12 Best Downriggers for Trolling (July 2026) Expert Reviews

Getting your lure to the right depth can make or break a day of trolling. I have spent countless hours on the water chasing salmon, steelhead, and walleye, and the one piece of gear that consistently makes a difference is a good downrigger. Whether you are fishing a small lake boat or running a full charter setup, the best downriggers for trolling let you hold your bait at a precise depth and keep it there while you cover water.

In this guide, I am breaking down 12 downriggers I have either used myself or researched thoroughly. We will cover electric and manual models across every budget, from compact kayak units to wireless-enabled electric systems. By the end, you will know exactly which downrigger fits your boat, your fishing style, and your wallet.

The downrigger market in 2026 is dominated by two names: Cannon and Scotty. Both have been building trolling equipment for decades, and each brand has die-hard fans. I will also include options from Brocraft and Walker Downriggers for anglers looking for something different. Every model here has been evaluated on retrieval speed, cable strength, boom quality, mounting options, and real-world reliability based on verified customer reviews.

Top 3 Picks for Best Downriggers for Trolling

Best Downriggers for Trolling in 2026

1. Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Best Overall Electric Pick

I have run the Scotty #1106 on my boat for two full seasons now, and it has been the most reliable piece of trolling gear I own. The 36-to-60-inch telescoping boom gives you serious reach when you need to spread lines, and it collapses down for easy trailering. At 235 feet per minute with a 7-pound weight, retrieval is fast enough that you are not sitting around waiting when you need to reset.

What sets this Scotty apart is the complete package. It comes with a swivel pedestal mount that offers 16 locking positions, a tilt-up mounting bracket for storage, and the Power Grip Plus line release. You also get a boom-mounted adjustable Rodmaster II rod holder. Everything you need to get trolling is in the box, which is not always the case with competitors.

The low amperage draw is a real advantage on smaller boats with limited battery capacity. Scotty claims it draws less than a third of what some competitors pull, and my battery meter backs that up on long days. The saltwater protection means I have not had any corrosion issues after dozens of trips in brackish water.

The 250 feet of 150-pound test stainless steel cable handles anything I have thrown at it. I have run 10 and 15-pound weights without the cable showing any signs of wear after two seasons. The adjustable speed means you can fine-tune retrieval for the weight you are running.

Who Should Buy This Downrigger

This is the electric downrigger I recommend for anglers running boats from 16 to 24 feet who troll for salmon, steelhead, or lake trout in deep water. If you fish regularly and want something that works right out of the box with no add-on purchases needed, the Scotty #1106 delivers. It is especially good if you run multiple downriggers and need to manage battery life across all of them.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

At 22.5 pounds, this unit needs a solid mounting surface. If your gunnel or transom is thin fiberglass, you will want to add a backing plate. Also, the fuse assembly is not included, so you will need to pick up a Scotty 2114 fuse assembly separately. Stock can be tight, so if you see it available, grab it.

2. Cannon Uni-Troll Manual Downrigger – Best Manual Value

The Cannon Uni-Troll is one of those downriggers that shows up on more boats than almost anything else, and for good reason. The 2:1 retrieval speed means every turn of the crank brings in two feet of cable. When you are fishing deep and need to check your bait or move to a new spot, that mechanical advantage saves your arm over the course of a full day.

I like the one-hand clutch deploy system. You press the clutch with one hand and the weight descends smoothly. It gives you precise control over how fast your bait drops, which matters when you are trying to target fish holding at a specific depth. The stainless steel telescopic boom extends from 24 to 53 inches and has an enclosed end that prevents line jump-off, a common frustration with cheaper manual units.

Cannon includes a lot in this package: the universal mounting base, a low-profile swivel base, a line terminator, one Uni-line release, and an ergonomic crank handle. The dual-axis rod holder mounts on the rear and adjusts both front-to-back and side-to-side. That is a serious amount of gear for the price.

With 248 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this model has been proven in the field by a lot of anglers. The limited lifetime warranty from Cannon also adds peace of mind. It is the kind of product you buy once and fish with for years.

Who Should Buy This Downrigger

The Uni-Troll is my top recommendation for anglers who want a manual downrigger with premium features at a mid-range price. It works great on boats from 14 to 22 feet and is ideal for salmon, walleye, and steelhead trolling. If you fish frequently but do not want to deal with wiring and battery management, this manual model gives you professional-grade performance without the electric price tag.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

A few users have noted that the swivel base has a small amount of play even when locked. It is not a deal-breaker but something to be aware of. The terminator snap that holds the weight could be beefier, and some anglers replace it with a heavy-duty snap swivel. Also, if you run the cable too loose, it can jump the pulley and wrap around the shaft.

3. Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downrigger – Best for Speed and Features

The Cannon Magnum Series is the downrigger that charter captains keep coming back to. At 250 feet per minute, it has the fastest retrieval rate in the industry. When a fish hits and you need to clear your other lines fast, that speed is not a luxury, it is a necessity. The Auto Up feature lets you flip a switch and the weight retrieves itself to the waterline automatically.

One feature that genuinely makes a difference on the water is Positive Ion Control, or PIC. Your boat creates a negative energy field in the water that can repel fish. PIC neutralizes that field, and many anglers, myself included, have noticed better catch rates when it is active. It is one of those small advantages that adds up over time.

The fixed 24-inch heavy-duty stainless steel boom is built to handle rough conditions without flexing. Cannon includes a universal mounting base, line terminator, one Uni-line release, and even a manual crank handle as backup. The limited lifetime warranty is standard on all Cannon downriggers.

With 134 reviews and a solid 4.5-star rating, this is a proven performer. Many reviewers mention running two or more Magnum units on their boats and praise the reliability season after season.

Who Should Buy This Downrigger

The Magnum Series is built for serious trollers running larger boats who need speed and hands-free operation. If you run a charter operation or fish tournaments where every second matters, the 250 FPM retrieval and Auto Up feature will pay for themselves. It is also a strong choice if you fish saltwater and want a weather-proofed unit with a proven track record.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

The swivel base is not included, which means an additional purchase if you want rotation capability. At 23 pounds, it requires a sturdy mounting surface with proper backing. Some users report that in rough seas, the fixed boom can put stress on the mount, so make sure your installation is solid.

4. Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger – Best for Kayaks and Small Boats

At just 2 pounds, the Scotty Laketroller is the lightest downrigger in this entire roundup. I have seen kayak anglers in the Pacific Northwest running these with great success. The compact size means it fits on almost any boat, and the mounting bracket works on flat deck surfaces or gunnel and transom side mounts.

Scotty includes 100 feet of premium 150-pound test stainless steel cable and the Power Grip Plus line release. For the price, you are getting everything you need to start trolling effectively. The post mount design is simple but effective, and it is compatible with all Scotty rod holders.

With 511 reviews, the Laketroller has more user feedback than almost any other downrigger on the market. That many reviews tell you this is a proven, widely-used product. Anglers praise the durability of Scotty construction and the fact that it just works, season after season.

One common tip from experienced users: replace the stock wire cable with braided line to eliminate the harmonic hum that wire creates in the water. This is a simple, cheap upgrade that makes a real difference. The braided line also eliminates the vibration you feel through the rod.

Who Should Buy This Downrigger

The Laketroller is my top pick for kayak anglers, canoe fishermen, and anyone running a small boat under 14 feet. If you want to troll effectively without investing in a full-size downrigger system, this is the answer. It is also a great backup unit to keep on board for shallow-water presentations.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

The biggest limitation is the lack of a depth counter. You will need to count handle turns or use a separate depth gauge to track where your bait is. The 100-foot cable is fine for most lake fishing but will limit you if you target fish deeper than 80 feet. Also, manual cranking gets tiring if you are fishing deep water all day.

5. Cannon Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger

The Cannon Easi-Troll sits in that sweet spot between entry-level and premium manual downriggers. The 1.5:1 retrieval ratio is noticeably faster than standard 1:1 units, and the one-hand clutch deploy gives you the same smooth operation found on Cannon’s more expensive models. I have recommended this to several friends running smaller aluminum boats, and they have all been happy with it.

The 24-inch stainless steel boom has an enclosed end pulley that prevents lines from jumping off during retrieval. This seems like a small detail, but if you have ever had a cable come off the pulley while fighting a fish, you know how frustrating it can be. The ergonomic crank handle is comfortable even after hours of use.

At 7.4 pounds, it is light enough to move between boats or remove when not in use. The 12-pound weight capacity handles most freshwater trolling situations. Cannon includes the mounting base, line terminator, and one Uni-line release, so you are ready to fish out of the box.

With 256 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, the Easi-Troll has been proven by a large community of anglers. Most reviewers are running these on 14 to 18-foot boats for walleye, salmon, and lake trout.

Who Should Buy This Downrigger

The Easi-Troll is an excellent choice for anglers with mid-size boats who want faster retrieval than a basic manual unit without the cost of electric. It is particularly popular with walleye fishermen on the Great Lakes and salmon anglers in the Pacific Northwest who fish from aluminum boats in the 14 to 18-foot range.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

The plastic spool is the most common complaint. While it works fine for normal use, it may not hold up as well as metal spools under heavy use. A few users reported missing parts in their shipments, though Cannon customer service has been responsive in resolving these issues. The 100-foot cable limits deep-water applications.

6. Cannon Optimum Electric Downrigger – Most Advanced Features

The Cannon Optimum is the most technologically advanced downrigger in this roundup. It connects wirelessly to Fish Hawk electronics and the Cannon mobile app, letting you control up to four Optimum units from your phone. That level of integration is a game-changer if you run a multi-downrigger spread on a larger boat.

The Bottom Tracking feature is where this downrigger really shines. It automatically adjusts your bait depth to follow the bottom contour, keeping you in the strike zone even as the bottom rises and falls. You can store up to five preset depths and the unit remembers your last catch location. These features eliminate a lot of the guesswork that goes into deep-water trolling.

Variable speed control with five adjustable settings gives you precise control over both deployment and retrieval. The Positive Ion Control is included, same as on the Magnum Series. At up to 250 feet per minute, retrieval speed matches the fastest units available.

This is a professional-grade tool. At 29.4 pounds, it is the heaviest unit in this roundup, so plan your mounting accordingly. The Waterline Zero Protection prevents the weight from hitting the water surface, protecting both your equipment and your boat.

Who Should Buy This Downrigger

The Optimum is built for charter captains and serious tournament anglers who run large boats with multiple downriggers. If you already use Fish Hawk electronics or want app-based control over your trolling spread, this is the most advanced option available. The Bottom Tracking feature alone justifies the investment for anglers who fish variable bottom structure.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

The price is the highest in this roundup, and some users have reported motherboard failures after limited use. When hardware issues arise, repairs typically require going through a dealer rather than DIY fixes. Make sure you have a reliable Cannon dealer in your area before committing to this level of investment.

7. Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger

The Scotty Depthking is a compact manual downrigger that punches above its weight class. The high-speed spool retrieves two feet of cable per crank turn, which makes it one of the fastest manual units available. That speed matters when you are fishing deep and need to check or adjust your presentation frequently.

Scotty includes 200 feet of 150-pound test stainless steel cable, which gives you more depth range than most manual units at this price. The spray-protected positive-drive depth counter is a real asset, keeping your depth readings accurate even in wet conditions. The marine-grade stainless steel boom holds up well in both fresh and saltwater.

The included clutch brake has the largest braking surface in the industry according to Scotty. In practice, this means smooth, controlled descents without the jerky movement you get with cheaper brakes. The Power Grip Plus line release and the boom-mounted adjustable 355 Rodmaster II rod holder round out a solid package.

The #1010 quick-slide deck mounting bracket lets you remove the downrigger quickly when you are not trolling. This is a great feature if you use your boat for other types of fishing and do not want a permanent downrigger mount in the way.

Who Should Buy This Downrigger

The Depthking is ideal for anglers with small to mid-size boats who want a feature-rich manual downrigger with a depth counter. The 200-foot cable capacity makes it suitable for deeper-water trolling that other compact manuals cannot handle. It is a great match for Great Lakes walleye and salmon anglers.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

Stock is often limited, with only a few units available at a time. Some users who received returned units reported missing locking devices, so inspect your package when it arrives. The compact boom is shorter than some competitors, which may limit line spread if you run multiple units close together.

8. Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual Downrigger

The Uni-Troll 5 is the more compact sibling of the Uni-Troll 10 that I featured earlier. It shares the same 2:1 retrieval speed and one-hand clutch deploy system but uses a fixed 24-inch boom instead of the telescoping version. That fixed boom is simpler and has fewer moving parts, which some anglers actually prefer for reliability.

At 10.5 pounds, it is a pound lighter than the Uni-Troll 10 and significantly more compact for storage. The dual-axis rod holder gives you full front-to-back and side-to-side adjustability, which is impressive for a downrigger at this price point. Cannon includes the universal mounting base, line terminator, and one Uni-line release.

The fixed 24-inch stainless steel boom with enclosed end prevents line jump-off. If you are running a smaller boat where a long telescoping boom is not necessary, the Uni-Troll 5 gives you the same great clutch and retrieval performance in a more compact package. With a 4.6-star rating from 46 reviews, users are consistently happy with performance.

This model is particularly popular with kayak anglers and small-boat fishermen who want the 2:1 gear ratio without the extra length and weight of a telescoping boom. It is easy to install and even easier to operate.

Who Should Buy This Downrigger

The Uni-Troll 5 is perfect for kayak and small-boat anglers who want premium manual features in a compact package. If you fish from a 12 to 16-foot boat and do not need the extended reach of a telescoping boom, this model gives you professional-grade performance at a lower price and weight.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

The 100-foot cable is the main limitation. If you regularly fish deeper than 80 feet, you will need to respool with longer cable. A few users reported receiving shipments with missing parts like the 90-degree elbow and bolt for the rod holder. Check your package against the parts list when it arrives.

9. Cannon Lake-Troll Manual Downrigger

The Cannon Lake-Troll is the entry-level downrigger in Cannon’s lineup, and it has been a go-to for first-time downrigger buyers for over a decade. With 365 reviews, it is one of the most widely-owned manual downriggers on the market. The 18-inch composite boom keeps things compact, and the complete package means you get the tab lock mounting base, line terminator, Uni-line release, and tube-style rod holder all included.

The one-hand clutch deploy is the same system used on more expensive Cannon models. You get smooth, controlled descents without having to crank the weight down. It comes pre-spooled with 100 feet of stainless steel cable, so you can literally unbox it, mount it, and start fishing.

At 9 pounds, it is light enough to mount on thinner gunnels and transoms without needing heavy backing plates. The standard 1:1 retrieval rate means one turn equals one foot of cable, which is slower than the 2:1 models but perfectly adequate for occasional use or shallow-water trolling.

The limited lifetime warranty from Cannon is a significant value-add at this price point. You are getting the same warranty coverage as their premium models, which speaks to the build quality.

Who Should Buy This Downrigger

The Lake-Troll is my recommendation for first-time downrigger buyers and casual anglers who troll occasionally from smaller boats. If you fish a few times a season and do not need the fastest retrieval or longest boom, this gives you everything you need to get started at the lowest possible price from a major brand.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

The 1:1 retrieval rate is noticeably slower than 2:1 models when fishing deep. Some users report wire slippage when reeling up, especially with heavier weights. The counter may need occasional resetting. This is a solid entry-level unit, but if you fish frequently or in deep water, you may want to step up to a faster model.

10. Brocraft Mini Manual Downrigger

The Brocraft Mini Manual Downrigger is built for anglers who want a dedicated kayak or small-boat trolling setup without spending much. The fiberglass-injected nylon construction with an aluminum boom keeps the weight down while maintaining decent durability. You can mount it on the side or top deck, giving you flexibility depending on your boat layout.

It comes with 100 feet of braided stainless steel wire and includes a release clip. The 2-year warranty from Brocraft Marine is a nice touch at this price. Several kayak anglers I have talked to run these successfully for lake trout and landlocked salmon in water up to 60 feet deep.

The maximum recommended weight is 5 pounds, which is enough for light trolling applications but will not handle the heavy weights needed for fast trolling or deep water. There is no depth counter, so you will need to estimate depth by counting handle turns at approximately one foot per revolution.

At 81 reviews with a 4.3-star rating, the Brocraft Mini has a smaller but generally positive user base. Most reviewers are kayak and small-boat anglers who appreciate the low cost and compact size.

Who Should Buy This Downrigger

This is a solid pick for kayak anglers and small-boat fishermen on a tight budget who want to try downrigger trolling. If you fish shallow to mid-depth water and use lighter weights, the Brocraft Mini will get the job done without a major investment.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

Several users reported receiving only 65 to 70 feet of cable instead of the advertised 100 feet. It is not compatible with Scotty mounts, which limits your options if you already have Scotty gear. The 5-pound weight limit is restrictive for anything beyond casual shallow-water trolling. Stock availability can be inconsistent.

11. Scotty #1050MP Depthmaster Manual Downrigger

The Scotty #1050MP Depthmaster is designed for anglers who want portability and ease of use above all else. The included clamp mount means you can attach it to your gunnel without drilling holes, which is perfect for rental boats, canoes, or boats where you do not want a permanent installation. The quick-detach mechanism lets you remove the entire unit in seconds.

The horizontal spool design is unique. It allows you to operate the downrigger from either side, which is a nice feature if you switch sides of the boat depending on conditions. The included depth counter helps you track your presentation depth, which is a feature missing from many budget manual downriggers.

At 9 pounds, it is portable enough to carry on and off the boat each trip. The included rod holder and clamp mount mean you do not need to buy any accessories to get started. Anglers report good results fishing depths up to 80 to 100 feet for walleye and salmon.

With 99 reviews and a 4.1-star rating, the Depthmaster has a solid but not spectacular track record. Most satisfied users are casual anglers who appreciate the plug-and-play setup. The complaints mostly come from anglers trying to push it beyond its intended use in very deep water.

Who Should Buy This Downrigger

The Depthmaster is ideal for anglers who want a portable, no-drill downrigger they can move between boats or remove when not fishing. It is a great fit for casual anglers, canoe fishermen, and anyone who rents boats or shares boats and cannot make permanent modifications.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

Retrieving from depths over 200 feet is difficult with this manual unit. Some users reported receiving the wrong model variant (not the MP version with clamp mount), so verify your order when it arrives. The plastic components are adequate but may not last as long as all-metal construction under heavy use.

12. Walker Lake Master Manual Downrigger

The Walker Lake Master stands out for being made in Michigan, USA. In a market dominated by overseas manufacturing, that is worth noting. The 24-inch anodized aluminum boom is rigid and does not flex under load, which gives you a more consistent trolling presentation. The precision depth counter is built into the unit and provides accurate readings in both fresh and salt water.

The clutch-in-handle design puts the clutch control right where your hand is, making one-handed operation intuitive. You do not have to reach for a separate lever or button. The 10-pound weight capacity handles most freshwater trolling situations, from walleye to lake trout.

Walker builds this downrigger to withstand harsh UV exposure and corrosive environments. The lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship reflects the company’s confidence in their build quality. At 10 pounds, it is light enough for most mounting situations without additional reinforcement.

With only 14 reviews, this is the least-tested unit in the roundup. However, the reviews that exist are overwhelmingly positive about the construction quality and accuracy of the depth counter. If you value American manufacturing and want something different from the Cannon-Scotty duopoly, the Walker Lake Master deserves a look.

Who Should Buy This Downrigger

The Walker Lake Master is a good choice for anglers who appreciate American craftsmanship and want a straightforward, well-built manual downrigger with a precision depth counter. It is well-suited for Great Lakes anglers who troll for walleye, salmon, and steelhead from boats in the 14 to 20-foot range.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

The limited number of reviews makes it hard to assess long-term reliability compared to Cannon and Scotty models with hundreds of reviews. Some customers needed to fabricate custom brackets for their specific boat installations. Retrieving from very deep water can be slow with this manual unit. Availability is often limited to just a few units in stock.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Downrigger for Trolling

Choosing the best downrigger for trolling comes down to matching the unit to your boat, your target species, and how often you fish. Here is what I tell every angler who asks me for advice on downrigger selection.

Electric vs. Manual Downriggers

This is the first and most important decision. Electric downriggers use a motor to deploy and retrieve the weight, which saves your arm and speeds up resets. They are the way to go if you fish frequently, troll deep water, or run multiple downriggers. The tradeoff is higher cost, more weight, and the need for electrical wiring and battery capacity.

Manual downriggers use a hand crank. Modern manual units with 2:1 gear ratios are surprisingly fast and efficient. They are lighter, simpler, cheaper, and completely independent of your boat’s electrical system. For occasional anglers, small-boat owners, and anyone who fishes relatively shallow water, a good manual downrigger is all you need.

Retrieval Speed Matters More Than You Think

Retrieval speed directly affects how efficiently you can fish. Electric models range from 200 to 250 feet per minute. Manual models range from 1:1 (one foot per turn) to 2:1 (two feet per turn). If you regularly fish deeper than 50 feet, faster retrieval means less downtime between resets and less fatigue. I consider 2:1 the minimum acceptable ratio for manual downriggers used in water deeper than 40 feet.

Cable Strength and Length

Most downriggers use stainless steel cable rated at 150 to 180 pounds. The standard lengths are 100, 200, and 250 feet. If you fish deep water for lake trout or salmon, 200 feet minimum is what I recommend. For shallow-water walleye and bass trolling, 100 feet is usually plenty. Some anglers replace wire cable with braided line to eliminate the humming sound wire creates in the water.

Boom Length and Type

Boom lengths range from 18 inches on compact models up to 60 inches on extended telescoping units. Longer booms spread your lines wider from the boat, which reduces tangles when running multiple rods. Telescoping booms give you flexibility but add moving parts. Fixed booms are simpler and more durable. If you run two or more downriggers, longer booms help spread your presentation.

Mounting Compatibility

Check your boat’s gunnel, transom, or deck before buying. Surface mounts require drilling holes and backing plates. Clamp mounts work on gunnels without permanent modification. Pedestal mounts offer rotation but need more vertical space. If you have a thin fiberglass gunnel, plan on adding a backing plate for any downrigger over 10 pounds.

Weight Selection by Target Species

Downrigger weights typically range from 4 to 15 pounds. Lighter weights around 5 to 8 pounds work for slow trolling in calm water for walleye and smaller species. Heavier weights from 10 to 15 pounds are needed for fast trolling, deep water, and rough conditions when targeting salmon and lake trout. The cable angle caused by boat speed and current determines how deep your bait actually runs, and heavier weights keep that angle tighter for more accurate depth control.

Budget Considerations

Manual downriggers range from about $85 for basic kayak models to $350 for premium telescoping units. Electric downriggers start around $500 and go up to $1,500 for feature-rich wireless models. Consider not just the unit cost but also any accessories you need to buy separately, like swivel bases, fuse assemblies, or mounting hardware. A complete manual setup with everything included is often a better value than a bare-bones electric unit that requires additional purchases.

Final Thoughts on the Best Downriggers for Trolling in 2026

Finding the best downriggers for trolling comes down to matching the right tool to your fishing situation. For most anglers, the Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric delivers the best all-around package with its telescoping boom, fast retrieval, and complete accessory bundle. Budget-conscious anglers get outstanding value from the Cannon Uni-Troll manual with its 2:1 gear ratio and one-hand clutch system. And for kayak and small-boat fishermen, the Scotty Laketroller at just 2 pounds is hard to beat.

Every downrigger in this roundup has been evaluated based on real user reviews, build quality, and on-the-water performance. Whether you are chasing king salmon in the Pacific, walleye on the Great Lakes, or lake trout in deep reservoirs, the right downrigger will put more fish in the boat. Pick the model that fits your boat and budget, mount it properly, and get out there. The fish are waiting.