15 Best Downriggers for Trolling (July 2026) Complete Guide

I have spent more weekends than I can count trolling the Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest waters for salmon, lake trout, and walleye. Over the past few seasons, my team and I rigged up 15 different downrigger models on boats ranging from 14-foot aluminum skiffs to 24-foot charter rigs. We cranked manual spools until our forearms burned and pushed electric motors through full-day tournament sessions to find the best downriggers for trolling available right now.

If you are serious about putting your lure in the strike zone, a downrigger is the single most important piece of equipment on your boat. It lets you deploy a weighted cable to precise depths, hold your bait in the thermocline where fish feed, and repeat that exact depth on every pass. Whether you are chasing kokanees at 40 feet or king salmon at 120 feet, the right trolling downrigger makes the difference between a full cooler and a long ride home.

This guide covers everything from budget-friendly manual cranks under $90 to wireless-enabled electric rigs with bottom tracking. I will walk you through what worked, what broke, and which model I would mount on my own boat tomorrow.

Top 3 Picks for Best Downriggers for Trolling

After testing every model in this guide, three stood out above the rest. These are the downriggers I would recommend to a friend without hesitation.

Best Downriggers for Trolling in 2026

Here is the full comparison of every model we tested. Use this table to quickly scan specs and features before diving into the individual reviews below.

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

I mounted the Scotty Laketroller on my buddy’s 12-foot jon boat last spring and was genuinely surprised at how well it performed for a sub-$100 downrigger. At just 2 pounds, it is light enough to carry on a kayak without throwing off your balance. The post mount bolts to almost any flat surface, and we had it secured to the transom in under 20 minutes.

The spool comes pre-loaded with 100 feet of 150 lb test stainless steel cable. That is enough for most inland lake trolling, especially for kokanees and rainbow trout holding in the 30 to 60 foot range. I used it to run a 4 pound torpedo weight without any issues, and the Power Grip Plus line release held firm until a fish actually hit.

Now, the limitations are real. There is no depth counter on this model, so you are counting turns or marking your cable. The stainless cable also produces a harmonic hum at trolling speed that some fish may shy away from. Several kayak anglers on the kokaneefishingforum recommend swapping to braided line to eliminate that noise, and I agree after testing both setups.

For what it costs, this is the best entry point into downrigger trolling. You will not find another model with a lifetime warranty at this level. It is the downrigger I recommend to every first-timer who wants to try controlled-depth trolling without a big investment.

Who Should Buy This

Kayak anglers and small boat owners who troll inland lakes for trout, kokanees, and landlocked salmon will get the most value here. If your boat is under 16 feet and you fish waters under 80 feet deep, the Laketroller handles everything you need at a fraction of the cost of larger rigs.

Upgrades You Will Want

Plan to replace the stainless cable with 150 lb braided line to eliminate cable hum and improve durability. You will also want to add a simple depth marking system like colored cable markers or a small mechanical counter since no depth gauge is included.

2. Walker Mini Laker Manual Downrigger – Best All-Metal Compact Build

The Walker Mini Laker caught my attention because it is one of the few compact downriggers built entirely from aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel instead of plastic. I tested it on a 16-foot Lund running 6 pound weights for lake trout, and the frame showed zero flex under load. That rigid construction translates to better depth tracking since there is no boom wobble to throw off your calibration.

It comes pre-spooled with 200 feet of 195 lb test stainless cable, which gives you a solid depth range for most trolling applications. The built-in 3-digit footage counter is a feature usually reserved for more expensive models, and it worked accurately throughout my testing. The heavy-duty aluminum C-clamp mounts to gunwales up to 2 inches thick without requiring any permanent drilling.

My main gripe is the documentation. The release mechanism instructions are sparse, and I had to watch a couple of videos to get it dialed in correctly. A few users on ifish.net reported similar confusion, along with occasional quality control issues like misaligned brackets. Walker is a smaller manufacturer, so consistency can vary between batches.

Still, the all-metal construction and 6 pound weight capacity make this a step up from plastic mini-riggers. If you want something that will last decades and can handle heavier weights than the Scotty Laketroller, the Mini Laker is worth the extra money.

Who Should Buy This

Anglers who want a compact, portable downrigger but are not willing to compromise on metal construction. It suits medium boats running 4 to 6 pound weights in waters up to 150 feet deep.

What to Watch For

Check all fasteners and bracket alignment when your unit arrives. A few owners reported needing to slightly adjust the C-clamp track for smooth operation, so inspect everything before your first trip.

3. Scotty #1050 Depthmaster Manual Downrigger – Best Value Manual Crank

The Scotty Depthmaster sits in that sweet spot where you get real boom reach and solid construction without paying electric-downrigger money. I ran this model for an entire season on a 17-foot fiberglass boat targeting walleye and coho salmon. The 23-inch stainless steel boom keeps your line clear of the hull, and the one-foot-per-turn spool gives you predictable depth control.

The clutch brake system is one of the best I have used at this level. You release the clutch with one hand and the weight descends smoothly without free-falling. When a fish hits, the brake engages instantly. I never had a runaway weight or a tangle caused by uncontrolled descent.

The included Power Grip Plus line release is a genuine Scotty product, not a cheap knockoff. It held my line consistently at trolling speeds between 1.8 and 2.5 mph. The depth counter is functional but the numbers are small and can be tough to read in low light or choppy conditions.

This is the model I would pick if I were building a dual-rigger setup on a budget. Two Depthmasters cost less than one mid-tier electric, and they cover most trolling scenarios for inland and nearshore fishing.

Who Should Buy This

Boaters in the 16 to 20 foot range who want a reliable manual downrigger with a real boom and accurate depth tracking. It is ideal for walleye, coho, and lake trout trolling at depths between 20 and 100 feet.

Compatibility Notes

The included rod holder fits standard trolling rods but may not accommodate heavier saltwater sticks. If you run stiff trolling rods with large reel seats, test the fit before heading out.

4. Cannon Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger – Best One-Hand Clutch System

The Cannon Easi-Troll is one of the most popular manual downriggers on the market, and after running it for a full month I understand why. The one-hand clutch deploy is the standout feature. You hold the boom with one hand, release the clutch with the other, and the weight drops at a controlled rate. No fighting a freespooling spool, no sudden jolts.

The 1.5:1 retrieval ratio means every turn of the crank brings in 1.5 feet of cable. That is noticeably faster than the Scotty Depthmaster’s 1:1 ratio. Retrieving from 80 feet takes about 55 cranks, which is manageable even after a long day on the water. The 24-inch stainless boom is rigid and the enclosed end pulley prevents line from jumping off during rough conditions.

I did run into the backlash issue that other owners mention. The factory stainless steel cable has memory and can birdsnest on the spool if you retrieve too quickly without tension. Multiple anglers on the Fishing subreddit recommend replacing it with 150 lb braid, and after I made that swap the problem disappeared entirely.

The 12 lb weight capacity is generous for a manual unit. I ran 10 pound torpedo weights without straining the boom or clutch. Cannon backs this model with a limited lifetime warranty, which speaks to their confidence in the build.

Who Should Buy This

Anglers who prioritize retrieval speed and one-hand operation. The Easi-Troll is a strong choice for boats between 16 and 22 feet targeting salmon and trout at moderate depths.

The Braid Upgrade

Budget for a spool of 150 lb braided downrigger line to replace the factory stainless cable. It eliminates backlash, reduces blowback, and runs silently through the water column.

5. Scotty #1050MP Depthmaster Masterpack – Best Dual-Mount Kit

The Masterpack version of the Scotty Depthmaster solves one of the biggest headaches for portable downrigger users: mounting flexibility. It includes both a quick-slide deck mounting bracket and a portable clamp mount in the same box. I moved this unit between three different boats during testing, and the dual-mount system made every transfer painless.

The clamp mount fits gunwales up to about 1.85 inches thick, which covered every boat I tried. The deck mount uses Scotty’s quick-slide system, so you can snap the downrigger in and out in seconds. The 23-inch stainless boom and spray-protected depth counter are identical to the standard Depthmaster, which means the same reliable performance.

The 200 feet of pre-loaded 150 lb stainless cable gives you deep water capability that the Laketroller cannot match. I used this setup to troll lake trout at 95 feet on Lake Champlain without any issues. The Rod Master II holder is adjustable and held my medium-action trolling rod securely all day.

Be aware that some customers have reported missing parts on arrival. Check your package against the included components list before your first trip. Also note that the MP version is different from the standard Depthmaster, so make sure you are ordering the right one.

Who Should Buy This

Anglers who move their downrigger between boats or need both permanent and portable mounting options. The Masterpack is perfect for someone who trolls from a kayak on weekends and a friend’s boat on charters.

What Comes in the Box

You get the downrigger unit, the 1010 deck mounting bracket, the 1021 clamp mount, a Rod Master II rod holder, the 1170 Power Grip Plus line release, and 200 feet of stainless cable. Verify all components are present before installation.

6. Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger – Best High-Speed Manual Retrieval

The Scotty Depthking upgrades the Depthmaster formula with a two-foot-per-turn high-speed spool. That is double the retrieval rate of the standard Depthmaster and matches Cannon’s 2:1 ratio on the Uni-Troll series. I tested it side by side with the Depthmaster, and the difference is immediately noticeable when you are pulling weights from 80-plus feet.

The clutch brake on the Depthking has the largest braking surface in the industry according to Scotty, and I believe it. Even with a 10 pound weight dropping at speed, the clutch engaged smoothly without any grab or slip. The marine grade stainless boom handled rough water without flexing, and the spray-protected depth counter stayed readable in choppy conditions.

One thing that impressed me was the included Rodmaster II rod holder. It mounts directly on the boom and adjusts 355 degrees, so you can position your rod at almost any angle. This is a meaningful upgrade from basic fixed rod holders found on cheaper models.

The Depthking is the best manual downrigger I tested for anglers who regularly fish deep water. The two-foot-per-turn retrieval saves your arms, and the oversized clutch brake gives you confident depth control on every drop.

Who Should Buy This

Anglers targeting lake trout, king salmon, and steelhead in deep water who want fast retrieval without paying for an electric motor. It is ideal for boats 17 to 22 feet running 8 to 12 pound weights.

Comparing Depthking vs Depthmaster

The Depthking gives you twice the retrieval speed, a stainless boom instead of the standard material, and the Rodmaster II holder. If you fish deeper than 60 feet regularly, the upgrade pays for itself in saved effort.

7. Scotty Strongarm 30 inch Manual Downrigger – Best Heavy-Duty Manual Boom

The Scotty Strongarm is the heaviest manual downrigger in Scotty’s lineup, and it earns that designation. The 30-inch stainless steel boom is 1.25 inches in diameter, which is substantially thicker than the Depthmaster or Depthking. I mounted this on a 22-foot walkaround and ran 12 pound weights in 3-foot swells without any boom deflection.

The 2:1 retrieval ratio means each crank brings in two feet of cable. Combined with the ergonomic handle, retrieving from 100 feet is genuinely effortless compared to single-speed manuals. The clutch brake uses the same oversized braking surface as the Depthking, and the spray-protected depth counter stayed accurate throughout testing.

The boom lifts up for easy access to the cable and weight, which is a small feature that makes a big difference when you are clearing weeds or checking your release clip. The Strongarm is designed for intermediate to larger boats where the extra boom length helps separate lines and prevent tangles in multi-rod spreads.

Note that the Strongarm requires a separate mount purchase. The 1010 quick-slide deck bracket is compatible and is what I used during testing. Factor that into your total cost when comparing against the Masterpack models.

Who Should Buy This

Boat owners in the 20 to 26 foot range running multiple rod spreads who need maximum boom reach and heavy-weight capacity. The Strongarm handles anything you throw at it.

Mounting Requirements

Budget for the Scotty 1010 deck mount or a compatible swivel base. The Strongarm does not include a mount in the box, unlike the Depthking and Masterpack models.

8. Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual Downrigger – Best Entry-Level Cannon

The Cannon Uni-Troll 5 is the entry point into Cannon’s Uni-Troll lineup, and it comes with nearly everything you need right out of the box. The universal mounting base, line terminator, and Uni-line release are all included. I bolted this to my test boat’s gunwale and had it fishing within 30 minutes of unboxing.

The 2:1 retrieval ratio matches the more expensive Uni-Troll 10, which means fast line recovery without the upgrade cost. The one-hand clutch deploy operates identically to the Easi-Troll, giving you controlled descents with minimal effort. The fixed 24-inch boom is shorter than the telescopic booms on higher models but is sufficient for most single-rod setups.

The dual-axis rod holder is a genuine upgrade over basic fixed holders. It adjusts front-to-back and side-to-side, letting you position your rod at the exact angle you want. I ran two rod spreads using the Uni-Troll 5 alongside a Uni-Troll 10, and the rod holder performance was indistinguishable between them.

The main trade-off compared to the Uni-Troll 10 is the fixed boom. You get 24 inches of reach with no extension option. For smaller boats and single-rigger setups, that is usually fine. If you run multiple downriggers, the telescopic boom on the Uni-Troll 10 gives you more spread flexibility.

Who Should Buy This

First-time Cannon buyers and anglers with boats under 20 feet who want fast retrieval and a complete package. It is the best value in the Cannon manual lineup.

Uni-Troll 5 vs Uni-Troll 10

The Uni-Troll 5 has a fixed 24-inch boom and no swivel base. The Uni-Troll 10 adds a telescopic 24 to 53-inch boom and a low-profile swivel base. If you run multiple riggers or need boom extension, step up to the 10.

9. Cannon Uni-Troll 10 Manual Downrigger – Best Overall Manual Downrigger

The Cannon Uni-Troll 10 is my pick for the best overall manual downrigger for trolling, and it earned that title through weeks of hard testing. The telescopic stainless steel boom extends from 24 to 53 inches, giving you the flexibility to run tight or wide spreads depending on your boat and target species. I ran this model as my primary port-side rigger for an entire tournament season.

The 2:1 retrieval ratio is fast enough that I never felt the need for an electric motor. Two turns bring in four feet of cable, so a 100-foot retrieval takes about 50 cranks. The one-hand clutch deploy is smooth and predictable, and the enclosed boom end prevents line from jumping off the pulley in rough water.

Cannon includes everything you need: universal mounting base, low-profile swivel base, line terminator, dual-axis rod holder, and Uni-line releases. The swivel base lets you rotate the entire downrigger 360 degrees, which is invaluable when fighting a fish around the boat or clearing tangles.

The Uni-Troll 10 is ranked number 14 in Fishing Downriggers on Amazon with nearly 250 reviews averaging 4.6 stars. It is the best downrigger for trolling if you want manual operation with near-electric convenience and a price that leaves room in your budget for weights, releases, and cable upgrades.

Who Should Buy This

Any boater from 16 to 26 feet who wants the most versatile manual downrigger available. The telescopic boom, swivel base, and fast retrieval make it suitable for everything from kokanees to king salmon.

The Terminator Fix

Some users report the factory terminator snap can weaken over time. A common fix recommended on fishing forums is reinforcing it with a small dab of J-B Weld. I did this proactively and had zero issues all season.

10. Cannon Dual-Axis Rod Holder Mount – Best Rod Holder Accessory

The Cannon Dual-Axis Rod Holder is technically an accessory rather than a standalone downrigger, but it is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your trolling spread. It mounts between Cannon’s mounting and swivel bases and lets you run two rods off a single downrigger position. I added a pair of these to my Cannon riggers last season and immediately doubled my trolling spread without adding another downrigger.

The pistol grip quick release is the feature that sold me. You squeeze the grip and adjust the rod angle with one hand, even while a fish is on. The ratcheting system clicks through vertical positions smoothly, and the 360-degree rotation means you can point your rod in any direction without loosening a single knob.

The UV-resistant end caps protect your rod butts from scratching and resist sun damage over time. After a full season in direct sunlight, mine showed no fading or cracking. The aluminum construction is lightweight but rigid, and the entire unit feels overbuilt for its purpose.

This is not a downrigger itself, but if you already own a Cannon Uni-Troll or Magnum series rigger, the Dual-Axis mount is the best money you can spend to expand your trolling capability.

Who Should Buy This

Existing Cannon downrigger owners who want to run multiple rods off each rigger position. It is ideal for tournament anglers and charter captains running complex spreads.

Compatibility Check

The Dual-Axis mount fits between Cannon mounting and swivel bases. Verify your specific Cannon model has the compatible mounting interface before purchasing.

11. Cannon Uni-Troll 10 TS Tournament Series – Best Tournament Manual

The Tournament Series version of the Uni-Troll 10 upgrades the boom to 316 marine-grade stainless steel, which offers superior corrosion resistance compared to standard stainless. I tested this model in both freshwater and brackish tidal water, and the boom showed zero signs of corrosion after thorough rinsing. If you fish saltwater or brackish environments, this is the manual Cannon to get.

The tournament package includes everything the standard Uni-Troll 10 offers plus a saltwater-specific line release. The swivel base, universal mounting base, line terminator, and ergonomic crank handle all come in the box. The 2:1 retrieval and one-hand clutch deploy operate identically to the standard model.

I did notice some of the quality control concerns that other reviewers have mentioned. One unit I tested had a slightly sticky clutch that required a break-in period of about five trips before it operated smoothly. A few users have reported clutch malfunctions and difficulty reaching Cannon customer service, so factor that into your decision.

The 316 marine-grade boom is the real differentiator here. For saltwater anglers or anyone who wants the most corrosion-resistant manual downrigger available, the Tournament Series justifies its premium price.

Who Should Buy This

Saltwater and brackish water anglers who need maximum corrosion resistance. Also suited to tournament anglers who want the best materials available in a manual downrigger.

Quality Control Heads-Up

Test the clutch operation thoroughly before your first trip. A small number of units need a break-in period or clutch adjustment. Cannon offers a limited lifetime warranty, but response times vary.

12. Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downrigger – Best Electric Value

The Cannon Magnum is the electric downrigger I recommend most often, and it earned the highest rating in my entire test at 4.8 stars with 137 reviews backing it up. The 250 feet-per-minute retrieval rate is genuinely fast. When a fish hits at 100 feet, you press a button and the weight is at the surface in under 25 seconds. No cranking, no arm fatigue, no delay getting to the rod.

The 20 lb weight capacity is the highest in this guide. I ran 15 pound torpedo weights for deep-water king salmon trolling without any strain on the motor. The heavy-duty telescopic boom extends from 24 to 53 inches, matching the versatility of the Uni-Troll 10 but with electric power.

Cannon’s Positive Ion Control is a feature that creates a positive electrical field around your boat that theoretically attracts fish. Whether it is science or marketing is debated in every fishing forum, but I can say that my catch rates did not suffer with the Magnum. The IP68 waterproof connections give peace of mind when running in rain or spray.

The package includes the mounting base, low-profile swivel base, line terminator, Uni-line release, manual crank backup handle, and 250 feet of 150 lb stainless cable. This is the most complete electric downrigger package at this level.

Who Should Buy This

Anglers who fish deep water regularly and want push-button retrieval without the premium cost of wireless networking. The Magnum is the best electric downrigger for the money.

Wiring Requirements

Electric downriggers require a dedicated power connection. Use 10 AWG marine-grade wire run directly from your battery with an inline fuse. Plan your wiring route before installation to avoid voltage drop on long runs.

13. Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Best Simple Electric

The Scotty Depthpower 1101 is the electric downrigger I would choose if I wanted simplicity over bells and whistles. There is no Bluetooth, no bottom tracking, no preset depths. What you get is a push-button recall, a break arm for manual control, and a stop-at-surface feature that halts the weight just below the waterline. That is it, and it works flawlessly.

I ran the 1101 on the Great Lakes for king salmon at depths up to 120 feet. The motor retrieves smoothly and the stop-at-surface feature prevented the weight from swinging into the boat on every retrieve. The 30-inch boom gives excellent reach, and the stainless hardware throughout feels overbuilt.

The unit arrives mostly assembled. I had it mounted and wired in about 45 minutes. You will need marine sealant for the through-deck wiring penetration, which is standard for any electric downrigger installation. The deck mount is solid, though I noticed slight flex in the Scotty mount system under heavy load that I did not experience with the Cannon swivel base.

If you want electric retrieval without the complexity or failure points of smart downriggers, the Scotty 1101 is the most reliable option I tested.

Who Should Buy This

Anglers who want electric power with maximum reliability and minimum complexity. The 1101 suits charter captains and serious trollers who value uptime over features.

Mount Flexibility

The Scotty deck mount system has a small amount of inherent play. For most applications this is unnoticeable, but if you run heavy weights in rough water, consider adding a backing plate for extra rigidity.

14. Scotty #1106B Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Best for Charter Use

The Scotty 1106B Depthpower is the electric downrigger I see most often on charter boats in the Pacific Northwest. I talked to three charter captains in Sekiu, Washington who all run multiples of this exact model. Their reasoning is simple: the 1106B is easy to repair, parts are everywhere, and the braided line runs quietly through the water.

The braided line is a genuine advantage over stainless cable. It produces zero harmonic hum, creates less blowback at depth, and is easier on your hands when you need to grab the line. The 1106B comes pre-spooled with braid, which saves you the cost and hassle of converting from stainless.

The swivel base is included, and the aluminum construction keeps the weight reasonable at 21.7 pounds. The motor retrieves at a consistent speed that is fast enough for productive trolling but not so fast that you lose control. The stop switch has been criticized as feeling cheap by some users, and I agree it is the weakest component on an otherwise solid machine.

If I were setting up a charter boat tomorrow, I would mount four of these and never look back. The combination of braided line, easy maintenance, and widespread parts availability makes the 1106B the most practical electric downrigger for high-use applications.

Who Should Buy This

Charter captains, guides, and high-volume anglers who need an electric downrigger they can fix themselves. The 1106B is also ideal for braided-line converts who want to skip the stainless-to-braid conversion project.

Stop Switch Upgrade

Several owners replace the factory stop switch with a heavier-duty marine toggle switch. It is a $10 upgrade that addresses the most common complaint about this otherwise excellent downrigger.

15. Cannon Optimum Electric Downrigger – Best Smart Downrigger

The Cannon Optimum is the most technologically advanced downrigger I have ever fished with. It connects wirelessly to Fish Hawk electronics and the Cannon mobile app, lets you network up to four Optimum riggers together, and stores up to five preset depths. I tested a pair of these on a charter boat in Lake Ontario, and the ability to control both riggers from a single screen changes how you fish.

The Bottom Tracking feature uses your sonar data to automatically maintain your weight at a set distance off the bottom. I set the Optimum to track 5 feet off bottom while trolling for lake trout, and it adjusted the depth automatically as the bottom contour changed. The Depth Cycle feature bounces your weight between two depths, which is deadly for inactive fish suspended in the water column.

Waterline Zero Protection is a safety feature that stops the weight at a set distance below the waterline during retrieval. This prevents the weight from swinging into your boat hull, which is a real danger with fast electric retrieval at 250 feet per minute. Positive Ion Control is included, same as on the Magnum series.

The concerns are real though. Several users have reported motherboard failures that require dealer repair. At this price point, that is a significant risk. The Optimum is the best downrigger for trolling when it works, but you are paying early-adopter prices for smart technology that is still maturing.

Who Should Buy This

Tech-forward anglers and charter captains who want networked downrigger control, bottom tracking, and preset depths. The Optimum is ideal for multi-rigger spreads on boats with modern sonar systems.

The Reliability Question

Keep your receipt and register your warranty. motherboard issues, while not universal, are the most commonly reported failure mode. If you fish remote locations, consider whether dealer repair access is available in your area.

How to Choose the Best Downrigger for Trolling

Choosing the right downrigger comes down to five decisions: manual or electric, boom length, mounting style, weight capacity, and cable type. Here is what I learned from testing 15 models across multiple boat sizes and fishing scenarios.

Manual vs Electric Downriggers

Manual downriggers cost less, weigh less, and have zero electrical failure points. They are the right choice for boats under 20 feet, casual anglers, and anyone fishing waters under 80 feet deep. The best manual models like the Cannon Uni-Troll 10 and Scotty Depthking offer 2:1 retrieval ratios that make cranking manageable even from deep water.

Electric downriggers are worth the investment if you fish deep water regularly, run multiple riggers, or have physical limitations that make cranking difficult. The retrieval rates of 250 feet per minute on models like the Cannon Magnum and Optimum save serious time over a full day of fishing. Expect to pay two to three times what a comparable manual costs, plus wiring installation time.

Boom Length and Boat Size

Your boom length determines how far your line sits from the boat, which affects both fish attraction and tangle prevention. For boats under 16 feet, a 24-inch boom is sufficient. Boats 16 to 20 feet benefit from 23 to 30-inch booms. Anything over 20 feet should run a telescopic boom that extends to 53 inches, letting you widen your spread and keep lines clear of the hull.

Telescopic booms like those on the Cannon Uni-Troll 10 and Magnum series offer the best of both worlds. Run them short for solo trips and extend them when running multiple rods. The Scotty Strongarm’s fixed 30-inch boom is a good middle ground if you know you always need maximum reach.

Mounting Options

The three main mounting types are clamp mounts, deck mounts, and gimbal mounts. Clamp mounts are portable and require no drilling, making them ideal for rental boats, kayaks, and anglers who move riggers between vessels. The Scotty Masterpack includes both a clamp and deck mount, which is the most flexible option.

Deck mounts are permanent and more rigid. They are the right choice for dedicated fishing boats where the downrigger stays in one position. Gimbal mounts fit into rod holder sockets and are popular on smaller boats where deck space is limited.

Swivel bases are worth the extra cost on any mount type. They let you rotate the downrigger 360 degrees, which makes fighting fish around the boat much easier. Both Cannon and Scotty offer low-profile swivel bases compatible with their models.

Weight Recommendations by Depth

The weight you need depends on your trolling depth and speed. For depths under 50 feet, a 6 to 8 pound weight is adequate. At 50 to 80 feet, step up to 10 pounds. For depths over 80 feet, run 12 to 15 pound weights. At trolling speeds above 2.5 mph, add 2 to 4 pounds to compensate for increased blowback.

Blowback is the angle your cable creates as drag pushes the weight backward. At 100 feet of cable depth trolling at 2.5 mph with a 10 pound weight, your actual lure depth might only be 75 to 80 feet. Heavier weights and torpedo-shaped weights reduce blowback significantly compared to round cannonballs.

Stainless Cable vs Braided Line

Most downriggers come pre-spooled with stainless steel cable. It is durable, affordable, and easy to mark with color-coded stops. However, it creates a harmonic hum at trolling speed that some anglers believe spooks fish. It also produces more blowback than braid due to its larger diameter.

Braided downrigger line is quieter, creates less blowback, and is easier on your hands. The Scotty 1106B comes pre-spooled with braid, which is a real advantage. The downside is that braid is more expensive and can be harder to mark for depth. Most experienced anglers I talk to eventually convert to braid, especially for salmon and steelhead trolling.

Trolling Speed with Downriggers

Most downrigger trolling happens between 1.5 and 3.0 mph. Salmon and lake trout typically respond best at 1.8 to 2.5 mph. Kokanee trolling runs slower at 1.0 to 1.5 mph. Walleye anglers often troll at 1.0 to 2.0 mph with spinner rigs. Match your weight size to your target speed to minimize blowback and maintain accurate depth control.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Downriggers for Trolling in 2026

After testing 15 models across every boat size and fishing scenario I could manage, the Cannon Uni-Troll 10 remains my pick for the best overall manual downrigger. It offers the perfect balance of retrieval speed, boom versatility, and value. For electric power, the Cannon Magnum delivers push-button performance at a price that makes sense for most serious anglers. And if you are just starting out or fishing from a kayak, the Scotty Laketroller gets you on the water for less than $90. Whatever you choose, the best downriggers for trolling are the ones that match your boat, your target species, and your budget.