A downrigger is an essential tool for serious anglers looking to precisely control lure depth. Selecting the right downrigger can significantly improve your catch rate by allowing you to target fish at specific depths where they are actively feeding. This guide will help you navigate the key features to consider when making your purchase.
SaleNo. 1
Cannon Uni-Troll Manual Downrigger, 10 STX
- 2:1 retrieval speed makes getting lines out of the water fast and nearly effortless
- One-Hand Clutch Deploy - Precisely and easily position your baits with full control
- Stainless Steel Telescopic Boom - Extends from 24" to 53" with enclosed boom end - Prevents lines from jumping when deploying or retrieving weights
- Dual Axis Rod Holder - Includes one (1) rear mount rod holder
- Includes - Universal Mounting Base, Low-Profile Swivel Base, line terminator, one (1) Uni-line releases, and ergonomic crank handle
−48%
$207.55
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SaleNo. 2
Cannon 1902305 Magnum 10 Electric Downrigger
- 250 ft per minute retrieval rate and 20-lb weight capacity
- Automatically retrieve the weight with a push of a button
- Positive ION control attracts fish. IP68 waterproof connections
- 360 degree swivel base and mounting base
- Heavy-duty telescopic boom extends from 24" to 53"
−17%
$583.03
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SaleNo. 3
Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger
- Fast, effortless 1.5:1 retrieval speed
- One-Hand Clutch Deploy for controlled, precise bait positioning
- Ergonomic crank handle
- Enclosed 24" stainless steel boom end pulley to prevent jump lines
- 12 lb weight capacity
- Fast, effortless 1.5:1 retrieval speed
- One-Hand Clutch Deploy for simple, precise bait positioning and controlled weight descent
- Ergonomic crank handle
- Plastic Spool
- 24" Stainless steel boom
−15%
$229.99
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No. 4
Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger, Post Mount, Display Packed BLACK, Small
- Mounting bracket permits mounting on a flat deck surface or on the side of a gunnel or transom
- Mount dimensions: 4" x 2" x 2"; with a 1-5/16" x 3-3/16" bolting pattern
- 100 Ft Of Premium 150 Lb Test Stainless Steel Cable
- Power Grip Plus Line Release Model No. 1181 Mini-Grip
- Mount Dimensions: 4” x 2” x 2”. Bolting Dimensions: 1 5/16” x 3 3/16”
$89.17
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No. 5
Cannon Magnum 5 Electric Downrigger, Heavy-Duty Boat Fishing Trolling System – Black
- Fast 250 FPM Retrieval: Industry-leading 250 feet-per-minute weight retrieval rate gets lines out of water quickly when fish strikes
- Auto Up Feature: Flip up/down switch and Magnum automatically retrieves weight, stopping precisely at waterline for safe, hands-free operation
- Positive Ion Control (PIC): Neutralizes fish-repelling negative energy field created by boat electronics so fish stay closer to your line and lures
- Fixed 24-inch Stainless Steel Boom: Heavy-duty boom provides reliable performance for smaller boats and compact fishing applications
- Complete Package: Includes universal mounting base, line terminator, one Uni-line release, and manual crank handle for immediate setup
- 250-feet-per-minute retrieval rate is the fastest in the industry
- Positive Ion Control emits positive ions from the cable to combat the negative ions from your boat, creating a fish-attracting field of energy
- 24" heavy-duty stainless steel boom
$589.99
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No. 6
Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual Downrigger for Boat Fishing and Trolling
- Fast 2:1 Retrieval Speed: Gets lines out of water quickly and nearly effortlessly with efficient gear ratio for rapid line recovery
- One-Hand Clutch Deploy: Precisely and easily position baits with full control using gradual, controlled descent to target depth
- Fixed 24-inch Stainless Steel Boom: Features enclosed boom end that prevents line jumping during deployment or retrieval for reliable operation
- Dual-Axis Rod Holder: Includes one rear-mount rod holder with full front-to-back and side-to-side adjustability for optimal rod positioning
- Complete Package: Includes universal mounting base, line terminator, one Uni-line release, and ergonomic crank handle for immediate setup
$319.99
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No. 7
Scotty #2106B High Performance Downrigger - 36"-60" / Braided Line, Black
- High performance downrigger features illuminated digital counters
- Unbeatable pulling power; Adjustable Rod Master II Rod Master
- Clutch brake with the largest braking surface allowing for ultra fast speeds
- Equipped with 300 ft. of 250 lb. test braided line
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
$906.61
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No. 8
Cannon 1901250 Lake Troll Manual Downrigger Black
- Standard 1:1 Retrieval Rate: Reliable gear ratio helps get lines out of water easily for straightforward downrigger operation
- One-Hand Clutch Deploy: Precisely and easily position baits with full control using gradual, controlled descent to target depth
- Compact 18-inch Composite Boom: Lightweight, durable boom designed for smaller boats and space-conscious fishing applications
- Tube-Style Rod Holder: Includes one rear-mount tube-style rod holder for secure rod positioning during trolling operations
- Complete Package: Includes tab lock mounting base, line terminator, one Uni-line release, and manual crank handle for immediate setup
- Manual downrigger ideal for smaller boats
- Clutch/brake system for safe, controlled one-handed weight descent
- Swivel-head depth counter; 18-inch copolymer boom
- Pre-spooled with 100 feet of stainless steel cable
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
$214.99
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No. 9
Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/ 60-Inch Telescopic Boom & Swivel Base, Rod Holder,Black,Large
- Electric Downrigger w/ a boom that telescopes for extra reach and collapses for storage, makes for a great “big boat” downrigger; Saltwater protected
- Boom Length: 36-60 inches telescoping marine grade stainless steel boom; 250 ft of 150 lb test, stainless steel downrigger cable
- Includes Scotty/Marinco plug and receptacle, Power Grip Plus Line Release, #1026 Swivel Pedestal Mount with 16 available positions
- Includes #1023 Tilt-Up Mounting Bracket enables unit to be tilted and locked in upright position; Boom mounted adjustable 358 Rodmaster II Rod Holder
- Adjustable speed, lifts 7 lb. weights at 235 ft./min. & 15 lb. weights at 203 ft./min; lowest amperage draw, with less than 1/3 the battery draw
$646.41
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No. 10
Cannon Mini-Troll Manual Downrigger for Boats and Freshwater Trolling
- Horizontal reel/brake
- 100' of stainless steel cable
- Swivel-head depth counter
$129.99
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This article is part of our complete guide Fishing & Hunting — browse all our comparisons and buying guides.
Last update on 2026-08-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Fishing Downriggers
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Downrigger
When choosing a fishing downrigger, several factors will influence your decision based on your fishing style and target species. Prioritizing these aspects will ensure you select a unit that meets your needs.- Weight Capacity: The maximum weight a downrigger can handle is crucial. Consider the size and type of lures you typically use, as well as the size of the weights required to get them to the desired depth. Larger boats and heavier lures will necessitate a higher weight capacity.
- Cable and Spool: The length and type of cable are important for reaching deep water. Stainless steel cable is generally preferred for its durability and corrosion resistance. The spool size affects how much cable can be stored and how easily it can be deployed and retrieved.
- Construction and Durability: Downriggers are exposed to harsh marine environments. Look for models constructed from robust, corrosion-resistant materials like anodized aluminum or stainless steel. Features like sealed bearings and weather-resistant coatings will contribute to longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary function of a downrigger?
A downrigger's main purpose is to allow anglers to precisely control the depth of their fishing line and lure. It uses a heavy weight to carry the line down, enabling you to fish at depths where fish may not be near the surface.
How much weight capacity do I need?
The required weight capacity depends on your fishing conditions and target species. For smaller lures and shallower depths, a lower capacity might suffice. However, if you plan to use larger lures or fish in deeper water with significant currents, a higher weight capacity is recommended.
Are manual or electric downriggers better?
Manual downriggers are typically more affordable and simpler, requiring physical effort to lower and raise the weight. Electric models offer convenience, allowing for easier deployment and retrieval with the push of a button, which is beneficial for longer fishing trips or when battling larger fish.
What is the difference between cable and braided line for downriggers?
Most downriggers use a heavy stainless steel cable to handle the weight and resist abrasion. Some anglers may opt for specialized braided lines designed for downrigger applications, but cable remains the most common and durable choice for consistent performance.