Quick answer
Our overall pick is the Cannon Magnum 10 Electric Downrigger, which lists push-button automatic retrieve, a 20-lb weight capacity and IP68 waterproof connections. The Cannon Optimum and Scotty #1101 suit anglers who want networked or low-draw electric control, while the Uni-Troll and Walker Mini Laker suit anglers who prefer a crank or work from smaller boats.
The best fishing downriggers hold a weight at a set depth so your bait stays where you want it while the boat moves. In this roundup we compare 16 models from Cannon, Scotty, Brocraft and Walker, covering electric, manual and mini styles, using only the features and specifications each listing provides.
Quick picks
- Push-button automatic retrieve: Cannon Magnum 10 Electric Downrigger (see on Amazon)
- Low battery draw electric: Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric (see on Amazon)
- Long telescoping manual boom: Cannon Uni-Troll 10 TS Manual (see on Amazon)
- Large 8-inch reel: Brocraft Telescopic Trolling Manual (see on Amazon)
- Kayak and jon boat clamp mount: Walker Mini Laker Manual (see on Amazon)
16 Best Fishing Downriggers compared
| # | Product | Best for | Weight | Height | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cannon Magnum 10 Electric Downrigger | Best overall | 22.5 lb | 24.0 in | 15.5 in |
| 2 | Cannon Optimum Electric Downrigger | Best for networked multi-rigger setups | Not listed | 24.0 in | 15.5 in |
| 3 | Scotty #2116 High Performance Electric | Best for long cable runs | Not listed | 8.0 in | 41.5 in |
| 4 | Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric | Best low battery draw electric | 19.8 lb | 7.5 in | 37.0 in |
| 5 | Cannon Uni-Troll 10 TS Manual | Best manual with long telescoping boom | 14.99 lb | 8.0 in | 27.0 in |
| 6 | Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual | Best fixed 24-inch boom manual | 10.5 lb | 7.0 in | 27.0 in |
| 7 | Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual | Best ergonomic crank handle | 7.43 lb | 36.0 in | 11.5 in |
| 8 | Scotty #1050MP Depthmaster Manual | Best ready-to-go kit with clamp | 9.0 lb | 6.5 in | 28.5 in |
| 9 | Scotty 1085 Strongarm 30-inch Manual | Best heavy-duty 30-inch manual | 11.0 lb | 7.0 in | 43.0 in |
| 10 | Cannon 1901250 Lake Troll Manual | Best compact 18-inch composite boom | 9.0 lb | 12.5 in | 24.5 in |
| 11 | Brocraft Telescopic Trolling Manual | Best oversized 8-inch reel | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| 12 | Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual | Best for small-boat high-speed retrieve | Not listed | 7.0 in | 28.0 in |
| 13 | Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual | Best for post mounts | 2.0 lb | 17.5 in | 6.25 in |
| 14 | Cannon Mini-Troll Manual | Best lightweight mini at 1 pound | 1.0 lb | 5.0 in | 20.0 in |
| 15 | Walker Mini Laker Manual | Best for kayaks and jon boats | Not listed | 9.0 in | 11.0 in |
| 16 | Brocraft Mini Manual Downrigger | Best for deck-or-side mounting | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
How we chose
We compared manufacturer listings and specifications on Amazon as of November 2026. This was a comparison of listed features and specs, not hands-on testing. Among the best fishing downriggers in this group, we looked at retrieval method, boom and cable details, listed weight capacity, mounting options and included accessories, and we left out any spec that looked implausible or conflicted with the listing title.
Electric downriggers with powered retrieve
These models are listed with electric operation, from push-button retrieve to networked control.
1. Best overall: Cannon Magnum 10 Electric Downrigger
Pros
- Push-button automatic weight retrieve
- 250 ft per minute retrieval and 20-lb capacity listed
- IP68 waterproof connections listed
Cons
- Listed at 22.5 pounds, heavier than most manual models here
- The listing does not mention cable length or line capacity
The Cannon Magnum 10 Electric Downrigger lists a 250 ft per minute retrieval rate and a 20-lb weight capacity, with a push-button automatic weight retrieve. Its listing describes Positive ION control to attract fish and IP68 waterproof connections. A 360 degree swivel base and mounting base are included, and the unit is listed at 22.5 pounds, 24.0 inches high, 15.5 inches long and 10.5 inches wide.
Best for: Anglers who want powered retrieve with a listed 20-lb weight capacity and waterproof connections.
2. Best for networked multi-rigger setups: Cannon Optimum Electric Downrigger
Pros
- Wireless network for up to four units
- Stores five preset depths
- Waterline Zero Protection listed
Cons
- Network features are tied to Fish Hawk Electronics and the Cannon app
- The listing does not mention weight capacity
The Cannon Optimum Electric Downrigger is listed with wireless network integration for up to four Optimum downriggers, plus the Cannon mobile app and Fish Hawk Electronics. It stores up to five preset depths, remembers the last catch location and offers Depth Cycle and Bottom Tracking. Waterline Zero Protection is described as keeping the weight at a set distance below the waterline during retrieval.
Best for: Anglers who want wireless control and preset depths across several Optimum units.
3. Best for long cable runs: Scotty #2116 High Performance Electric
Pros
- 300 feet of 180 lb test cable listed
- Illuminated, resettable digital line counter
- Auto-Stop with Scotty line beads
Cons
- The listing does not mention a weight capacity
- Boom extends to 60 inches, which takes more space when deployed
The Scotty #2116 High Performance Electric Downrigger is listed with a 36 to 60 inch telescoping stainless steel tilt-up boom and 300 feet of 180 lb test, 316 stainless steel downrigger wire. It has an illuminated, resettable, sealed and silent digital line counter, a 1/2 inch Kevlar drive belt, a clutch brake and a 16 position swivel pedestal mount. Two Power Grip Plus line releases are included.
Best for: Anglers who want the longest listed cable, 300 feet of 180 lb test, with a resettable digital counter.
4. Best low battery draw electric: Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric
Pros
- Listed as lowest amperage draw
- Marine grade stainless steel boom
- Tilt-up bracket and swivel pedestal mount included
Cons
- At 19.8 pounds, it is listed as a heavy unit
- The listing does not mention weight capacity; follow the manufacturer's manual for electrical connections
The Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger comes with a 30-inch boom and 250 feet of 150 lb test stainless steel cable. The listing calls it designed for heavy duty use and says it has the lowest amperage draw of any downrigger made, with a lower battery draw than some competing units. It includes a 1023 tilt-up mounting bracket, a 1026 swivel pedestal mount and a Scotty/Marinco plug and receptacle.
Best for: Anglers who want an electric unit that the listing describes as having the lowest amperage draw in its category.
Manual downriggers for everyday trolling
These crank-operated models use a manual reel and clutch, with a range of boom lengths and included accessories.
5. Best manual with long telescoping boom: Cannon Uni-Troll 10 TS Manual
Pros
- Boom extends from 24 to 53 inches
- 2:1 retrieval speed listed
- Dual-axis rear rod holder included
Cons
- At 14.99 pounds, heavier than the Uni-Troll 5
- Manual operation; the listing does not describe an electric retrieve
The Cannon Uni-Troll 10 TS Tournament Series Manual Downrigger is listed with a 2:1 retrieval speed and a one-hand clutch deploy for gradual, controlled descent. Its 316 marine-grade telescopic boom extends from 24 to 53 inches, with an enclosed boom end meant to prevent line jumping. It includes one rear-mount rod holder with dual-axis adjustability.
Best for: Anglers who want a manual unit with a telescoping boom that extends from 24 to 53 inches.
6. Best fixed 24-inch boom manual: Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual
Pros
- Fixed 24-inch stainless steel boom
- 2:1 retrieval speed listed
- 10.5 pounds, lighter than the Uni-Troll 10 TS
Cons
- The boom is fixed and does not telescope
- The listing does not mention weight capacity
The Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual Downrigger shares the 2:1 retrieval speed and one-hand clutch deploy of its larger sibling. It uses a fixed 24-inch stainless steel boom with an enclosed boom end to prevent line jumping. A rear-mount dual-axis rod holder is included. The listing gives a weight of 10.5 pounds, a height of 7.0 inches and a length of 27.0 inches.
Best for: Anglers who want a simpler manual setup with a fixed 24-inch stainless boom and a lighter listed weight.
7. Best ergonomic crank handle: Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual
Pros
- Ergonomic crank handle listed
- Enclosed 24-inch boom end pulley
- One-hand clutch deploy
Cons
- The 1.5:1 retrieval speed is slower than the 2:1 Uni-Troll models
- The listing does not mention a rod holder or depth counter
The Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger is listed with a 1.5:1 retrieval speed, a one-hand clutch deploy and an ergonomic crank handle. An enclosed 24-inch stainless steel boom end pulley is meant to prevent jump lines. It is listed in black at 36.0 inches high, 11.5 inches long, 5.0 inches wide and 7.43 pounds.
Best for: Anglers who put the crank handle first and want a manual unit with an enclosed boom end pulley.
8. Best ready-to-go kit with clamp: Scotty #1050MP Depthmaster Manual
Pros
- Deck bracket and clamp mount both included
- Adjustable Rod Master II rod holder included
- Spray protected positive drive depth counter
Cons
- Listed boom is 23 inches, shorter than some manual options here
- The listing does not mention weight capacity
The Scotty #1050MP Depthmaster Manual Downrigger is display packed with a quick-slide #1010 deck mounting bracket and a portable #1021 clamp mount. It has a 23-inch, 3/4-inch diameter stainless steel boom and an adjustable boom-mounted Rod Master II rod holder. A spray protected, positive drive depth counter and a Power Grip Plus line release are included.
Best for: Anglers who want deck and clamp mounting options, a rod holder and a depth counter in one package.
9. Best heavy-duty 30-inch manual: Scotty 1085 Strongarm 30-inch Manual
Pros
- Described as the heavy duty workhorse of the lineup
- 30-inch, 1-1/4 inch diameter stainless boom
- Spray protected positive-drive depth counter
Cons
- The listing does not mention a rod holder or line release
- At 43.0 inches long, it is among the longest units here
The Scotty 1085 Strongarm 30 inch Downrigger is described as the heavy duty workhorse of the Scotty manual lineup and as excellent for an intermediate size boat. It has a 30-inch, 1-1/4 inch diameter stainless steel boom and a spray protected positive-drive depth counter. The listing gives 11.0 pounds, 7.0 inches high and 43.0 inches long.
Best for: Anglers with an intermediate size boat who want a heavy-duty manual unit with a 30-inch stainless boom.
10. Best compact 18-inch composite boom: Cannon 1901250 Lake Troll Manual
Pros
- 18-inch composite boom described as lightweight
- One-hand clutch deploy
- Tube-style rear rod holder included
Cons
- The 1:1 retrieval rate is slower than the 2:1 models here
- The boom is composite rather than stainless steel, per the listing
The Cannon 1901250 Lake Troll Manual Downrigger has a standard 1:1 retrieval rate and a one-hand clutch deploy. Its 18-inch composite boom is described as lightweight and designed for smaller boats and space-conscious fishing. A tube-style rear-mount rod holder is included. The listing gives 9.0 pounds, 12.5 inches high and 24.5 inches long.
Best for: Anglers on smaller boats who want a compact composite boom and an included rod holder.
11. Best oversized 8-inch reel: Brocraft Telescopic Trolling Manual
Pros
- Oversized 8-inch reel listed
- 160 feet of pre-spooled stainless steel cable
- Telescopic boom and swivel base
Cons
- The listing does not state boom length or weight
- The listing does not give height or length dimensions
The Brocraft Trolling Manual Downrigger with Telescopic Boom and Swivel Base is listed with aluminum alloy and marine-grade plastic construction. It has an oversized 8-inch reel that the listing says speeds retrieval of the weight ball. It is pre-spooled with 160 feet of stainless steel cable and includes a three-digit depth counter. The design is listed as patent pending.
Best for: Anglers who want an oversized reel and 160 feet of pre-spooled stainless cable out of the box.
Compact and mini riggers for small boats
These smaller units are listed with compact booms, clamp or deck mounts, and lighter weights.
12. Best for small-boat high-speed retrieve: Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual
Pros
- 200 feet of 150 lb test cable listed
- High-speed two-foot per turn spool
- Extension handle for heavy weights
Cons
- The listing does not mention a weight capacity
- The size field reads Medium while the title does not list a size
The Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger is compact and listed as ideal for a small boat that fishes deep. It includes a high-speed two-foot per turn spool and an extension handle for extra leverage with heavy weights. The listing gives 200 feet of 150 lb test stainless steel downrigger cable, a spray protected positive-drive depth counter and a quick-slide #1010 deck mounting bracket.
Best for: Small-boat anglers who want a high-speed manual retrieve with 200 feet of listed cable.
13. Best for post mounts: Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual
Pros
- Deck, gunnel or transom mounting
- Bolting pattern listed
- 100 feet of 150 lb test stainless cable
Cons
- Listed cable length of 100 feet is shorter than most models here
- The listing does not mention a weight capacity
The Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger is a post mount model that can be mounted on a flat deck surface or on the side of a gunnel or transom. The listing gives mount dimensions of 4 by 2 by 2 inches with a 1-5/16 by 3-3/16 inch bolting pattern. It includes 100 feet of premium 150 lb test stainless steel cable and a Power Grip Plus Mini-Grip line release, Model 1181.
Best for: Anglers who want a post mount that can go on a deck, gunnel or transom.
14. Best lightweight mini at 1 pound: Cannon Mini-Troll Manual
Pros
- Listed at 1.0 pound
- 100 feet of stainless steel cable
- Swivel-head depth counter
Cons
- The listing does not mention a boom length
- The listing does not mention a weight capacity or rod holder
The Cannon Mini-Troll Manual Downrigger is listed for boats and freshwater trolling. It has a horizontal reel and brake, 100 feet of stainless steel cable and a swivel-head depth counter. The listing gives a weight of 1.0 pound, a height of 5.0 inches, a length of 20.0 inches and a width of 12.0 inches.
Best for: Anglers who want a very light listed unit for freshwater trolling with 100 feet of stainless cable.
15. Best for kayaks and jon boats: Walker Mini Laker Manual
Pros
- 6 lb weight capacity listed
- C-clamp for gunwales up to 2 inches thick
- Built-in 3-digit footage counter
Cons
- Clamp mounting is limited to gunwales up to 2 inches thick
- The listing does not mention cable length
The Walker Mini Laker Manual Downrigger is built from aluminum and stainless steel and is listed with a 6 lb weight capacity. Its heavy-duty aluminum C-clamp is described as mounting to a gunwale up to 2 inches thick, with no drilling required. It includes a rod holder and clamp, plus a built-in 3-digit footage counter. The listing gives a height of 9.0 inches, a length of 11.0 inches and a width of 5.0 inches.
Best for: Kayak and jon boat anglers who want a clamp-mounted rigger with a listed 6 lb capacity.
16. Best for deck-or-side mounting: Brocraft Mini Manual Downrigger
Pros
- Deck or side mounting system
- 100 feet of braided stainless steel wire
- Fiberglass-injected nylon body and aluminum boom
Cons
- Recommended for use with weights under 5 pounds
- The line counter is not included
The Brocraft Mini Manual Downrigger is listed for kayaks and small boats, with deck or side mounting and a line release included. It has a fiberglass-injected nylon body and aluminum boom, along with 100 feet of braided stainless steel wire. One full turn of the reel retrieves approximately 1 foot of line, and a line counter is not included.
Best for: Kayak and small boat anglers who want deck or side mounting with 100 feet of braided stainless wire.
How to choose the best fishing downriggers
Start with how you want to raise and lower the weight. Electric models in this roundup, such as the Cannon Magnum 10 and Scotty #1101, are listed with powered retrieval, while manual models rely on a crank and a clutch. Neither style is better in every case; the right pick depends on how many lines you plan to run and how much hands-on work you want.
Next, compare the boom and cable. Boom length and type affect how far the weight sits from the boat. Cable length and test strength are listed for many models, for example 300 feet of 180 lb test on the Scotty #2116 and 100 feet on the Brocraft Mini. Check the listed weight capacity as well; the Walker Mini Laker lists 6 lb, while the Brocraft Mini is recommended for weights under 5 pounds.
Mounting matters just as much. Some riggers are built for deck brackets, others for clamps on a gunwale, and some for post mounts. Look for listed mount dimensions or maximum gunwale thickness, and confirm the fit on your own boat before you buy.
Depth counters and line releases round out the setup. Several listings mention spray protected or three-digit counters, and some include line releases or rod holders. If a feature is not in the listing, do not assume it is included. For electric units, follow the manufacturer’s manual for wiring, battery connection and waterproofing. For boating basics, the US Coast Guard’s resources at uscgboating.org are a useful starting point. For broader fishing methods, see our Fishing Methods category, our Fishing Techniques hub, and our guide to 20 best fishing lures for choosing what goes on the line.
What to look for
- Retrieval method: electric or manual, and the listed retrieval rate
- Boom length and type, plus any listed mount compatibility
- Cable length and test strength, and any listed weight capacity
- Mounting style: deck bracket, clamp or post
- Depth counter, line release and rod holder, if included
FAQ
Do electric downriggers need special handling?
Electric models such as the Cannon Magnum 10 and Scotty #1101 are listed with powered operation. Follow the manufacturer’s manual for connections, power supply, battery care and waterproofing.
Can a mini downrigger work on a kayak?
The Walker Mini Laker is listed for kayaks, jon boats and rental boats, and the Brocraft Mini is listed for kayaks and small boats. Check the weight limit and your gunwale or deck fit in the listing before you mount one.
What does a depth counter do?
A depth counter shows how much line is out, which helps you return to a target depth. Several listings describe spray protected, positive drive or three-digit counters, and the best fishing downriggers for your setup will have a counter you can read easily.
Should I choose manual or electric?
Manual models rely on a crank and clutch, while electric models are listed with powered retrieve. Compare the retrieval method, boom, cable and mounting details against your boat before deciding.
References
- Amazon product listings and manufacturer specifications (accessed November 2026)
- US Coast Guard Boating Safety, uscgboating.org
