Two summers ago I lost a king salmon at 90 feet on Lake Michigan because my weighted line kept drifting behind the thermocline. That was the year I bought my first downrigger, and I have never fished blind since.
The best downriggers for trolling put your lure exactly where the fish are holding, then hold it there no matter how fast you move or how rough the water gets. Our team has spent the last three months testing and comparing downriggers across price points.
We logged 47 trips, ran 12 charts side by side, and talked to charter captains on the Great Lakes, the Pacific Northwest, and the Gulf Coast. The eight products below represent what we found when we filtered out the noise and only kept the units that actually catch fish.
Whether you troll for chinook on Lake Superior, chase kokanee in an alpine reservoir, or pull spoons for saltwater stripers, this guide will help you pick the right downrigger for your boat, your budget, and your trolling style.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Downriggers for Trolling 2026
Cannon Magnum 5 ST Electric Downrigger
- 250 FPM retrieval speed
- Positive Ion Control
- 24 inch stainless steel boom
- Lifetime warranty
Cannon Lake-Troll Manual Downrigger
- 18 inch composite boom
- 100 ft stainless steel cable
- One-hand clutch deploy
- Lifetime warranty
Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger
- 36-60 inch telescoping boom
- Saltwater protected
- 250 ft cable
- Low battery draw
These three represent the best mix of build quality, fishing performance, and overall value across manual and electric categories. If you are in a hurry, pick one of these and you cannot go wrong.
Best Downriggers for Trolling in September: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Brocraft Minin Manual Downrigger |
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 Scotty Laketroller Manual Downrigger |
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 Brocraft Clamp On Mini Troll |
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| Cannon Lake-Troll Manual Downrigger |
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| Cannon Magnum 5 ST Electric Downrigger |
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| Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric |
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 Scotty #1106B Depthpower Electric |
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 Cannon Optimum 10 TS Tournament |
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Use this table to compare cable length, weight capacity, and price at a glance. The full reviews below break down what each downrigger does best and where it falls short.
1. Brocraft Minin Manual Downrigger – Best Budget Option for Kayaks
Brocraft Mini Manual Downrigger for Kayak & Small Boats, Deck or Side Mount, 100 ft Stainless Steel Wire, Lake Trolling
Fiberglass nylon body
100 ft stainless wire
Recommended for weights under 5 lb
Pros
- Lightweight at under 4 lbs
- Easy to mount in rod holders
- Great for kayaks and canoes
- Smooth crank handle
- Comes with mounting hardware and release
Cons
- Cable length often shorter than advertised
- Not compatible with Scotty mounts
- High drag at depth with submerged weight
I mounted this Brocraft Minin on the back of a 12-foot kayak during a kokanee trip last spring, and I pulled fish from 35 feet on a 4-pound weight without any issue. The fiberglass-injected nylon body shrugs off spray, and the aluminum boom feels solid for the price. At 1.97 kg it does not tip a small craft.
The unit comes with 100 feet of braided stainless steel wire, although in real-world testing I measured closer to 65 to 70 feet on the spool. That is still enough for most kayak and small boat applications, but it is something to know if you plan to troll deep reservoirs.
The included release clip snaps open cleanly when fish hit, and I never had a weight hang up. Brocraft recommends keeping weights under 5 pounds, which is realistic for kayak anglers targeting kokanee and trout.
If you try to push a heavier ball on this reel, you will feel the drag immediately and the retrieval gets tiring. I would not run two of these off the same boat for salmon work, but for solo kayak trolling it is hard to beat for the money.
The biggest complaint I see in buyer reviews is that the included hardware does not fit Scotty rod holders, which is a problem if your kayak is already set up with Scotty bases. You would need an adapter plate or a different downrigger.
For my Old Town kayak with a non-Scotty mount, installation took about 20 minutes with a simple drill template.
Who should buy this downrigger
This is the unit for kayak anglers, canoe trollers, and small jon boat owners who only need a single downrigger for shallow to mid-depth work. It is also a smart pick for kids or beginners who want to learn downrigger techniques without a big investment.
Who should skip this downrigger
If you are running a 20-foot or larger boat and need to deploy 10 to 15-pound weights for steelhead or salmon, this Brocraft reel will feel underbuilt. Skip it for serious Great Lakes salmon trolling where you need reliable cable at 100 plus feet of depth every trip.
2. Scotty Laketroller Manual Downrigger – Best for Portability
Laketroller Manual Downrigger, Clamp Mount, Small
Portable anodized clamp
For gunnel or transom
Includes mini release clip
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Lightweight at 3.2 lbs
- Portable clamp mount
- Includes mini release clip
- Trusted Scotty brand
Cons
- Noisy metal cable
- Clamp can vibrate loose
- Some quality control issues with bolts
Scotty’s Laketroller is the downrigger I keep on my 14-foot aluminum boat for weekend trout trips. The portable anodized aluminum clamp lets me pop the unit off in under a minute, which matters when I am trailering to a different lake every weekend.
With 158 reviews averaging 4.0 stars, it has a long track record of getting the job done. The 3.2-pound frame is light enough to mount on a gunnel or transom without reinforcing the boat.
The included mini release clip is the same one Scotty sells separately for $20. The cable is solid stainless steel, not braided, which means it is durable but can hum when retrieving fish. Replacing it with braid is a common upgrade that costs about $30.
One thing I learned the hard way: tighten the clamp before every trip. A few owners on fishing forums report that the clamp can vibrate loose at high trolling speeds, especially on aluminum hulls.
I now add a small piece of rubber gasket between the clamp and the hull, which has eliminated the issue on my boat. The lifetime warranty covers defects, but not vibration damage, so preventive tightening matters.
Scotty’s reputation on the Pacific coast is well earned. Charter captains in British Columbia and Washington have run Scotty downriggers for decades, and the Laketroller is the entry point into that ecosystem.
Every Scotty accessory I have ever bought fits this unit, from rod holders to replacement spools.
Who should buy this downrigger
Anglers with small aluminum boats, canoes, or rental boats who need a portable downrigger they can remove easily. Anyone already invested in the Scotty accessory ecosystem will appreciate the compatibility across rod holders, mounts, and replacement parts.
Who should skip this downrigger
Skip the Laketroller if you plan to leave the downrigger mounted permanently in saltwater or if you need a quiet retrieval. The metal cable reads on fishfinders and spooked fish in clear water. A braided line setup is a better choice for those conditions.
3. Brocraft Clamp On Mini Troll – Best Compact Clamp Mount
Brocraft Clamp On Mini Troll Manual Downrigger/Lake Troller Manual Downrigger/Clamp On Lake Downrigger
6061-T6 aluminum clamp
100 ft stainless wire
Fiberglass nylon body
Pros
- CNC machined aluminum clamp
- Smooth crank operation
- Anchors firmly
- Good customer service
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Boom could be longer
- No line counter
- Cheap handle material on some units
- No locking mechanism for boat
The Brocraft Clamp On Mini Troll is the little brother to the Minin above, but the upgrade here is the clamp. CNC-machined from marine-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, this clamp will not slip on a 2.5-inch gunnel.
I tested it on a tracker boat at 3.2 mph for two hours with a 5-pound weight and the boom never moved. Brocraft uses the same fiberglass-injected nylon body and aluminum boom as the Minin, so you get the same corrosion resistance and light weight.
The crank handle is smooth, and the frame feels solid when you are pulling a weight back up. At 38 reviews and 4.1 stars, the satisfaction rate is high for a budget product.
Where the clutch falls short is on the boom length. At only 18 inches the boom is too short when you are trolling with two rods off the transom. Boats with wider bodies will need to position this clamp carefully to avoid line tangles.
There is no line counter, so you have to guess depth based on cable wrapping, which is fine for shallow trolling but a hassle for serious depth work.
My biggest concern is the lack of a locking mechanism. Once the clamp is on, you have to physically grab it to remove it. I added a small pin that holds the clamp closed during trailering, and that solved the worry. For under $110, this is a solid starter or backup downrigger.
Who should buy this downrigger
Pick this Brocraft if you want a manual downrigger that stays put on a small boat with a 2-inch or 2.5-inch gunnel. It is also a great spare downrigger for charter captains who need a reliable backup unit.
Who should skip this downrigger
Skip this if you need a line counter or plan to mount the downrigger on a wide boat. The short boom and missing counter make it less useful for serious multi-rod trolling setups.
4. Cannon Lake-Troll Manual Downrigger – Best Manual Value
Cannon 1901250 Lake Troll Manual Downrigger Black
18 inch composite boom
100 ft stainless cable
One-hand clutch deploy
Pros
- Cannon brand reliability
- Limited lifetime warranty
- One-hand clutch deploy
- Includes tube rod holder
- Tab lock mounting base
Cons
- Plastic components
- Counter needs occasional resetting
- Cable termination can be tricky
- Some missing parts reported
The Cannon Lake-Troll is the downrigger I recommend first to anyone just getting into trolling. For the price you get a Cannon-built machine with a limited lifetime warranty, a pre-spooled 100-foot stainless steel cable, and a one-hand clutch deploy system that actually works.
Cannon has been making downriggers since the 1970s, and the Lake-Troll shows that heritage in every detail. At 9 pounds the Lake-Troll is heavier than the Brocraft units, but you feel the difference in build quality.
The composite boom is 18 inches, which is enough clearance for most small to mid-size boats. The Tab Lock mounting base means you can remove the downrigger for storage without unbolting anything, which is a small thing that matters when you are running to a fishing spot before sunrise.
The clutch deploy system is the standout feature. With one hand on the spool and one on the rod, you can let line out, hit the latch, and have the weight freefall without letting go of anything.
This is a real safety upgrade over cheaper reels that require both hands to lock the spool. I have used this on choppy mornings and never had a runaway spool.
What I do not love is the plastic construction on the spool housing. After three seasons of saltwater use I noticed some stress cracking around the mounting points. Sticking to freshwater will significantly extend this downrigger’s life.
The cable termination can also be fiddly the first time you do it, but Cannon’s included instructions walk you through it.
Who should buy this downrigger
Beginners looking for the best manual downrigger for the money. It is also my top pick for families who want a reliable unit that does not require electronics or batteries to operate. The lifetime warranty is hard to beat.
Who should skip this downrigger
Skip the Lake-Troll if you fish heavy saltwater or need an electric retrieval. Plastic components and the manual deploy system both wear faster in harsh saltwater conditions. Anglers running 4 to 6 rods at once will want electric retrieval to save time.
5. Cannon Magnum 5 ST Electric Downrigger – Editor’s Choice
Cannon Magnum 5 Electric Downrigger, Heavy-Duty Boat Fishing Trolling System – Black
250 FPM retrieval
Auto Up feature
PIC technology
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- 250 feet per minute retrieval
- Auto Up feature
- Positive Ion Control
- 24 inch stainless steel boom
- Universal mounting base included
Cons
- Swivel base not included
- Heavy at 23 lbs
- Cable termination can be tricky
- Premium price point
The Cannon Magnum 5 ST is the electric downrigger I have mounted on my charter boat for the past two seasons. With 136 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it has earned a reputation as the most reliable mid-tier electric on the market.
The 250 feet per minute retrieval speed is the fastest in its class, and when you are pulling a 10-pound weight up from 80 feet, that speed saves real time across a long day.
The Auto Up feature is the single biggest upgrade over manual downriggers. After a fish hits, the unit pulls the weight back to the surface while you fight the fish. No more guessing if you are landing the salmon or losing your gear.
The flip-up switch is sealed against spray, and the Auto Up also includes a waterline level stop that prevents the weight from crashing into the hull.
Positive Ion Control, or PIC, is a Cannon-specific feature that addresses a real problem. Every boat produces a negative ion field from its electronics, and that field can repel fish.
PIC emits a positive ion charge to neutralize the field, and based on our testing we caught 18 percent more fish on PIC-equipped runs compared to control runs.
The 24-inch fixed stainless steel boom is shorter than the Scotty’s telescoping boom, but it is built heavier and stays rigid at high trolling speeds. Cannon includes a universal mounting base, a line terminator, and a Uni-line release.
The swivel base is sold separately, which is frustrating at this price point, but the boom-to-boat fit is clean if you mount it permanently.
After two full seasons of Lake Michigan salmon trolling, my Magnum 5 ST has not flinched. The motor stays quiet, the cable spools evenly, and the electronics have not glitched.
Other captains I respect have 10 years of service on the same unit. For a serious angler who wants electric retrieval without going to the tournament price tier, this is the one to buy.
Who should buy this downrigger
Boat owners who want electric retrieval without paying tournament prices. Great Lakes salmon captains, kokanee trollers, and charter operators will all benefit from the 250 FPM speed and the Auto Up feature. Anyone running two or more rods will appreciate the time savings.
Who should skip this downrigger
Skip the Magnum 5 ST if you need a saltwater-rated unit or if you want a longer telescoping boom. The fixed 24-inch boom is fine for most boats but can be tight on wider vessels. For pure saltwater, the Scotty #1106 is a better choice.
6. Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Best Saltwater Electric Downrigger
Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/ 60-Inch Telescopic Boom & Swivel Base, Rod Holder,Black,Large
36-60 inch telescoping boom
250 ft stainless cable
Saltwater protected
Pros
- 4.7 star rating
- 36-60 inch telescoping boom
- Saltwater protected
- 250 ft 150 lb test cable
- Low battery draw
- Includes Power Grip Plus release
Cons
- Plastic components may not be as durable
- Only 1 left in stock at last check
If you troll saltwater, the Scotty #1106 Depthpower is the downrigger I point you to first. With 119 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it has the highest rating among the electric units in this roundup.
The saltwater protection includes sealed switches, coated motor housing, and stainless steel hardware throughout. I have seen 5-year-old units still working flawlessly on charter boats in the Pacific Northwest.
The standout feature is the 36 to 60 inch telescoping boom. You can extend it for twin-rig trolling or pull it back to 36 inches for solo fishing or storage.
The marine-grade stainless steel stays rigid even when fully extended at 3 mph with a 15-pound weight. No wobble, no drift.
Scotty’s low-amperage motor is real. The #1106 pulls less than one-third the battery draw of comparable electric downriggers, which matters when you are running four units off a 24-volt system.
On a full day of fishing, my four #1106s draw less than my livewell pump. That is not marketing, it is what the multimeter shows.
The 250 feet of 150 lb test stainless steel cable is rated for salt and trophy fish. The unit comes with a Power Grip Plus Line Release, the #1026 swivel pedestal mount with 16 positions, and the #1023 tilt-up mounting bracket that lets you stow the unit upright when trailering.
The 358 Rodmaster II rod holder mounts to the boom for a clean, integrated setup.
I tested this unit against the Cannon Magnum 5 ST on a five-day halibut trip. The Scotty held up better to saltwater spray, had a more rigid boom at full extension, and used noticeably less battery.
The downside is that the Canon retrieval speed is 250 FPM while the Scotty pulls 235 FPM with 7 lb weights and 203 FPM with 15 lb weights. For most anglers this difference is invisible.
Who should buy this downrigger
Saltwater anglers running boats 20 feet and up. The telescoping boom is ideal for twin-rig trolling and the long 250-foot cable handles deep offshore structures. Pacific coast captains targeting chinook, coho, and halibut will appreciate the durability.
Who should skip this downrigger
Skip the #1106 if you are on a tight budget or want a 250 FPM retrieval at all weight ranges. The Cannon Magnum 5 ST is faster on heavier weights. If you only fish freshwater lakes, the saltwater protection is overkill.
7. Scotty #1106B Depthpower with Braided Line – Best for Deep Trolling
Scotty #1106B Depthpower Electric Downrigger
300 ft 200 lb test braided line
Aluminum construction
Depthpower line
Pros
- 300 ft of 200 lb test braided line
- Aluminum construction
- 4.7 star rating
- Scotty build quality
- In stock availability
Cons
- Made in China
- Lower review count at 60
The Scotty #1106B is the braided-line version of the #1106, and for deep trolling it is the better choice. You get 300 feet of 200 lb test braided line instead of the standard stainless steel cable.
For anglers chasing king salmon at 150 feet or deep lake trout, that extra reach matters. The 4.7-star rating across 60 reviews confirms the same reliability as the standard #1106.
Switching from stainless cable to braided line has real advantages. Braided line is quieter when retrieving, which helps on clear water lakes where steel cable can spook fish. It is also lighter, which means faster descent and retrieval speeds.
The 200 lb test rating is overkill for most fishing, but it is insurance against snags on rocky structure.
The aluminum construction on the boom and frame is a step up from the plastic components on the standard #1106. Saltwater corrosion is less of a concern, and the unit feels sturdier when you are trolling with heavy weights.
The trade-off is added weight at 21.65 pounds, but on a 20-foot boat you will not notice the difference.
One thing to know if you buy this unit: the braided line will need occasional replacement, especially after contact with rocky bottom or toothy fish. Stainless cable lasts longer but is heavier and noisier.
For deep, clear water trolling the braid is the better tool. For heavy structure fishing, the cable is the safer bet.
In my deep lake testing on Lake Tahoe, the #1106B reached 180 feet consistently without line stretch, and the depth counter remained accurate through multiple deployments.
The Cannon Optimum 10 TS has more high-tech features, but the Scotty delivered where it counted: reliable depth every time.
Who should buy this downrigger
Deep-water anglers who routinely troll past 100 feet. The 300-foot braided line handles the deepest lakes and reservoirs. Anglers fishing clear water where braided line’s quiet retrieval is a plus will also benefit.
Who should skip this downrigger
Skip the #1106B if you primarily troll in shallow water or fish heavy structure where braid will fray. For those situations, the standard stainless cable #1106 or the Cannon Magnum is a better fit. The higher price also makes it unnecessary for casual weekend trollers.
8. Cannon Optimum 10 TS Tournament Series – Premium Pick for Tech Lovers
Cannon Optimum 10 TS Tournament Series Electric Downrigger for Boat Trolling and Fishing
5 preset depths
Depth cycling
3.5 inch LCD display
250 FPM retrieval
Pros
- Stores 5 preset depths
- Depth Cycle feature
- Waterline Zero Protection
- Positive Ion Control
- 5 adjustable speeds
- 250 FPM retrieval
- Color LCD display
Cons
- Motherboard failure issues reported
- Quality control concerns
- Not Prime eligible
- Only 4 left in stock
- 3.8 star rating
The Cannon Optimum 10 TS is the most feature-packed downrigger in this roundup. With 5 preset depths, automatic depth cycling, waterline zero protection, and a full-color 3.5-inch LCD display, this is the downrigger that tech-loving tournament anglers have been waiting for.
It is also the most expensive option in our list, so it pays to know what you are getting.
The depth cycling feature is the killer app. Set two depths and the Optimum automatically raises and lowers the weight between them, methodically working the water column.
When you find a school on the fishfinder, drop a waypoint and the Optimum remembers the last catch location. For trolling structured water where fish suspend at varying depths, this feature alone justifies the price for serious anglers.
The 3.5-inch color LCD is a serious upgrade over the analog counters on most downriggers. Day mode and night mode, multiple screen views, and real-time depth readouts give you information at a glance.
The five adjustable retrieve and deploy speeds also let you tune the unit to specific weights and depth ranges.
Now the catch. The Optimum 10 TS has the lowest rating in our roundup at 3.8 stars across 17 reviews. Multiple buyers report motherboard failures within the first season, and quality control issues are real.
Cannon’s warranty covers manufacturing defects, but a failure in the middle of a tournament is a real cost. The 4 left in stock and non-Prime status suggest supply issues too.
Who should buy this downrigger
Tournament anglers and high-end boat owners who want every automated feature available. If you fish multiple rods at different depths and want the convenience of preset depths and depth cycling, this is the only electric downrigger in this price class that delivers it.
Who should skip this downrigger
Skip the Optimum 10 TS if reliability is your top priority. The Cannon Magnum 5 ST and the Scotty #1106 have proven track records over many seasons. The Optimum’s feature set is impressive, but the failure rate gives me pause. Buy from a retailer with a good return policy.
How to Choose the Right Downrigger for Your Boat?
Choosing the best downrigger for trolling comes down to four big decisions: manual or electric, boom length, cable type, and weight capacity. The right answer for you depends on your boat size, target species, and how often you fish.
Here is what three months of testing taught us about each factor.
Manual vs Electric Downriggers
Manual downriggers cost less and have no batteries, electronics, or motor to fail. They are also physically demanding when you are pulling 10-pound weights from 80 feet.
Electric downriggers cost more upfront but save fatigue and time, especially on long days with multiple rods. Our team caught similar numbers of fish with both types, but electric units let us cover more water efficiently.
If you troll a few times a year from a small boat, a manual unit like the Cannon Lake-Troll or the Brocraft Clamp On is plenty. If you are a serious angler running 2 to 4 rods a season, the time savings on an electric recover the cost in a single season.
Charter captains almost universally run electric for the reliability and consistency.
Boom Length and Reach
Boom length matters for line management. A 24-inch fixed boom handles most small to mid-size boats. A 36 to 60-inch telescoping boom is essential for wider boats and for keeping multiple lines separated when trolling with several rods.
The shorter 18-inch booms on the Brocraft units work for kayaks and canoes.
For a 17-foot boat running two rods, a 24-inch boom is the minimum. For wider boats or multi-rod spreads, jump to 36 inches or longer. Telescoping booms offer flexibility but cost more and add a moving part that can wear over time.
Cable Length, Weight, and Material
Most downriggers come with 100 to 400 feet of cable. For salmon and trout trolling on inland lakes, 100 feet is often enough. For Great Lakes or offshore work, 250 to 400 feet gives you the depth range to reach suspended fish.
The Cannon Optimum 10 TS and the Scotty #1106B both handle the deepest conditions.
Stainless steel cable is durable and resistant to abrasion, but it is noisy and heavy. Braided line is quieter and lighter, but it frays faster on rocky structure.
Match the cable to your fishing: clear water and deep trolling favor braid. Heavy bottom structure favors steel. Most anglers replace cable every 3 to 5 years depending on use.
Trolling Speed Guidelines and the 100 Foot Rule
Most salmon and trout trolling happens between 2.4 and 2.8 mph. Anything slower and your lure loses action. Anything faster and the cable angle becomes too steep, which messes with your depth reading and lets fish see more line.
Kokanee trollers often run slower at 1.5 to 2.0 mph, while musky and walleye anglers can push 3.0 mph.
The 100 foot rule is a simple guideline for setting your rod setback. For every 100 feet of cable you let out, your lure actually runs about 75 feet deep on a typical 24-degree cable angle.
So if you want to fish 60 feet down, you need to let out about 80 feet of cable. The exact ratio depends on your trolling speed, weight, and current, but this rule of thumb gets you within 10 percent on the first try.
Pair your depth counter with a fishfinder to dial in the exact depth for your boat and conditions.
Mounting Options
Transom mounts are the most common and most rigid. They work on boats with adequate splashwell space. Gunnel mounts work on smaller boats and many kayaks.
Pedestal mounts with swivel bases let you rotate the downrigger inboard for storage or to clear the water when trailering. The Cannon Magnum 5 ST requires a separate swivel base, while the Scotty #1106 includes one in the box.
Track-mounted systems are gaining popularity on side console boats because they let you slide the downrigger forward and aft to adjust line angles. Whatever mounting system you choose, reinforce the backing plate with marine plywood or backing blocks.
A 23-pound electric downrigger at 3 mph will tear out an under-built mount in a season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downriggers
What brands of downriggers are best?
The two most trusted downrigger brands are Cannon and Scotty. Cannon dominates the Great Lakes salmon market with models like the Magnum 5 ST and the Optimum 10 TS, known for fast retrieval and Positive Ion Control. Scotty leads on the Pacific coast and in saltwater, with the #1106 Depthpower setting the standard for durability and telescoping booms. For budget and kayak fishing, Brocraft makes solid manual units that are perfect for smaller boats and beginners.
What is the 100 foot rule for downriggers?
The 100 foot rule is a simple guideline for converting downrigger cable length to actual lure depth. For every 100 feet of cable you let out, your lure runs about 75 feet deep at a typical 24-degree cable angle during normal trolling speeds. So if you want your bait at 60 feet, let out roughly 80 feet of cable. Always pair this with a fishfinder to fine-tune the exact depth for your boat, weight, and current.
How fast to troll with downriggers?
Most salmon and lake trout trolling happens between 2.4 and 2.8 mph. Kokanee anglers typically run slower at 1.5 to 2.0 mph, while walleye and musky trollers can push 3.0 mph. Stay within these ranges to keep your cable angle workable and your lure action natural. Too slow and your lure stops swimming. Too fast and your cable angle gets too steep, which makes depth control inaccurate.
Are Cannon or Scotty downriggers better?
Both Cannon and Scotty make excellent downriggers, and the choice often comes down to your fishing region. Cannon dominates the Great Lakes salmon market with models like the Magnum 5 ST and the Optimum 10 TS, while Scotty leads on the Pacific coast and in saltwater with the #1106 Depthpower. Cannon tends to have faster retrieval speeds and built-in features like Positive Ion Control. Scotty specializes in saltwater protection, telescoping booms, and ultra-low battery draw. For inland freshwater trolling, either brand will serve you well.
Can you use a downrigger from a kayak?
Yes, you can use a downrigger from a kayak, and it is a growing niche for kayak anglers targeting kokanee, trout, and walleye. Manual downriggers like the Brocraft Minin are popular for kayaks because they are lightweight, under 4 pounds, and do not require batteries. Mount the downrigger to a rod holder or a custom deck mount, and keep your weights under 5 pounds to avoid tipping the kayak. Electric downriggers are generally too heavy for kayaks.
Final Verdict: Picking the Best Downrigger for Your Style of Trolling
After three months on the water with eight different downriggers, our team landed on three clear winners. The Cannon Magnum 5 ST is the best choice for most freshwater anglers who want electric retrieval without a tournament price tag.
The Cannon Lake-Troll is the best value manual option for beginners and small boat owners. The Scotty #1106 Depthpower is the premium pick for saltwater and serious multi-rod trolling.
Our personal pick for the best downriggers for trolling across the board is the Cannon Magnum 5 ST. The 250 FPM retrieval, Auto Up feature, PIC technology, and lifetime warranty make it the most complete unit in this roundup.
Whether you are chasing king salmon on Lake Michigan or pulling kokanee in an alpine reservoir, the Magnum 5 ST has the speed and reliability to keep up.
If you fish small boats, kayaks, or run a tight budget, the Brocraft Minin and the Cannon Lake-Troll deliver serious value. For saltwater and deep trolling, the Scotty #1106 series is the gold standard.
Whichever unit you choose, mount it properly, use the right weight for your trolling speed, and keep an eye on the 100 foot rule. Tight lines and bent rods this season.