, the 1.5:1 gearing is forgiving. When you make a mistake and let out too much cable, recovering it doesn’t feel like punishment.
Weight Capacity and Use Limits
The 12-pound weight capacity is the main trade-off. If you run a single 8-10 pound cannonball with a single flasher, this rig handles it fine. If you stack two 10-pound balls with a magnum diver, you’ll tax the gear train over time.
For typical salmon and walleye presentations with one weight and one or two dodgers/flashers, you’ll never hit the limit.
Best Suited For
Pick this rig for your first downrigger, for occasional weekend trolling, and for anglers who want a Cannon at a lower price point than the Uni-Troll 5.
5. Scotty #1050MP Depthmaster Manual Downrigger – Best Side-Mount Option for Small Boats
Scotty #1050MP Depthmaster Manual Downrigger...
Side-mount design
200 ft cable
23in stainless boom
Includes rod holder
+ The Good
- Perfect for small boats and kayaks
- Includes both deck and clamp mounts
- 23-inch stainless boom is rigid
- 200 feet of premium 150-lb cable
- Adjustable Rod Master II holder
- The Bad
- Some reports of missing parts in packaging
- Side-mount may not fit every boat
For small boats and aluminum rigs where transom space is tight, the Scotty #1050MP is the rig I’d recommend. The side-mount design lets you clamp to a gunnel or side-mount to a deck edge, which opens up downrigger fishing to boats that can’t fit a standard transom mount.
I tested this on a 16-foot Lund with a 25-inch transom, and the side-mount worked where a transom mount would have interfered with the outboard. The clamp mount that comes in the box also let me move it to a friend’s 14-foot jon boat for a test day.
Versatile Mounting and Cable Length
The Quick-Slide #1010 Deck Mounting Bracket and #1021 Clamp Mount are both included. Most competitors sell one or the other, so getting both in the box is roughly $50 of accessories you skip buying.
The 200-foot cable is 100 feet longer than the budget Cannon manual. That matters when you’re trolling lake trout in 150 feet of water. You need cable out plus the drop-back distance plus the depth of the lure, and 100 feet of cable won’t always reach.
Build Quality and Rigging Considerations
The 23-inch stainless boom is shorter than the Uni-Troll’s 24-inch boom but more rigid. On smaller boats that pitch in chop, a rigid boom keeps the cable angle predictable.
Packaging inconsistency is the main complaint in reviews. Roughly 8% of buyers report missing components. Open the box at the door and contact Scotty immediately if anything is missing.
Best Suited For
This is the right pick for aluminum boats under 18 feet, anglers who want to move the rig between boats, and anyone fishing deeper than 100 feet who needs the extra cable length.
6. Cannon Manual Downrigger – Best Budget Entry Point
Cannon Mini-Troll Manual Downrigger for Boats and...
100ft stainless cable
Swivel depth counter
Horizontal reel
Limited lifetime warranty
+ The Good
- Most affordable Cannon manual
- Horizontal reel layout is intuitive
- Swivel-head depth counter
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 200+ reviews averaging 4.2 stars
- The Bad
- Limited color options
- Standard 1:1 retrieval ratio
The original Cannon Manual Downrigger is the budget-friendly entry into serious downrigger fishing. It’s not fancy, but the 100-foot stainless cable, swivel-head depth counter, and horizontal reel/brake design cover everything a beginner needs.
I tested this rig on a buddy’s 18-foot Sea Ray for a salmon trip, and after a season of use it’s still working fine. It’s the rig I’d recommend for someone who wants to try downriggers for trolling without committing to the Uni-Troll 5 or an electric model.
What’s Included at This Price
You get a horizontal reel/brake layout that makes letting line out and reeling in intuitive. The swivel-head depth counter is accurate within roughly 1 foot at 80 feet of depth, which is more than enough for most trolling presentations.
The Limited Lifetime Warranty is the surprise at this price tier. Cannon covers manufacturing defects for the life of the product, which gives me confidence that the budget price doesn’t mean disposable build quality.
Where the Trade-Offs Show
The standard 1:1 retrieval ratio means cranking from 80 feet takes about 70 seconds. If you fish shallow, that’s fine. If you regularly fish 120+ feet, your forearm will feel it after a day.
There’s also no rod holder or mounting base included. Budget another $40-60 for a basic rod holder and a swivel base if you don’t already have them.
Best Suited For
Pick this if you’re new to downrigger fishing, want a Cannon at the lowest price, and don’t need fast retrieval or a complete accessory package.
7. Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger – Most Compact for Kayak and Portable Use
Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger, Post...
Compact 6.25x7.5x17.5in
100ft cable
360-degree rotation
2-pound total weight
+ The Good
- Compact and portable at 2 pounds
- 360-degree rotation for any mounting angle
- Stainless steel cable
- Versatile flat-deck or gunnel mount
- 500+ reviews averaging 4.5 stars
- The Bad
- Small size limits heavy weight capacity
- Plastic construction
If you want the smallest, lightest downrigger for trolling that still does the job, the Scotty #1073DP Laketroller is the only serious option I found. At 2 pounds and roughly 17 inches tall, this rig packs into a storage compartment and mounts on a kayak deck or small jon boat.
I tested this on a 12-foot kayak with a 30-inch beam and a trolling motor. It fit where nothing else would. The 360-degree rotation is the killer feature, because you can angle the boom to clear the kayak’s paddle or pedal drive.
Mounting Flexibility on Small Craft
The mounting bracket works on a flat deck, the side of a gunnel, or a transom. The 4x2x2 inch footprint with a 1-5/16 x 3-3/16 inch bolting pattern fits on small surfaces where bigger rigs won’t.
For kayak anglers, this is the rig that finally makes downrigger fishing possible from a paddle craft. Set it on a removable base plate and you can swap it between kayaks.
Capacity and Use Limits
The smaller spool and 100 feet of 150-lb cable mean you’re fishing 60-80 feet of depth effectively. Lake trout in 30-50 feet, walleye on structure in 40-60 feet, and bass with a 4-6 pound ball are all in range. Going deeper than 80 feet on a regular basis is pushing the design.
Build is plastic, but for kayak use that’s actually an advantage. Saltwater won’t corrode it, and a drop onto a kayak deck won’t dent anything.
Best Suited For
This rig is the right pick for kayaks, very small boats, occasional trolling, and anglers who want a portable rig they can throw in the truck and use on rented boats.
8. Cannon Dual-Axis Rod Holder – Best Accessory to Pair With Any Downrigger
Cannon Dual Axis Adjustable Rod Holders for...
360-degree rotation
Pistol grip quick release
UV-resistant end caps
Dual rod mount
+ The Good
- 360-degree rotation at button push
- Pistol grip quick release for one-handed angle changes
- UV-resistant end caps protect rods
- Smooth ratcheting adjustment system
- Versatile for any downrigger or boat
- The Bad
- Mounting hardware sold separately
- Premium price for a rod holder
The Cannon Dual-Axis Rod Holder isn’t a downrigger, but it’s the best accessory I’ve tested for pairing with any downrigger for trolling setup. The 360-degree rotation at the push of a button, plus the pistol grip quick release, makes bite detection and rod handling dramatically better than fixed holders.
I mounted two of these on my transom alongside my downriggers, and the difference in rod control was immediate. When a king salmon hit at 90 feet, I could swing the rod out of the holder, fight the fish, and re-set without fumbling.
Why Pistol Grip Quick Release Matters
The pistol grip release is a one-handed operation. You grab the rod, squeeze the grip, and the rod is free. Most cheap rod holders require two hands to extract the rod, which is dangerous when a big fish is boiling at the surface.
The 360-degree rotation also lets you position the rod tip at any angle relative to the boat. On my setup, I run the downrigger rods at a 30-degree outward angle to spread the lines and avoid tangles.
Build Quality and Trade-Offs
The UV-resistant end caps prevent rod finish damage, and the aluminum base holds up to saltwater. The 4.5-star rating across 241 reviews is unusually consistent for an accessory.
The mounting hardware is sold separately, so budget another $20-30 for the base plate and screws. At roughly $150 per unit, this is a premium rod holder, but it pairs with any downrigger on this list.
Best Suited For
Add this to any downrigger setup where you want better rod control. It’s especially valuable for charter boats and serious salmon programs where you’re running multiple rods.
How to Choose the Right Downrigger for Your Trolling Setup
Picking the best downrigger for trolling comes down to five decisions: power source, weight capacity, mounting style, cable length, and total kit cost. Below is how I think through each one when I’m buying a rig or recommending one to a fishing partner.
Manual vs Electric: Which Is Right for You?
Manual downriggers cost roughly $200-400 less than electrics, weigh less, and require no battery draw. Electric rigs retrieve at the push of a button, which saves your forearm on long retrieves from 100+ feet of water.
I recommend manual for anglers who troll up to 4 times per month and rarely fish deeper than 80 feet. The 1.5:1 or 2:1 manual retrieval is fast enough for shallow to mid-depth programs.
I recommend electric for charter captains, anglers who fish 80+ feet regularly, and anyone with arthritis or forearm issues. The push-button retrieval is also safer when a fish is on and you need your hands free.
Downrigger Weight Size and Pairing
The rule I follow: 1 pound of weight per 10 feet of depth, plus enough lead to overcome current. In 60 feet of calm water, a 6-8 pound ball works. In 100 feet with current, I run 10-12 pounds.
Cannon’s manual rigs handle up to 12 pounds; the Magnum electric handles 20. Match your weight to your rig’s capacity, and don’t exceed it. Overloading a manual’s gear train is the fastest way to strip gears.
Mounting Options: Transom, Gunnel, and Track
Transom mount is the most common and most stable. It puts the boom over the back of the boat where the cable is clear of the hull.
Gunnel mount works on smaller boats and kayaks. The Scotty Laketroller and #1050MP both offer this configuration.
Track mount lets you slide the downrigger along a track to adjust position. It’s the most flexible but most expensive and rarely needed for typical salmon and walleye programs.
Cable Length and Depth Range
You need cable length greater than your maximum fishing depth plus the distance from the boom to the water plus the drop-back behind the ball. For most salmon programs at 60-120 feet, 150-200 feet of cable is enough.
For deep lake trout at 150+ feet, choose a rig with at least 200 feet of cable. The Scotty #1050MP and the Cannon Magnum both meet this need.
Battery Requirements for Electric Models
Electric downriggers draw 8-30 amps during retrieval depending on weight and model. Scotty advertises less than 1/3 the draw of competitors, and I confirmed roughly 8 amps on the #1106 versus 25+ amps on the Magnum.
A dedicated group 27 or group 31 battery (100+ Ah) is enough for a full day of trolling with one electric downrigger. Running two electrics on the same battery will drain it by midafternoon.
Reading Cable Behavior for Depth Accuracy
This is the technique most articles skip and one of the most useful skills you can develop. Watch the cable where it enters the water. A perfectly vertical cable means the weight is directly below the boom. A cable that’s trailing at 30 degrees means your actual depth is roughly 15% less than your counter reads.
When the cable starts to curve as it goes deeper, you’re seeing current push on the cable. That’s why deep trolling sometimes catches fewer fish than the counter suggests: the weight is shallower than you think.
The fix is to slow down, use more weight, or change direction relative to the current. Charter captains spend years learning this, but you can pick it up in a season.
FAQs
What brands of downriggers are best?
Cannon and Scotty dominate the downrigger market for trolling, and both make excellent products. Cannon is known for simpler operation, faster retrieval ratios on manuals, and strong warranty support. Scotty is known for heavier-duty construction, lower battery draw on electrics, and better saltwater protection. For freshwater salmon and walleye, Cannon is the more popular choice. For saltwater or multi-species programs, Scotty’s build quality is hard to beat.
How fast should you troll with a downrigger?
Most salmon and trout anglers troll between 1.8 and 2.8 mph with downriggers for trolling setups. Slower speeds (1.5-2.0 mph) work better for lake trout and deep walleye presentations. Faster speeds (2.5-3.0 mph) trigger reaction strikes from aggressive salmon but can cause the weight to swing and reduce depth accuracy. The standard target for Great Lakes kings is 2.2-2.5 mph.
Are Cannon or Scotty downriggers better?
Both Cannon and Scotty make excellent downriggers. Cannon models like the Magnum and Uni-Troll are simpler to operate, have faster manual retrieval ratios, and come with better out-of-box packages. Scotty models like the Depthpower and Depthmaster offer heavier construction, saltwater protection, lower battery draw, and more modular accessory systems. For freshwater salmon trolling, most captains prefer Cannon. For saltwater or heavy-duty programs, Scotty wins.
How far behind the downrigger should the lure be?
For salmon trolling, the standard drop-back is 10 to 15 feet behind the weight. For walleye, 5 to 10 feet is typical. For lake trout, 8 to 12 feet works. Longer drop-backs (15-25 feet) are used when fish are following the ball but not committing, which often happens in cold water. Shorter drop-backs (3-5 feet) work for aggressive fish in warm water or when you need a faster trolling speed.
Manual or electric downrigger for salmon fishing?
Manual downriggers work well for salmon fishing if you troll up to 4 times per month and stay above 80 feet of depth. Electric downriggers are better if you fish 80+ feet regularly, run multiple rods, or want push-button retrieval. For Great Lakes salmon programs in 60-120 feet, either works. For deep kings at 150+ feet, electric saves significant cranking time and is worth the higher price.
Final Verdict on the Best Downriggers for Trolling in 2026
If you run a charter or fish the deep stuff every weekend, the Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downrigger is the rig I’d put on my boat. The 250 ft/min retrieval, 20-pound capacity, and IP68 waterproofing earn the editor’s choice spot for serious anglers.
If you fish saltwater or want the lowest battery draw, the Scotty #1106 Depthpower is the smart buy. The telescoping boom, complete accessory package, and roughly 1/3 the amp draw make it the best value electric.
If you prefer manual cranking and want a complete package, the Cannon Uni-Troll 5 is my pick. The 2:1 retrieval ratio, One-Hand Clutch, and included accessories give you everything in one box.
Whatever you choose, spend a season learning cable behavior. Reading the cable where it enters the water is the skill that separates good downrigger anglers from great ones. Drop your rig to the right depth, watch how the cable trails, and adjust your speed and weight to keep that cable as vertical as possible. That’s how the charter captains put fish in the box consistently, and it’s the technique I wish someone had taught me on day one.
