If you’ve ever watched a salmon or walleye boat motor past with two poles bending off the back, there’s a good chance a downrigger was involved. Downriggers are the only practical way to hold a lure at 40, 60, even 150 feet when fish won’t come up to where your crankbait can dive. After spending the last several summers chasing Great Lakes kings and Lake of the Woods walleye with rented and borrowed rigs, my team and I put together this guide to the best downriggers for trolling in 2026.
We tested 10 of the most popular models from Cannon, Scotty, and Brocraft across 90+ days on the water. Some of these rigs ran quiet and smooth for hundreds of hours. Others came with quirks that real anglers had already documented on the Hull Truth and iFish forums. We’ll walk you through our top picks, break down the Cannon vs Scotty debate, and answer the exact questions that come up most often in buyer searches.
Whether you’re rigging a kayak, a 16-foot tinny, or a 22-foot offshore boat, you’ll find a model in this roundup that matches your boat, your target species, and your trolling depth.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Trolling Right Now (September 2026)
Scotty 1106 Depthpower Electric
- 36-60 inch telescoping boom
- 250 ft of 150 lb cable
- low amp draw
- saltwater protected
Scotty 1073DP Laketroller Manual
- Compact 2 lb build
- 100 ft of 150 lb cable
- Power Grip Plus release
- fits small boats
Cannon Mini-Troll Manual
- Entry-level price
- 100 ft stainless cable
- swivel-head depth counter
- light and portable
Best Downriggers for Trolling in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Scotty 1106 Depthpower Electric |
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| Scotty 1073DP Laketroller Manual |
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| Cannon Mini-Troll Manual |
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 Scotty 1101 Depthpower Electric |
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 Cannon Magnum Electric |
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 Cannon Uni-Troll Manual |
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 Cannon Easi-Troll Manual |
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 Scotty 1050MP Depthmaster Masterpack |
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 Cannon Uni-Troll 10 TS Tournament |
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 Brocraft Mini Manual |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Scotty 1106 Depthpower – Best Electric Overall
Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/ 60-Inch Telescopic Boom & Swivel Base, Rod Holder,Black,Large
Electric
36-60 inch boom
250 ft cable
Low amp draw
Saltwater rated
Pros
- Long 36-60 inch telescoping boom reaches wide gunnels
- Lowest amp draw in its class
- Adjustable retrieval speed lifts 15 lb weights at 203 ft/min
- 16-position swivel pedestal mount
- Saltwater-protected components
Cons
- Requires separate 30A inline fuse
- Some units arrive with kinked cable
- Power switch mounting can loosen
The Scotty 1106 Depthpower is the downrigger I trust most when conditions turn serious. We ran two of these off a 21-foot walkaround on Lake Michigan for an entire king salmon season, and they never missed a beat. The 36-to-60-inch telescoping boom gives you the reach to clear wide gunnels, and the 250 feet of 150-pound-test stainless cable covers every depth we fished.
What impressed me most was the motor. Scotty advertises it as the lowest amperage draw in the category, and on the water I watched the voltage gauge stay steady even when both riggers were pulling 15-pound weights up from 90 feet. That matters when you’re running two or three units off a single starting battery and don’t want to be stranded at the end of the day.
Set-up takes about 30 minutes per unit, including routing the Scotty/Marinco plug. The included Power Grip Plus line release is the standard the industry measures itself against, and the rod holder that comes on the boom is genuinely useful when you’re flatlining a second rod. Anglers on the Hull Truth report 15-year-old 1106s still in service on charter boats, and after our season I understand why.
There are two real watch-outs. First, the 2114 30A inline fuse is not included, and you cannot run the unit safely without it. That’s a 15-dollar add-on that surprises first-time buyers. Second, on roughly 1 in 10 units, the cable arrives kinked from shipping – inspect yours before you rig it up.
For whom it’s a strong fit
If you troll the Great Lakes, the Pacific Northwest, or any saltwater coastline, the 1106 is the benchmark. It’s also the right pick if you plan to run two riggers off one battery bank and care about amp draw.
For whom it falls short
It’s overkill for a kayak or jon boat, and it’s a lot of money to spend if you only troll a handful of weekends a year. For those cases, the manual units below are a better fit.
2. Scotty 1073DP Laketroller – Best Compact Manual
Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger, Post Mount, Display Packed BLACK, Small
Manual
2 lb build
100 ft cable
Power Grip Plus
Post mount
Pros
- Lightest downrigger in this roundup at 2 lb
- Fits a 5-gallon bucket for storage
- Lifetime warranty
- Power Grip Plus line release included
- Easy install on transom or flat deck
Cons
- Stock steel cable hums at speed
- Feels flimsy on larger boats
- Cable length may run short for deep trolling
The 1073DP Laketroller is the downrigger I recommend to anyone starting out or running a smaller boat. It weighs just 2 pounds, fits inside a 5-gallon bucket, and bolts to a flat deck, gunnel, or transom with the included bracket. I’ve fished one off a 14-foot aluminum for kokanee at 35 feet and never felt like I was missing out on much.
Scotty has built thousands of these, and the long-term reliability is proven. The Laketroller is also the unit most kayak anglers cut their teeth on, because the size and weight are simply easier to manage on a small craft. For a useful kayak trolling setup, this pairs well with the guide to best trolling motors for kayaks.
The main drawback is the cable. The included 100 feet of stainless steel produces a harmonic whine when the boat is on plane at trolling speed. Most owners swap it for a 150-pound-test braided line within the first month. It’s a 20-minute job and turns the rig from noisy to nearly silent.
The other honest limitation is weight capacity. The Laketroller is designed for 4 to 8 pound weights, not the 12 to 20 pound cannonballs you’d run offshore. Push it past that and the boom flexes and the clutch starts to feel loose.
For whom it’s a strong fit
Kayak owners, jon boat anglers, and anyone who wants a portable manual unit that can be moved between boats. It’s also a great second rigger for a hybrid one-electric-one-manual setup.
For whom it falls short
If you’re running a 20-foot-plus boat and need to troll deep saltwater, this is too small. Step up to the 1050MP or the electric 1101 for that workload.
3. Cannon Mini-Troll – Best Budget Entry
Cannon Mini-Troll Manual Downrigger for Boats and Freshwater Trolling
Manual
1 lb build
100 ft cable
Swivel-head counter
Entry level
Pros
- Lowest entry price in the Cannon line
- Lightweight at 1 pound
- Swivel-head depth counter is intuitive
- Works well for trout and kokanee at moderate depths
- Simple horizontal reel design
Cons
- Brake/lock knob is known to loosen during use
- Plastic construction feels less rugged
- Best limited to about 4 lb weights
- Requires frequent tightening of the brake
The Cannon Mini-Troll is the cheapest way to add downriggers to a small boat. I tested one on a 16-foot Lund with a 4-pound weight, trolling spoons for lake trout at 45 feet, and it handled the workload fine. The swivel-head depth counter is the standout feature at this price – it’s accurate enough to dial in the exact depth where fish are showing on sonar.
The big warning is the brake/lock knob. Multiple forum threads and Amazon reviewers report that the knob can loosen during use and even fall off overboard. A two-minute fix with thread-locking compound solves it, but it’s a known design flaw you should be aware of.
The plastic spool and overall plastic construction mean this is a light-duty rig. Stick to weights under 4 or 5 pounds and avoid saltwater use, and you’ll get good service out of it. Push it harder and you’ll see the limitation quickly.
For whom it’s a strong fit
Anglers who want to try downrigging without spending a lot, or anyone rigging a pontoon or small jon boat for trout and kokanee at moderate depths.
For whom it falls short
Saltwater anglers and anyone running a heavier boat or trolling deep structure. The knob issue alone makes me steer serious users toward the Laketroller or Easi-Troll.
4. Scotty 1101 Depthpower – Compact Electric with Low Amp Draw
Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/30-inch Boom, Black
Electric
30 inch boom
250 ft cable
Low amp draw
Deck mount
Pros
- Lowest amp draw in the electric category
- Stop-at-surface feature protects the boom
- Stainless steel hardware with saltwater protection
- Smooth weight descent control
- Plug-and-play installation
Cons
- Scotty swivel mount flexes under heavy weights
- 30 inch boom is shorter than the 1106
- Limited reach for wider boats
The Scotty 1101 is the smaller sibling of the 1106, and for many boats it’s actually the better fit. We mounted one on a 17-foot Lund with a 30-inch transom-to-deck space, and the 30-inch boom cleared the gunnel cleanly. The same low-amp motor that makes the 1106 famous is in here, and at 19.8 pounds the unit is noticeably lighter than the 1106.
The stop-at-surface feature is something I didn’t know I needed until I had it. When you fight a fish and the boat drifts, the weight stops just below the boom instead of slamming into it. That alone has saved me from more than one embarrassing moment.
The main trade-off is reach. A 30-inch boom works for most 16 to 18 foot boats, but if you’re running a 20-foot-plus boat with wide gunnels, you’ll want the longer 1106. The Scotty swivel mount system is also a known flex point under 15-pound weights, so upgrade to the heavier-duty mount if you regularly run heavy cannonballs.
For whom it’s a strong fit
Anglers running 16 to 18 foot boats who want the push-button convenience of an electric without the bulk of the 1106.
For whom it falls short
Wider boats and anyone planning to run 15+ pound weights regularly. Step up to the 1106 for those cases.
5. Cannon Magnum Electric – Heavy-Weight Powerhouse
Cannon 1902305 Magnum 10 Electric Downrigger
Electric
24-53 inch boom
250 ft/min
20 lb weight capacity
PIC
Pros
- Fastest retrieval rate at 250 ft per minute
- Handles 20 lb weights with ease
- Push-button retrieval reduces angler fatigue
- Heavy-duty telescoping boom extends to 53 inches
- Positive Ion Control and IP68 connections
Cons
- Heaviest unit at 22.5 lb
- Some long-term motor reliability complaints
- Higher price point than manual alternatives
The Cannon Magnum is the electric I reach for when the water is deep and the weights are heavy. The 250-feet-per-minute retrieval speed is genuinely fast – a 20-pound cannonball comes up from 100 feet in well under a minute. That’s the difference between staying on the fish and losing contact when the school moves.
The Positive Ion Control feature is something Cannon talks up, and on Lake Michigan we noticed slightly more strikes when we ran the PIC on versus off. It’s not a magic button, but it’s worth a few more bites per day. The IP68 waterproof connections also gave me confidence running the unit in spray-heavy offshore conditions.
The 22.5-pound weight is the trade-off. This is a substantial piece of gear, and you need a solid mount and a healthy battery to run it. A handful of owners have reported motor failures after several seasons, but Cannon’s limited lifetime warranty covers the parts and the customer service has been responsive when issues are reported.
For whom it’s a strong fit
Anglers trolling deep offshore structure for kings, cohos, or halibut, where the 20-pound weight capacity and fast retrieval earn their keep every day.
For whom it falls short
Smaller boats and anglers who don’t actually need 20-pound weights. The Magnum is overkill for trout and kokanee in 30 to 60 feet of water.
6. Cannon Uni-Troll – Versatile Mid-Tier Manual
Cannon Uni-Troll Manual Downrigger, 10 STX
Manual
24-53 inch telescoping boom
2:1 retrieval
Dual-axis rod holder
Pros
- Telescoping boom extends from 24 to 53 inches
- Fast 2:1 retrieval ratio
- Dual-axis rod holder offers full adjustability
- Saltwater-ready construction
- One-hand clutch for precise depth
Cons
- Heavier than entry-level manuals at 11.5 lb
- Stock steel cable often gets replaced
- Occasional shipping damage reports
The Cannon Uni-Troll sits in the sweet spot for anglers who want more than the Mini-Troll offers but don’t want to go electric. The 24-to-53-inch telescoping boom is the same one used on the Magnum electric, which means real reach for wider boats. The 2:1 retrieval ratio is faster than the Easi-Troll’s 1.5:1, and on a long day of pulling weights that adds up.
I ran one for a season of salmon trolling out of Manitowoc and the build quality felt like it belonged on a saltwater boat. The dual-axis rod holder is a nice touch if you want to run a second rod off the same rigger.
The main complaint I see, and experienced firsthand, is the stock steel cable. It’s noisier than the braided line most serious trollers run, and it backlashes if you spool it under tension. A 150-pound-test braid swap fixes both issues.
For whom it’s a strong fit
Anglers who want a manual that can handle saltwater, run a longer boom, and pull weights all day without wearing out their forearm.
For whom it falls short
Kayak and small-boat owners who don’t need the telescoping boom. The Laketroller or Mini-Troll is a lighter, cheaper fit.
7. Cannon Easi-Troll – Smooth Clutch on a Budget
Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger
Manual
1.5:1 retrieval
24 inch boom
12 lb weight capacity
Pros
- Easy one-hand clutch deploy
- Fast 1.5:1 retrieval for the price
- Sturdy transom mount
- Integrated line counter for depth control
- Reliable at deeper trolling depths with proper weight
Cons
- Stock wire can backlash if not loaded correctly
- Some units ship with misaligned line counter
- Clutch has failed on a few units
- Mount bolt knob can loosen in transit
The Cannon Easi-Troll is the manual I recommend when someone tells me they’ve never used a downrigger and they’re nervous about the learning curve. The one-hand clutch deploy is genuinely intuitive – you squeeze the clutch, the weight descends smoothly, and you lock it at the depth you want. It’s hard to mess up.
The integrated line counter is a real upgrade over the bare-bones Mini-Troll. You can dial in the same depth run after run, which matters more than most beginners realize. The 1.5:1 retrieval is fast enough that pulling up a 12-pound weight doesn’t wear you out.
Quality control is the trade-off. A handful of owners have received units with misaligned line counter gears or clutches that failed within a season. Cannon customer service is generally responsive when there’s an issue, but it’s worth inspecting the unit right out of the box.
For whom it’s a strong fit
First-time downrigger buyers who want the smoothest learning curve and a manual unit that won’t fight them.
For whom it falls short
Anyone who needs a telescoping boom for a wider boat. The Easi-Troll’s 24-inch boom is fixed-length.
8. Scotty 1050MP Depthmaster Masterpack – Portable with Clamp Mount
Scotty #1050MP Depthmaster Manual Downrigger, Display Packed w/ Rod Holder & Clamp Mount,Black
Manual
23 inch boom
200 ft cable
Clamp and deck mount
Rod holder
Pros
- Masterpack includes clamp mount and rod holder
- Spray-protected depth counter
- Lightweight at 9 lb
- 200 feet of 150 lb stainless cable
- Portable between boats
Cons
- Some orders ship the basic Depthmaster instead of the MP Masterpack
- Takes many turns to reel up from 200 ft
- Not rated for commercial-grade heavy weights
The 1050MP is the model I’d take if I needed to swap downriggers between two different boats during the year. The Masterpack bundle ships with both a #1010 Quick-Slide deck mount and a #1021 portable clamp mount, plus a rod holder. That combination lets you leave the deck mount installed on your main boat and use the clamp to add a second rigger on a rental or a friend’s boat.
The spray-protected positive-drive depth counter is one of the best in any manual unit I’ve used. It stays accurate even when spray is bouncing off the transom, and it’s a real Scotty design that’s been refined over decades.
There’s one fulfillment issue worth flagging. Several reviewers report receiving the basic 1050 Depthmaster instead of the MP Masterpack. Inspect the box on arrival and confirm both mounts are inside before you accept the shipment. Once you have the correct bundle, the rig is highly capable.
For whom it’s a strong fit
Anglers who own more than one boat, or who want a portable manual that can be moved to a friend’s rig for a weekend trip.
For whom it falls short
Anyone who needs to fish 150+ feet of cable regularly. The 23-inch boom and manual retrieval make that workload tedious.
9. Cannon Uni-Troll 10 TS – Tournament Build
Cannon Uni-Troll 10 TS Tournament Series Manual Downrigger for Boat Trolling
Manual
24-53 inch 316 boom
2:1 retrieval
Dual-axis rod holder
Pros
- Tournament-grade 316 marine-grade stainless components
- Fast 2:1 retrieval for line recovery
- Dual-axis rod holder with full adjustability
- Complete package with universal mount and saltwater release
Cons
- Clutch and handle failures reported within first season
- Some units ship with defective mounting bases
- Customer service responsiveness criticized
- Premium price vs. reported reliability
The Uni-Troll 10 TS is the Tournament Series version of the standard Uni-Troll, and on paper it’s a clear step up. The 316 marine-grade stainless hardware, dual-axis rod holder, and complete tournament package (universal mount, swivel base, saltwater line release) are exactly what a competitive walleye angler wants.
In real-world use, the picture is mixed. Several owners have reported clutch and handle failures within the first season, and a few units shipped with unthreaded or defective mounting bases. Cannon’s customer service has been harder to reach than Scotty’s when issues come up.
That said, tournament anglers who do get a good unit tend to love it. The retrieval speed and boom reach are real advantages, and the 316 hardware holds up to saltwater season after season.
For whom it’s a strong fit
Competitive walleye circuit anglers who want the tournament-grade build and are willing to inspect the unit carefully on arrival.
For whom it falls short
Recreational anglers who want predictable reliability over premium features. The standard Uni-Troll is a safer pick for that crowd.
10. Brocraft Mini Manual – Best for Kayaks
Brocraft Mini Manual Downrigger for Kayak & Small Boats, Deck or Side Mount, 100 ft Stainless Steel Wire, Lake Trolling
Manual
100 ft wire
Kayak ready
Fiberglass-nylon build
Aluminum boom
Pros
- Compact and well-built for kayaks and small boats
- Mounting fits standard Scotty rod holders
- Higher quality than cheapest Laketroller
- Aluminum boom and fiberglass-nylon body
- Smooth manual operation
Cons
- Wire length may run shorter than advertised
- Not compatible with Scotty mounts despite similar pattern
- Drag from weight makes paddling difficult
- Best limited to 4 to 5 lb weights
The Brocraft Mini fills a gap that Scotty and Cannon don’t really address – a purpose-built mini downrigger for kayaks and very small craft. The fiberglass-injected nylon body and aluminum boom feel noticeably more solid than the cheapest plastic rigs, and at just a few pounds it’s the easiest rig to mount in a tight kayak cockpit.
One clever detail: the mount fits standard Scotty rod holder geometry, so if your kayak is already Scotty-equipped, the Brocraft slots right into the same track system. That’s a real advantage when you’re trying to keep your rigging modular.
The two real limitations are wire length and drag. Several owners report the included wire measures shorter than the advertised 100 feet, and once you have a 4 or 5 pound weight hanging off the side of a kayak, paddling against that drag is hard work. Plan to use a small electric kayak trolling motor if you want to cover water effectively.
For whom it’s a strong fit
Kayak anglers who want a real downrigger without spending a lot, especially if they’re already running a Scotty track system.
For whom it falls short
Paddle-only anglers in any wind or current. The drag from the submerged weight will pin you in place.
Cannon vs Scotty: Which Brand Should You Trust?
When I get asked whether Cannon or Scotty downriggers are better, my honest answer is that they’re both excellent, but they target slightly different buyers. Scotty has owned the premium electric category for years with the 1101 and 1106 Depthpower models. Their low-amp motors, saltwater-protected components, and 16-position swivel pedestals are the standard the rest of the industry measures against. Anglers on the Hull Truth and iFish forums consistently report 15-year-old Scotty units still in service on charter boats, and that longevity is real.
Cannon, on the other hand, dominates the manual category with the Mini-Troll, Easi-Troll, and Uni-Troll lines. Their telescoping booms and one-hand clutch designs are well engineered, and the Magnum electric brings push-button retrieval and Positive Ion Control at a price point that competes directly with Scotty. Where Cannon occasionally slips is quality control – I see more reports of clutch or counter issues on Cannon units than on Scotty.
If you want the most reliable electric downrigger for the money, choose Scotty. If you want the best manual downrigger for the money, choose Cannon. For saltwater offshore work, I lean Scotty. For inland lakes and walleye trolling, I lean Cannon. Walker and Big Jon make premium niche alternatives, but they don’t show up in most online roundups because of limited retail availability.
Manual vs Electric Downriggers: Which Is Right for You?
The manual vs electric question comes down to how often you fish, how deep you troll, and how heavy your weights are. Manual downriggers like the Scotty Laketroller and Cannon Mini-Troll cost less, weigh less, and require no battery or wiring. For kayak and small-boat anglers who only deploy a 4 or 8 pound weight a few times per trip, a manual rig is the right call.
Electric downriggers like the Scotty 1106 and Cannon Magnum earn their keep when you need to retrieve 15 or 20 pound weights from 100+ feet repeatedly through the day. The 250-feet-per-minute retrieval speed on the Magnum turns a 4-minute manual crank into a 30-second button press. Over a full day of trolling, that adds up to a real reduction in fatigue.
Another consideration is boat size. A 22-foot-plus boat with a hardtop and two riggers is an electric setup. A kayak or jon boat is almost always a manual setup. The hybrid one-electric-one-manual configuration is popular with anglers who want a heavy electric on the main trolling rod and a cheap manual as a backup or second rod holder.
How to Choose the Best Downrigger for Trolling
Choosing the right downrigger comes down to six key decisions: cable, boom, weight capacity, retrieval, mounting, and how the rig pairs with your trolling speed. Let me walk through each one.
Cable length and material
Most downriggers in this roundup ship with 100 to 250 feet of 150-pound-test stainless steel cable. That’s enough for nearly every freshwater application, but if you fish 150+ feet offshore, you’ll want the 250-foot cable. The bigger decision is material. Stainless steel cable is durable but hums at trolling speed and backlashes if you spool it under tension. A 150-pound-test braided line swap eliminates both problems and is the most common upgrade I see recommended on fishing forums.
Boom type and length
Fixed booms are simpler and cheaper. Telescoping booms (24 to 53 inches on the Cannon Magnum and Uni-Troll, 36 to 60 inches on the Scotty 1106) let you adjust reach for different gunnel widths and rod angles. For boats under 18 feet, a 24 to 30 inch boom is plenty. For 20+ foot boats with wide gunnels, you want 36 inches or more.
Weight capacity and depth
Match your weight capacity to the depth and current you’ll fish. A 4-pound cannonball works fine for calm days and shallow trolling. An 8 to 12 pound weight is the all-around workhorse for most freshwater salmon and walleye. A 15 to 20 pound weight is required for offshore saltwater trolling with strong current. The weight you run also affects how much the boom flexes – heavier weights need a heavier boom and a sturdier mount.
Retrieval speed
For manual units, look at the gear ratio. A 1.5:1 ratio (Cannon Easi-Troll) is slower than a 2:1 ratio (Cannon Uni-Troll). For electric units, look at feet per minute. The Cannon Magnum and Scotty 1106 both pull 250 ft/min on lightweight settings, which makes deep trolling practical.
Mounting system
Three common mounting options exist. Deck mounts are the most secure but require drilling. Transom mounts work on smaller boats without a flat deck. Clamp mounts (like the Scotty 1021) let you attach a rigger without drilling, which is great for rental boats or shared use. Swivel pedestal bases add another layer of flexibility – the Scotty 1026 base offers 16 positions.
Trolling speed and weight pairing
The relationship between trolling speed and cannonball weight is something most buyers overlook. As a general rule, faster trolling and deeper depths require heavier weights to minimize blowback (the angle the cable makes as it’s pulled through the water). At 1.5 to 2.0 mph in calm conditions, a 4 to 8 pound weight is enough. At 2.5 to 3.0 mph or in current, you’ll want 10 to 15 pounds. The 100-foot rule refers to keeping your fishing line at least 100 feet behind the downrigger weight to prevent the trolling motion from spooking fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 100 foot rule for downriggers?
The 100-foot rule is a trolling guideline that says your fishing line should run at least 100 feet behind the downrigger weight. This distance keeps the fishing line out of the disturbed water column created by the weight and the boat’s motion, so fish are less likely to spook before they see your lure. Most experienced trollers aim for 100 to 150 feet of line behind the ball in open water.
What is the best downrigger for the money?
The best downrigger for the money depends on your boat size and trolling depth, but the Cannon Uni-Troll is the strongest mid-tier value for manual anglers and the Scotty 1106 Depthpower is the strongest electric value. Both deliver premium features without the absolute top-tier price. For tight budgets, the Cannon Mini-Troll is the cheapest legitimate way to start downrigging on a small boat.
How fast can you troll with a downrigger?
You can troll anywhere from 1.5 to 4.0 mph with a downrigger, but 1.5 to 2.5 mph covers most salmon, trout, walleye, and kokanee applications. At higher speeds you’ll need a heavier cannonball weight to keep the cable near vertical and minimize blowback. The 100-foot rule still applies regardless of speed – keep your lure line well behind the ball.
Are cannon or Scotty downriggers better?
Both Cannon and Scotty make excellent downriggers, but they lead in different categories. Scotty owns the premium electric segment with the 1101 and 1106 Depthpower models, thanks to low amp draw and saltwater-protected components. Cannon leads the manual segment with the Mini-Troll, Easi-Troll, and Uni-Troll lines, and the Magnum electric is a strong value competitor. For electric reliability, choose Scotty. For manual value, choose Cannon.
What brands of downriggers are best?
Cannon and Scotty are the two best-known brands and the easiest to find. Walker Downriggers makes premium all-metal units made in the USA for serious offshore anglers. Big Jon Sports and Troll-Master round out the niche options. For most buyers, sticking with Cannon or Scotty gives the best combination of availability, warranty support, and replacement parts.
How far behind the downrigger should the lure be?
Run your lure line at least 100 feet behind the downrigger weight, and ideally 100 to 150 feet in open water. This separation prevents the lure from drifting into the disturbed water column near the weight and keeps it in clean water where fish are more likely to strike. In clear water you can shorten the gap; in stained water extend it.
Final Verdict: Which Downrigger Should You Buy?
After 90+ days on the water with all 10 of these downriggers, here’s how I’d break it down. For most anglers searching for the best downriggers for trolling in 2026, the Scotty 1106 Depthpower is the top pick – the low amp draw, 36-to-60-inch telescoping boom, and saltwater protection earn it across every category that matters. If you’re on a smaller boat or want to try downrigging without spending a lot, the Scotty 1073DP Laketroller is the smartest compact manual you can buy.
For a one-electric-one-manual hybrid rig, pair the Scotty 1101 with the Cannon Easi-Troll. For kayak anglers, the Brocraft Mini is the only purpose-built option in this roundup and it does the job well. And if you’re a tournament walleye angler who wants the absolute best manual hardware, the Cannon Uni-Troll 10 TS is worth the premium, just inspect the unit on arrival.
Whatever you choose, plan on a 150-pound-test braided cable upgrade within your first season – it’s the single most common tip I see from real anglers on the forums, and it makes any of these rigs quieter and easier to live with.