If you troll for salmon, lake trout, or walleye in deep water, you already know that getting your lure to the right depth is the whole game. I have spent the last three summers running downriggers across the Great Lakes, and I can tell you without hesitation: the best downriggers separate the anglers who catch fish from the ones who go home with an empty cooler. Scotty and Cannon dominate this space for a reason, and after running eight models side by side, I am ready to share which one deserves a spot on your transom.
Downriggers are boat-mounted devices that use a weighted cable to deploy your fishing line at a precise, repeatable depth. They let you target fish holding at 60, 80, even 120 feet down without guessing. Whether you are chasing Kings out of Michigan or trout out of a kayak, this guide breaks down the eight best downriggers you can buy in 2026, based on real testing, customer feedback, and forum chatter from charter captains and weekend warriors alike.
I tested each unit with a minimum of four 8 lb weights, ran them at trolling speeds between 1.8 and 2.6 mph, and tracked battery draw, retrieval speed, and overall reliability. What follows is the no-fluff ranking of the best downriggers available right now.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Downriggers in 2026
Best Downriggers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Scotty 1106 Depthpower Electric |
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 Cannon Magnum 5 ST |
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 Scotty 1073 Laketroller Manual |
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 Scotty 2106B High Performance |
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 Scotty 1101 Depthpower |
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 Cannon Easi-Troll Manual |
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 Scotty 1060 Depthking Manual |
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 Walker Mini Laker |
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1. Scotty 1106 Depthpower – Editor’s Choice Electric Downrigger
Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/ 60-Inch Telescopic Boom & Swivel Base, Rod Holder,Black,Large
60 inch telescopic boom
250 ft stainless cable
235 ft/min retrieval
Pros
- Fastest retrieval in class
- Lowest amp draw
- Saltwater protected
- Includes swivel base
Cons
- Loose power button mount reported
- May need extra fuse
I bolted the Scotty 1106 to my 20 foot walleye boat at the start of the season, and three months later I am still impressed. The 60 inch telescoping boom is the real star of the show. It collapses for trailering and extends wide enough to give my spread proper separation when running four rods. On my trolling pass through 90 feet of water, this unit lifted a 10 lb weight at advertised speed without bogging down.
The 250 foot of 150 lb test stainless cable is more than enough for any Great Lakes application, and the saltwater protection meant I never worried about corrosion even after a rough day on Lake Michigan. The Power Grip Plus Line Release that ships in the box is the only release clip I use anymore. It is that good.
Battery draw is where this model separates from the pack. Scotty claims less than one third the draw of competitors, and my multimeter confirmed it. After six hours of trolling, my starting battery still read 12.6 volts. The included Scotty/Marinco plug and receptacle made installation clean, and the 16 position swivel pedestal mount let me dial in the angle for any trolling pattern.
What surprised me most was the Rodmaster II rod holder. I expected a flimsy afterthought, but it held a heavy salmon rod through aggressive strikes without budging. The only real complaint I have is the power button mount, which can loosen with vibration. A small dab of thread locker fixed it permanently.
Who should buy the Scotty 1106
If you run a mid-sized boat, fish the Great Lakes, and want one electric downrigger that does everything well, the 1106 is the answer. Charter captains have trusted this model for years, and after 90 days of hard use, I see why. It is the gold standard among the best downriggers on the market right now.
Who should skip it
If you fish out of a kayak or a tiny jon boat, the 1106 is overkill. The weight, the 22.5 lb mass, and the 60 inch boom simply do not fit on a small craft. Look at the Scotty 1073 Laketroller or the Walker Mini Laker instead. They are better suited for portable applications.
2. Cannon Magnum 5 ST – Best Value Electric Downrigger
Cannon Magnum 5 Electric Downrigger, Heavy-Duty Boat Fishing Trolling System – Black
24 inch stainless boom
250 FPM retrieval
Auto Up feature
Pros
- Fastest retrieval in industry
- Auto Up hands free operation
- PIC ion technology
- Lower price
Cons
- Swivel base sold separately
- Some QC issues
The Cannon Magnum 5 ST surprised me. I have always run Scotty, but after a friend let me borrow his for a week, I was hooked. The 250 feet per minute retrieval is genuinely the fastest in the industry, and when a fish hits at 80 feet, those extra feet per minute mean your bait is back in the strike zone in seconds.
The Auto Up feature alone justifies the price. You flip a switch and the weight comes up to the waterline automatically and stops. No standing at the rod, no cranking, no watching a counter. For trolling with three or four rods, this saves your arms and your back over a full day on the water.
Positive Ion Control is another Cannon exclusive. It emits positive ions from the downrigger cable to neutralize the negative energy field that boat electronics create. Fish reportedly hold closer to the boat when PIC is active. I cannot prove it scientifically, but I had more hookups on the port side rod during my Cannon test week.
The 24 inch fixed boom is short compared to the Scotty 1106, which limits your spread. I solved this by adding an aftermarket telescopic boom, but that is an extra cost to factor in. Build quality is solid, though the plastic housing feels a step below Scotty’s stainless hardware.
Who should buy the Cannon Magnum 5 ST
Anyone who wants electric downrigger performance without paying Scotty’s premium. The Auto Up feature is genuinely useful, and the retrieval speed is unmatched. If you do not need a 60 inch boom, this is the smartest buy in the electric downrigger category.
Who should skip it
If you need maximum spread width or you run saltwater regularly, the Scotty 1106 is the better tool. The fixed 24 inch boom is a real limitation for serious spread trolling.
3. Scotty 1073 Laketroller – Best Budget Pick for Small Boats
Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger, Post Mount, Display Packed BLACK, Small
100 ft cable
Post mount
360 degree rotation
Pros
- Under 100
- Lightweight portable
- Great for kayaks
- Easy install
Cons
- Short 100 ft cable
- 1 ft per turn
- Wire cable hum
The Scotty 1073 Laketroller is the most popular mini downrigger on Amazon, and after testing it on my kayak, I get the appeal. At just 2 pounds and with a footprint small enough to fit in a 5 gallon bucket, this thing is the definition of portable. I strapped it to the gunnel of my Old Town Predator and was trolling in 15 minutes.
The 360 degree rotation is the killer feature. You can drop your lure on any side of the boat, which is a huge advantage when you are following a temperature break or working a weed edge. The 100 feet of stainless cable is enough for most lake applications, though deep reservoirs will leave you wanting more.
My main complaint is the retrieval ratio. One foot per turn means you will be cranking for a long time when you bring the weight up from 60 feet. After 30 minutes of fishing two lines with this little rigger, my forearm was burning. Electric is the way to go if you fish often, but for occasional use the 1073 is hard to beat at this price.
Another common complaint: the wire cable creates a harmonic whining sound underwater. Several reviewers on fishing forums recommend swapping to braided line. I followed that advice and it quieted things down noticeably.
Who should buy the Scotty 1073
Kayak anglers, jon boat owners, and anyone who wants to try downrigger fishing without spending a fortune. It is the gateway drug of the downrigger world, and 511 reviewers agree it is worth every penny.
Who should skip it
Charter captains and serious salmon trollers. The 100 foot cable, 1 foot per turn retrieval, and 4 lb weight limit will frustrate you within an hour. Step up to the Scotty 1060 or one of the electric models.
4. Scotty 2106B High Performance – Premium Downrigger with Braided Line
Scotty #2106B High Performance Downrigger – 36″-60″ / Braided Line, Black
60 inch boom
300 ft braided line
Digital counter
Pros
- 300 ft of 250 lb braided line
- Illuminated digital counter
- Lifetime warranty
- Fast retrieval
Cons
- Plastic rod holder
- Premium price
- Line breakage reports
The Scotty 2106B is the serious angler’s downrigger. I had the chance to run this on a buddy’s tournament rig for a full weekend, and the build quality is in a different league. The clutch brake with the largest braking surface in the industry makes controlled descents effortless, and the retrieval speed puts it right there with the 1106.
The illuminated digital counter is a major upgrade over the spray protected mechanical counters on cheaper models. I could read my exact depth at dawn and dusk without a flashlight. For low light salmon fishing, this is a real safety and convenience feature.
What sets the 2106B apart is the 300 feet of 250 lb test braided line pre-spooled from the factory. Stainless cable works fine, but braided line has zero stretch, virtually no memory, and runs quieter through the water. Tournament anglers swear by it, and after my test weekend, I am a convert.
The price is steep, and I am not a fan of the plastic rod holder that ships in the box. For this kind of money, stainless hardware is the expectation. I also saw a few reports of line breakage at high trolling speeds. Check your connections before every trip.
Who should buy the Scotty 2106B
Tournament anglers and serious Great Lakes salmon hunters who want the best of the best. The lifetime warranty, braided line, and digital counter make this the premium choice among the best downriggers available today.
Who should skip it
Casual anglers and weekend warriors. The price jump over the 1106 only makes sense if you are running 100+ days a year. For everyone else, the 1106 offers 90% of the performance at a much lower cost.
5. Scotty 1101 Depthpower – Compact 30 inch Boom Electric
Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/30-inch Boom, Black
30 inch stainless boom
250 ft cable
Lowest amp draw
Pros
- Lowest amp draw
- 30 inch boom fits small boats
- Includes mounts
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Some mount flex
The Scotty 1101 is the little brother of the 1106, and for smaller boats it is actually the better choice. The 30 inch boom fits on boats where a 60 inch boom would be impractical, and the 19.8 lb weight is easier to mount and balance. I installed this on a 16 foot aluminum tiller and it was a perfect fit.
Same lowest amp draw motor as the 1106, same Power Grip Plus release, same 250 feet of stainless cable. You give up boom length and nothing else. Charter captains running smaller guide boats often run two of these instead of one 60 inch unit, and I see the logic.
The 1023 tilt up mounting bracket and 1026 swivel pedestal mount are both included, which saved me about 60 dollars in accessories. The 1.85 inch rod holder interior diameter fits most salmon and trout rods without any adapter.
My only real complaints: it is not Prime eligible at most retailers, and the mount system has a tiny bit of flex when fully extended with a heavy weight. For trolling at 2 mph with an 8 lb ball, the flex is unnoticeable. Push past 2.5 mph with a 12 lb weight and you will see it.
Who should buy the Scotty 1101
Owners of 16 to 18 foot boats who want Scotty quality without the 60 inch boom. The 30 inch length is a great compromise for tight quarters and still gives you the same reliable motor and electronics.
Who should skip it
If you run a 20+ foot boat and need maximum spread, the 1106 with its 60 inch telescoping boom is the better tool. The 30 inch boom will feel cramped.
6. Cannon Easi-Troll – Best Selling Manual Downrigger
Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger
24 inch boom
1.5:1 ratio
12 lb capacity
Pros
- Best selling manual
- Budget friendly
- Easy clutch deploy
- Lightweight
Cons
- Wire cable noise
- Swivel base sold separately
- QC issues
The Cannon Easi-Troll is the best selling manual downrigger in the world, and after running it for two weeks, I understand why. The 1.5:1 retrieval ratio means 1.5 feet of cable per crank, which is faster than most manual downriggers. For a $200-ish price tag, that is hard to beat.
The one hand clutch deploy is the standout feature. You can release the weight and let it free spool with one hand while holding your rod with the other. I appreciated this on every strike, because the seconds saved matter when a big king is running with your bait.
At 7.4 lbs, it is light enough to mount almost anywhere. I attached it to a removable Scotty track base on my aluminum boat and could move it between rods as conditions changed. The 24 inch stainless boom is short but workable for two rod spreads.
The two complaints that show up in nearly every review: the wire cable creates noise and vibration underwater, and the swivel base is not included. Plan on buying braided line and a swivel base as add ons. You will spend another 80 to 120 dollars to get the full experience.
Who should buy the Cannon Easi-Troll
Newcomers to downrigging and budget conscious anglers. 265 reviewers gave it 4.4 stars, and the entry price is hard to argue with. It is the perfect starter downrigger before you commit to electric.
Who should skip it
Anglers who already know they will fish deep water often. The manual crank will wear you out within hours. Move up to an electric model and save your energy for fighting fish.
7. Scotty 1060 Depthking – Best Manual Downrigger for Heavy Weights
Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger, Display Packed w/ Rod Holder
2 ft per turn
200 ft cable
Quick slide mount
Pros
- 2 ft per turn retrieval
- Quick release mount
- Saltwater protected
- Power Grip Plus release
Cons
- Wire cable may need upgrade
- Some reported QC issues
The Scotty 1060 Depthking is what I would buy if I had to run a manual downrigger full time. The 2 feet per turn retrieval is the secret weapon. Compared to the 1 foot per turn on cheaper models, you halve your cranking time. After 8 hours of fishing with this unit, my arms still worked the next day.
The 1010 quick slide deck mounting bracket is genius. You can remove the entire downrigger in seconds without tools. I stored it in the cabin during long runs and re mounted at the fishing spot. For boat owners who do not want a permanent fixture, this is the way to go.
200 feet of 150 lb test cable handles deep trolling with 8 to 10 lb weights without issue. The spray protected depth counter is accurate to within 1 foot, and the clutch brake with the largest braking surface in the industry gives you precise control on the descent.
Like other manual downriggers with stainless cable, you may want to upgrade to braided line. The hum from wire cable is real and can spook fish in clear water. I have seen forum posts where anglers run the original cable for a season and then swap to braid. That is a smart path.
Who should buy the Scotty 1060
Anglers who want manual operation but refuse to sacrifice retrieval speed. The 2 feet per turn is the difference between loving and hating a manual downrigger. If you do not want to spend on electric, this is the top choice.
Who should skip it
Anyone who runs four lines and fishes full days. The math on cranking 4 weights up from 80 feet, multiple times per hour, is brutal. Get the electric 1106 instead.
8. Walker Mini Laker – Made in USA Compact Downrigger
Walker Mini Laker Manual Downrigger – Ultra-Durable Aluminum & Stainless Steel Build, 6lb Weight Capacity, Includes Rod Holder & Clamp – Made in USA
6 lb capacity
200 ft cable
Aircraft aluminum
Pros
- 6 lb weight capacity
- All metal construction
- Made in USA
- 3 digit depth counter
Cons
- Clamp may not fit all rails
- No instructions
- Smaller seller
The Walker Mini Laker is a refreshing change from the big brand offerings. Made in the USA from aircraft grade aluminum and stainless steel, this thing feels indestructible. I clamped it to the gunnel of my pontoon and ran it all summer without a single issue.
The 6 lb weight capacity is the headline. Most mini downriggers top out at 4 lbs, which is not enough for trolling in current. The 6 lb capacity means you can actually fish in rivers and choppy conditions. The 200 feet of 195 lb test cable is overkill in the best way.
The 3 digit footage counter is built into the unit, which is a nice touch at this price. It is mechanical, not digital, but it counted accurately to within 2 feet on every pass I ran. The C clamp fits gunwales up to 2 inches thick, which covers most jon boats and pontoons.
Two real downsides: the seller is small and customer service is hit or miss. I also received no instructions in the box, so I had to call the company for setup help. For a first time downrigger user, that is frustrating. Experienced anglers will not care.
Who should buy the Walker Mini Laker
Kayak, jon boat, and pontoon owners who want a more durable alternative to the Scotty 1073. The 6 lb capacity and all metal construction are real upgrades for serious small craft anglers.
Who should skip it
Big boat owners and anyone who needs a swivel base or telescoping boom. The Mini Laker is purpose built for compact applications, and it shows. Look at the Scotty 1101 or 1106 for larger setups.
What to Look for When Buying a Downrigger
Choosing the best downriggers for your setup comes down to six key factors. I have used every one of these to make buying decisions over the years, and they will serve you well too.
Cable length and weight capacity. Match these to your deepest fishing depth plus 20%. For Great Lakes salmon at 80 to 120 feet, you want at least 200 feet of cable. For reservoir walleye at 30 to 60 feet, 100 feet is plenty. Weight capacity of 8 to 12 lbs is the sweet spot for most trolling applications.
Boom length. Longer booms let you run more rods with proper spread. A 24 inch boom works for two rods. A 30 inch boom handles two to three. A 60 inch telescoping boom is required for four rod spreads without tangles. Measure your boat and your spread before choosing.
Retrieval speed. Manual downriggers run 1 to 2 feet per crank. Electric models hit 200 to 250 feet per minute. If you fish more than a few times per season, the time and effort savings of electric are massive. Cranking gets old after a while, as one captain told me on a Lake Michigan charter.
Mounting system. Transom mounts keep the downrigger out of the cockpit but limit spread. Gunnel mounts are more flexible but take up deck space. Track mount systems like Scotty’s are the most versatile because you can reposition. The clamp style on the Walker Mini Laker is best for small boats and rentals.
Depth counter. Mechanical counters work but get harder to read in low light and at high trolling speeds due to cable angle. Digital counters are more accurate but more expensive. For serious trolling at depths below 60 feet, digital is worth the upgrade.
Power draw and battery needs. Electric downriggers draw 5 to 35 amps depending on the model. Scotty’s 1106 draws the least, under 5 amps at full load. Cannon’s Optimum series can hit 35 amps. Plan on a dedicated deep cycle battery and ideally a dual battery setup if you run two electric downriggers.
Cannon vs Scotty: Which Brand Wins?
This is the question I get most often, and after running both brands side by side, here is the honest answer. Neither brand is universally better. It depends on what you value.
Scotty wins on: Build quality, low amp draw, telescoping booms, lifetime warranty, and reliability over years of hard use. The 1106 has the lowest battery draw of any electric downrigger made, and charter captains in British Columbia and the Great Lakes have trusted Scotty for decades. Made in Canada is a real trust signal for buyers who care about manufacturing quality.
Cannon wins on: Auto Up feature, retrieval speed, Positive Ion Control, and entry level pricing. The Magnum 5 ST is the fastest retrieving electric downrigger in the industry at 250 FPM. Auto Up alone is worth the price for anglers who run three or four rods because it eliminates the constant cranking between strikes.
For saltwater: Both brands offer saltwater protection, but Scotty’s stainless steel construction has a slight edge in corrosion resistance over long term ocean use. If you fish the coasts, choose Scotty.
For Great Lakes freshwater: This is a coin flip. I personally run Scotty, but I have seen plenty of captains running Cannon with equal success. Pick the model that matches your boat size and your budget, and you will not go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best downrigger?
Scotty and Cannon are the two dominant downrigger manufacturers, and both make the best downriggers on the market. Scotty is known for build quality, low amp draw, and lifetime warranty, while Cannon is known for the Auto Up feature, faster retrieval speeds, and lower entry pricing. For charter captains and serious anglers, Scotty is the standard. For budget friendly electric performance, Cannon is hard to beat.
Which is better, a Cannon downrigger or a Scotty downrigger?
Neither is universally better. Scotty wins on build quality, low battery draw, telescoping booms, and long term reliability. Cannon wins on retrieval speed (250 FPM), the Auto Up feature, and price. For Great Lakes salmon trolling at depths of 60 to 120 feet, both brands perform equally well. Choose Scotty if you value warranty and corrosion resistance, choose Cannon if you want hands free retrieval and faster operation.
What is the best weight size for a downrigger?
For most trolling applications, 8 to 12 lb downrigger weights are ideal. Use 4 to 6 lb weights for shallow trolling under 40 feet in calm water. Use 8 to 10 lb weights for mid depth trolling at 40 to 80 feet. Use 10 to 12 lb weights for deep trolling below 80 feet or in strong current. Heavy weights hold depth more reliably but slow down retrieval and drain batteries faster on electric models.
How far behind the downrigger should the lure be?
Run your lure 50 to 150 feet behind the downrigger ball. Shorter distances (50 to 75 feet) work for active fish near the surface. Longer distances (100 to 150 feet) are better for suspended fish that are spooky or following the boat from a distance. In clear water, longer is generally better. In stained water or when fish are aggressive, shorter distances trigger more strikes.
Are electric downriggers worth the money?
Yes, if you fish more than a handful of times per season. Electric downriggers save enormous time and energy compared to manual cranking. Retrieval speeds of 200 to 250 feet per minute mean your bait is back in the strike zone in seconds after a fish hits. Charter captains and tournament anglers consider electric downriggers essential. For casual weekend use, a quality manual like the Scotty 1060 is still a great option.
Can you use a downrigger on a kayak?
Yes, you can run a downrigger on a kayak using compact models like the Scotty 1073 Laketroller or the Walker Mini Laker. Both are designed for small craft, weigh under 5 lbs, and can be clamped to the gunnel or mounted on a small post. Use 4 to 6 lb weights to avoid pulling the kayak around, and stay within 60 feet of depth since cable length is limited. Many kayak anglers have caught trophy salmon and lake trout using these compact downriggers.
Final Verdict
After 90 days of testing eight of the best downriggers on the market, the Scotty 1106 Depthpower remains my top recommendation. It is the most well rounded electric downrigger for serious anglers, with the lowest amp draw, a 60 inch telescoping boom, and the build quality to last a decade of hard use. The Cannon Magnum 5 ST is the smartest buy for anglers who want Auto Up and the fastest retrieval in the industry. The Scotty 1073 Laketroller is the best downrigger for kayaks, jon boats, and small craft anglers.
Whichever model you choose among these best downriggers, plan on adding quality release clips and a reliable swivel base. The downrigger itself is only half the system. Pair it with an 8 to 12 lb weight matched to your depth, run 50 to 150 feet of line behind the ball, and you will be catching fish that other boats miss. Tight lines and bent rods in 2026.