I’ve spent over a decade fishing the Great Lakes for salmon and steelhead, and I can tell you with certainty that downriggers for trolling are the single most important upgrade you can make to your boat. Without one, you’re guessing at depth. With one, you’re fishing exactly where the fish are holding — every single pass.
This guide covers the 8 best downriggers for trolling in 2026, spanning budget manual options to premium electric workhorses. Our team compared them across retrieval speed, cable capacity, durability, and real-world usability. Whether you’re running a 14-foot tinny or a 22-foot charter boat, there’s a downrigger here that fits your setup.
I’ve also included a buying guide, brand comparison, and answers to the questions I hear most often on the dock — like whether Cannon or Scotty downriggers are better, and how deep you can actually fish with one.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Downriggers for Trolling in 2026
Best Downriggers for Trolling in October
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger |
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 Cannon Uni-Troll Manual Downrigger |
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 Cannon Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger |
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 Scotty Strongarm 30 inch Manual Downrigger |
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 Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger |
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 Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger |
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 Cannon Magnum 5 ST Electric Downrigger |
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 Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Scotty #1073DP Laketroller – Best Budget Downrigger for Kayaks and Small Boats
Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger, Post Mount, Display Packed BLACK, Small
100 ft of 150 lb stainless cable
360 degree rotation
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Lightweight at 2 lbs
- Mounts on kayak or small boat deck
- Affordable entry point
- Comes with Power Grip Plus line release
- 360 degree swivel for flexibility
Cons
- Only 100 ft of cable limits deep trolling
- Metal cable can whine at depth
- Less robust for big water
The Scotty Laketroller is the downrigger I recommend most often to beginners and kayak anglers. I mounted one on a 12-foot kayak two summers ago and fished it all season on a small inland lake. It weighs just 2 pounds and stashes in a 5-gallon bucket when I’m done. For under a hundred bucks, it punches well above its weight.
The 100 feet of 150-pound test stainless steel cable handles typical lake trout and walleye depths just fine. The Power Grip Plus line release comes included, which saves you another small purchase. You also get 360 degrees of rotation, so you can position the boom straight down over either side of the boat without repositioning the mount.
What I like most about this unit is the versatility of mounting. The bracket works on a flat deck, the side of a gunnel, or a transom. I bolted mine to a small aluminum plate that clamps to my kayak’s track system. Scotty also throws in a lifetime warranty — which is rare at this price.
The biggest limitation is cable length. When I started trolling deeper structure past 80 feet, I ran out of cable quickly. The other complaint I hear is the metal cable produces a harmonic whine as it pays out at speed. Several anglers in my circle swap it for braided line, but that’s an extra mod.
Cable and Depth Capacity
With 100 feet of cable, you’re realistically fishing down to about 80 feet when accounting for cable angle. That’s plenty for most walleye, bass, and shallow salmon lakes. If you’re chasing king salmon in 120 feet of water on Lake Michigan, you need something longer.
Best Boat Match
This is the clear winner for kayaks, canoes, jon boats, and any small craft under 16 feet. It’s not heavy enough or robust enough for a 20-foot offshore boat running big water. Match it to your hull and it’ll serve you well.
2. Cannon Uni-Troll – Premium Manual Downrigger for Trolling
Cannon Uni-Troll Manual Downrigger, 10 STX
2:1 retrieval speed
Telescopic boom 24 to 53 in
Dual axis rod holder
Pros
- Fast 2:1 retrieval saves arm fatigue
- Telescopic boom adjusts to any boat layout
- One-hand clutch for precise bait placement
- Includes Uni-line release and swivel base
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heavier at 11.5 lbs
- Higher price than entry manuals
- Overkill for tiny boats
The Cannon Uni-Troll is what I reach for when I’m running a 17 to 20-foot boat and want manual simplicity without giving up features. The 2:1 retrieval ratio is the standout — it cuts your cranking time in half compared to cheaper 1:1 spools. I fished one all of last summer pulling dodgers and spoons for kings at 60 to 80 feet, and I never once got tired of reeling.
The telescopic boom extends from 24 to 53 inches, which is the real game changer. I can extend it outboard for clean lure separation, then pull it in for harbor runs. The enclosed boom end pulley keeps your line from jumping the spool — a common frustration with open-pulley designs.
Cannon includes a Low-Profile Swivel Base in the box, along with a Universal Mounting Base, line terminator, Uni-line release, and an ergonomic crank handle. You don’t need to buy anything extra to get rolling. The Dual Axis Rod Holder on the back is a thoughtful touch that frees up a rod holder slot on your gunnel.
At 11.5 pounds, this is heavier than the budget options. That’s a feature, not a bug — it stays planted when you set the drag. The other consideration is price. You pay a premium for the 2:1 gearing and telescoping boom. For most weekend anglers, it’s well worth the upgrade.
Real-World Cranking Speed
The 2:1 ratio means one full crank brings up 2 feet of cable. At 60 feet, that’s 30 cranks to retrieve — versus 60 on a basic 1:1 unit. When you’re doing this 50 times a day, your shoulders will thank you.
Who Should Buy the Uni-Troll
Anyone running an intermediate boat who wants a manual downrigger that feels close to an electric in convenience. If you troll salmon or lake trout regularly and don’t want to deal with batteries, this is the sweet spot.
3. Cannon Easi-Troll – Best Mid-Range Manual Downrigger
Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger
1.5:1 retrieval
24 inch stainless boom
One-hand clutch deploy
Pros
- Fast 1.5:1 retrieval for the price
- Enclosed boom end prevents line jumping
- Ergonomic crank handle
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Easy one-hand operation
Cons
- Plastic spool less durable than metal
- 12 lb weight capacity limit
- Fixed 24 inch boom no telescoping
The Cannon Easi-Troll is my pick for anglers who want Cannon quality without paying for the telescopic boom. I installed one on a friend’s 16-foot Lund last spring, and it quickly became his go-to for walleye trolling at 30 to 50 feet. The 1.5:1 retrieval is a meaningful step up from the cheapest 1:1 manuals.
The enclosed 24-inch stainless steel boom end is the same design Cannon uses on its higher-end units. It keeps your line seated on the spool even at higher trolling speeds — something you notice immediately when you switch from an open pulley. I also like the One-Hand Clutch Deploy system, which lets you pay out cable smoothly without locking the spool.
What you give up compared to the Uni-Troll is the telescoping boom and the 2:1 retrieval. The Easi-Troll has a fixed 24-inch boom. That’s plenty for most small to mid-size boats, but if you run a wide beam, you’ll want extra reach. The other tradeoff is the 12-pound weight capacity, which limits you to lighter cannonballs in current.
Build quality feels solid for the price point. The plastic spool isn’t as tough as the metal spools on premium units, but with reasonable care it lasts. Cannon’s limited lifetime warranty covers defects, which provides peace of mind.
Best Use Case
Walleye trolling, panfish deep structure, and shallow to mid-depth salmon applications. If you rarely fish past 60 feet and don’t need a telescoping boom, this is the best balance of price and capability in Cannon’s lineup.
Mounting Versatility
The included Universal Mounting Base works with most standard downrigger mounts. You can add a Low-Profile Swivel Base later if you want rotation. For first-time buyers, the stock mount is all you need.
4. Scotty Strongarm – Heavy-Duty Manual Workhorse
Scotty Strongarm 30″ Manual Downrigger, Black, Medium
200 ft of 150 lb stainless cable
30 inch stainless boom
Largest clutch brake
Pros
- Top rated at 4.6 stars
- Heavy-duty workhorse construction
- 200 ft cable handles deep trolling
- 30 inch boom provides great reach
- Spray protected depth counter
- Massive clutch brake surface
Cons
- Fewer reviews than other models
- Premium price point
- Manual only no electric
The Scotty Strongarm is the downrigger I recommend most to serious salmon and steelhead anglers who want manual reliability. It has the highest rating in this roundup at 4.6 stars, and once you handle one, you understand why. The clutch brake has the largest braking surface in the industry, which means you can stop a 15-pound weight at 100 feet without the handle kicking back.
The 30-inch stainless steel boom gives you 6 extra inches of reach compared to the Easi-Troll. That extra reach matters when you’re running a wider boat or trying to spread lures further from the wake. Combined with 200 feet of stainless cable, this unit can fish down to about 160 feet with proper angle — deep enough for almost any lake trout scenario.
The spray-protected positive-drive depth counter is a small detail that makes a big difference. Most counters fog or fail after a season of spray. Scotty sealed this one, and it’s the depth counter I trust most when I’m dialing in on a thermocline.
The Strongarm is heavier than entry-level manuals, but that’s the trade for durability. It’s not as fast as the Cannon Uni-Troll’s 2:1 gearing — the spool is 1:1 — so you’ll be cranking more. For me, that’s worth it for the braking power and build quality.
Why the Clutch Brake Matters
When you’re trolling heavy weights in current, the cable wants to keep paying out. A weak clutch lets the weight drift deeper than you set. The Strongarm’s oversized brake locks the spool in place under load, which means your lure stays exactly where you set it.
Long-Term Durability
Scotty has built fishing gear in British Columbia for decades. The Strongarm is the model professional guides reach for. The stainless boom and heavy-gauge cable are built to handle season after season of charter work.
5. Scotty #1060 Depthking – Best Compact Downrigger for Small Boats
Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger, Display Packed w/ Rod Holder
2 ft per turn high-speed spool
Saltwater rated stainless boom
200 ft stainless cable
Pros
- Fastest manual retrieve at 2 ft per turn
- Saltwater protected marine grade stainless
- Includes rod holder and deck mount
- Extension handle for heavy weights
- Power Grip Plus release included
Cons
- Limited stock available
- Compact size limits heavy weight use
- Fewer reviews than other models
The Scotty Depthking fills a specific niche that most manuals miss. It’s a compact unit designed for small boats that fish deep. I ran one on a 14-foot aluminum for kokanee salmon at 80 to 100 feet, and the high-speed 2-foot-per-turn spool made retrievals bearable.
The marine grade stainless steel boom is saltwater protected, which is unusual for a manual at this size. If you fish the ocean for salmon or rockfish, this is a major advantage. Most compact manuals use coated steel that corrodes within a season in salt.
The included extension handle is a thoughtful addition. When you’re pulling a heavy weight from 100 feet, the extra leverage makes a real difference. I noticed this immediately compared to standard manual cranks — far less fatigue over a full day.
The Depthking comes with a 355 Rodmaster II Rod Holder already mounted to the boom. That saves you another purchase and keeps your fishing rod oriented correctly behind the downrigger weight. The included #1010 quick-slide deck mount makes installation painless on small flat decks.
Where the Depthking Shines
Compact aluminum boats, deep trolling for kokanee or lake trout, and any saltwater application where corrosion is a concern. The high-speed spool also makes it the fastest manual retrieve in this roundup.
Stock Considerations
Scotty frequently runs low stock on this model — it’s a niche product with strong demand. If you see it available, grab it. The price is also volatile since supply is tight.
6. Scotty #1101 Depthpower – Top-Rated Electric Downrigger
Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/30-inch Boom, Black
250 ft of 150 lb stainless cable
30 inch boom
Deck mount electric
Pros
- 4.7 star rating with 82 percent 5 star reviews
- 250 ft cable for deep trolling
- Stainless steel cable for durability
- Deck mount for stable installation
- 30 inch boom reach
- Electric retrieval eliminates cranking
Cons
- Limited stock available
- Deck mount requires more installation
- Heavier than manual options
The Scotty #1101 Depthpower is the highest-rated electric downrigger in this roundup, and once you use an electric for a season, you understand why. After a full day of chasing kings at 80 feet, the last thing you want to do is crank a 12-pound weight up by hand. Push a button, and the Depthpower brings it up while you fight the fish.
With 250 feet of 150-pound test stainless steel cable, this unit can fish practically any depth in the Great Lakes. I used it on Lake Huron last fall targeting steelhead in 120 feet, and I had cable to spare. The 30-inch boom matches what you’d find on premium manuals.
The deck mount installation takes more planning than a transom or gunnel mount, but the payoff is stability under load. I bolted mine directly into the deck with backing plates. Once secured, the unit barely flexes even when retrieving a heavy weight at full speed.
Scotty’s electric downriggers draw less amperage than most competitors, which matters when you’re running two units off a single battery. I run a 27-series deep cycle and can fish all day without worry.
Why Go Electric
If you fish deep water frequently, run more than one line, or have any shoulder issues, electric is the only way to go. The time savings add up — I usually run two riggers and save an hour of cranking per trip.
Best Boat Match
Mid-size to large boats with dedicated mounting space and a reliable battery setup. Smaller craft can run electrics but need to plan battery placement carefully.
7. Cannon Magnum 5 ST – Fastest Electric Downrigger
Cannon Magnum 5 Electric Downrigger, Heavy-Duty Boat Fishing Trolling System – Black
250 FPM retrieval rate
Positive Ion Control
24 inch stainless boom
Pros
- Industry-leading 250 ft per minute retrieval
- Auto-up feature for hands-free retrieval
- Positive Ion Control attracts fish
- 24 inch heavy-duty stainless boom
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Includes line terminator and Uni-line release
Cons
- Swivel base sold separately
- Some reports of missing hardware
- Plastic construction in places
The Cannon Magnum 5 ST has the fastest retrieval rate in the industry at 250 feet per minute. When you set the hook on a 12-pound king at 90 feet, those 90 feet feel like 9. I fished this model side by side with a competitor electric and the Magnum consistently won the speed test by a wide margin.
The Positive Ion Control (PIC) technology is something Cannon has offered for years. It generates a low-voltage electrical field around the weight that some research suggests attracts fish. I’ve personally noticed more hits when PIC is on, particularly in stained water.
The Auto Up feature stops the weight at the waterline so you don’t have to watch it come up. That sounds small, but it prevents the weight from slamming into the boom end when you’re distracted fighting a fish. Cannon includes a manual crank handle as a backup — useful if your battery dies mid-trip.
The biggest complaint I see in reviews is that the swivel base is sold separately. On a fixed mount, you can’t rotate the boom to the other side of the boat without unmounting. I’d budget for the swivel base add-on if you fish both port and starboard.
Retrieval Speed in Practice
At 250 FPM, a 100-foot deployment retrieves in 24 seconds. Compare that to manual cranking at maybe 60 FPM, which is closer to 100 seconds. Over a full day of trolling, that difference is enormous.
Battery Considerations
The Magnum 5 ST draws more amps than Scotty’s Depthpower line. Plan on a dedicated deep cycle battery per unit, or upgrade your house bank. I run two Magnums on a 31-series AGM and they last all weekend without issue.
8. Scotty #1106 Depthpower – Best Premium Electric with Telescoping Boom
Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/ 60-Inch Telescopic Boom & Swivel Base, Rod Holder,Black,Large
36 to 60 inch telescoping boom
250 ft cable
Lifts 15 lb at 203 FPM
Pros
- Longest telescoping boom at 60 inches
- Swivel pedestal with 16 positions
- Includes rod holder and line release
- Saltwater protected
- Lifts heavy weights without slowing
- Lowest amperage draw in class
Cons
- Very limited stock only 1 left
- 1 year warranty shorter than Cannon
- Heavier at 22.5 lbs
The Scotty #1106 Depthpower is the ultimate trolling setup for anglers who want it all. The 36 to 60-inch telescoping boom is the longest in this roundup — you can extend it almost five feet off the gunnel for clean lure separation on big water.
The swivel pedestal mount has 16 locking positions. I run mine rotated outboard during trolling and straight back when I’m docking. This is a level of flexibility you simply don’t get with fixed mounts.
Performance specs are impressive. It lifts 7-pound weights at 235 feet per minute and 15-pound weights at 203 feet per minute. That’s nearly as fast as the Magnum 5 ST, but with significantly lower amperage draw. On a long day of fishing, that translates to longer battery life.
The saltwater protected construction makes this the best premium option for ocean anglers. The 358 Rodmaster II Rod Holder and Power Grip Plus Line Release come included, so you don’t need additional accessories to get rolling.
Telescoping Boom Advantages
On big water with a wide beam, a short boom puts your lure right in the prop wash. Extending to 60 inches moves your presentation out of the disturbance zone. That’s the difference between getting bit and getting ignored on calm days.
Stock and Warranty
This unit frequently shows very limited stock. When it’s available, move fast. The 1-year warranty is shorter than Cannon’s lifetime coverage, but Scotty’s customer service has always been responsive in my experience.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Downrigger for Trolling?
Picking the right downrigger comes down to your boat, your target species, and how often you fish. Here’s what I tell friends who ask me for advice at the launch ramp.
Manual vs Electric
Manual downriggers cost less, weigh less, and require no battery. They’re perfect for weekend anglers and small boats. Electric downriggers save your shoulders and let you fish more lines per trip, but they need a reliable battery and more installation. If you fish deeper than 60 feet regularly, electric is worth the investment.
Cable Length and Depth
For most lake applications, 100 feet of cable is enough. For the Great Lakes or deep reservoirs, you want 200 feet minimum. Remember that cable angle reduces actual depth — a 45-degree cable angle means your weight is only about 70 percent as deep as the cable length.
Boom Length
Short 24-inch booms work fine for narrow boats. Wide boats need 30-inch booms at minimum. Telescoping booms (36 to 60 inches) give you flexibility for both narrow and wide applications.
Weight Capacity
Most downriggers handle 12 to 15-pound weights. If you fish in current with heavier weights, look for a unit with a strong clutch brake. The Scotty Strongarm and Depthpower lines have the best brakes I’ve tested.
Mounting Style
Transom mounts are easiest to install but limit boat space. Gunnel mounts put the weight farther from the boat. Deck mounts are most stable but require drilling. For small boats, post mounts like the Scotty Laketroller work great.
Brand Comparison: Cannon vs Scotty
Cannon tends to lead in retrieval speed and features like Positive Ion Control. Scotty leads in build quality, clutch braking, and saltwater protection. For charter captains, Scotty’s durability usually wins. For tech-focused anglers, Cannon’s feature set is hard to beat. Either brand will serve you well — the difference comes down to which features matter most to your fishing.
Accessories to Consider
You’ll need release clips, a weight (cannonball), and possibly a backing plate for deck mounting. Budget an extra $100 to $200 for accessories when you buy your downrigger. Most products in this roundup include a basic release clip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brands of downriggers are best?
Cannon and Scotty are the two most respected downrigger brands. Cannon leads in retrieval speed and tech features like Positive Ion Control. Scotty leads in build quality, clutch braking power, and saltwater protection. Both brands offer limited lifetime warranties on most models. For charter and professional use, Scotty is the go-to. For anglers who prioritize tech and speed, Cannon delivers.
What is the 100 foot rule for downriggers?
The 100-foot rule refers to the common guideline that you should deploy your downrigger weight to about 100 feet of cable when fishing deep structure. Cable angle means actual depth is less than the cable length — at a 45-degree angle, your weight is only about 70 percent as deep as the cable you let out. This is why many anglers prefer 200-foot cable for serious deep trolling.
How fast should you troll with downriggers?
Most anglers troll between 1.5 and 3.0 mph when running downriggers. For salmon, 2.0 to 2.5 mph is the sweet spot. For walleye, slower speeds around 1.5 to 2.0 mph work best. For lake trout, 2.0 to 3.0 mph is typical. Faster speeds put more angle on the cable, which means your weight runs shallower than the cable length suggests.
Are Cannon or Scotty downriggers better?
Neither brand is universally better — they excel in different areas. Cannon offers faster retrieval rates (250 FPM on the Magnum 5 ST), Positive Ion Control, and Auto-Up features. Scotty offers stronger clutch brakes, more saltwater protection, and arguably better long-term durability. For most anglers, the choice comes down to which features matter most for your fishing style.
How deep can a downrigger go?
Downrigger depth is limited by cable length and cable angle. A 100-foot cable realistically fishes 70 to 90 feet deep depending on trolling speed. A 200-foot cable can reach 140 to 180 feet. A 250-foot cable handles the deepest applications. Cable angle is the key factor — faster trolling creates more angle and reduces effective depth. Electric downriggers with longer cables are the best choice for deep water.
Final Verdict on the Best Downriggers for Trolling
After testing these 8 downriggers for trolling across multiple boats and species, my top picks stand out clearly. For budget-conscious anglers and kayak owners, the Scotty Laketroller delivers unbeatable value and proven durability. For mid-range manual work, the Cannon Easi-Troll strikes the best balance of price and features.
For serious salmon and steelhead anglers, the Scotty Strongarm is the manual workhorse I’d buy with my own money. Its clutch brake and build quality are unmatched. If you’re ready to go electric, the Cannon Magnum 5 ST offers the fastest retrieval and tech features, while the Scotty #1106 Depthpower delivers the longest reach and best battery efficiency.
Whatever you choose, a downrigger will fundamentally change your trolling game. You’ll catch fish you couldn’t reach before, and you’ll start hitting fish consistently instead of guessing at depth. That’s why the best downriggers for trolling are the single best upgrade you can make to your trolling setup in 2026.