Read our reviews of the best fishing Downrigger for trolling and buy a top-quality Downrigger for your fishing line.
The fishing downrigger is a system used mainly in trolling. Mounts on the mirror or on a side deck of the stern. It is important to make sure that the positioning is correct, i.e. that it allows the rotation of the arm as well as the lowering of the bald. All at a safe distance from the propellers.
To install it you need a plate bolted to a flat part. However, on the market, there are certain models that offer a foot, inserted directly into the rod holder. This device prevents the drilling of fiberglass.
To help you explore your options, we’ll explain the basics and sketch the outlines of outrigger fishing. We’ll also explore a few of our favorite outriggers, assessing their strengths and weaknesses. Also, see the best fly fishing vests on the market.
So, what are the best downriggers for trolling?
Whether you are looking for a beginner or professional fishing downrigger for trolling, based on our reviews of the downriggers for the money, you will discover the best fishing downrigger for trolling at the moment. All models presented will allow you to find your happiness. Be aware that the selected models capture prices in the market averages while meeting very strict quality criteria. A great deal for you, to get the best value for money!
Also, see the top-rated fishfinder GPS combo on the market.
Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downriggers
It is possible to bring it back to the surface at 250 feet per minute. An exclusive advantage of Cannon is the Short Stop function. Check for correct grounding: the function uses a small electric current. Thus the weight is automatically stopped right on the surface of the water, avoiding unnecessary weight gains. This fishing downrigger is capable of handling up to about 10 kg. There is also a 3-digit depth counter so you can position the sinker accurately. Magnum 5 ST is equipped with support for rod adjustable on two axes and a mounting base, which can be moved from one side to the other or up and down. It also features exclusive in control.
The fish are attracted to a slight positive discharge. The connections are IP68 waterproof and the construction is corrosion-resistant. All are covered by warranty. The list of features justifies the amount spent. Work as promised, and save a lot of time and effort. Some like the fact that they have fewer moving parts, so fewer things can go wrong. And it’s easy to access the coil, connectors, switches, and mounting knobs.
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Scotty Depthpower Electric Downrigger
Scotty is one of those names that should be well-known when it comes to fishing accessories. They have become popular enough to be a feature on many boats, kayaks, and other watercraft.
The Scotty Depthpower can still go from a full depth of 250’ to the surface in just over a minute.
This is done with a single button press so you can worry about the fish while Scotty brings your rig back to the surface. The Depthpower is pre-rigged and includes a 250’ steel cable, weight, and release.
The construction is spot on for the needs of any salt or freshwater angler. The boom extends up to 60” and is made of high-strength, low-corrosion steel.
The electronics are sealed and waterproofed. All you have to do is wire it and you’re ready to go. It even has an included plug and receptacle to make this easier.
The Depthpower is the first of these downriggers to feature a swivel base. This will help contend with any spread requirements you may have or just to get it away from the boat.
A novel feature of the Scotty is the adjustable speed retrieve and lower battery usage.
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Cannon Digi Troll 10 Downrigger For Trolling
It is an expensive product, but if you want an accessory that does most of the work, then it is valid. According to several buyers, it greatly improves the experience.
The quantity and size of the catch increase dramatically in the summer season. A tip for those who are beginners: make sure that the clutch tension is low enough so that the sinker maintains solidity.
The possibility of programming the depth at which the automatic shut-down is desired can also be appreciated. Initially, it may happen that the wire, during recovery, tends to have some problems during twisting. But after passing it through the metal eyelet (included) it is evenly distributed. As mentioned above, the price is not very accessible.
On the other hand, however, it offers many extra features, designed for both beginners and experts. Like the variable speed of descent, a characteristic that few sinkers present. And the attacked bait remains perfectly within reach of the fish, which will thus be encouraged to pursue it. The ideal tool for good loot even in the less propitious periods, in which perhaps the species prove rather wary. The up-and-down movement increases the chances of them biting.
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Scotty High-Performance Electric Fishing Downrigger
To find the king of all consumer-grade downriggers, we come back to Scotty. This is a downrigger that easily tops out some professional and commercial systems. But you won’t pay commercial-grade prices. If you have the money to spend, this is where you spend it.
Starting at the top, this unit ships with 300 feet of pre-rigged stainless steel cable. The cable provided is specifically designed for downrigger use.
This is one of the highest-capacity machines out there and to make your life easier, it uses a single button to send your line both up and down.
To do this, you can set the depth you want to run and the brain inside the Scotty will send your line straight to that depth.
Combine that feature with the super-fast speed. 295 feet per minute, which means you can spend all your time fishing and very little messing with the downrigger.
The downrigger arm extends out to 60 inches, keeping your line far from your boat, and is made of marine-grade steel. Everything about the high-powered Scotty is made to be efficient.
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Cannon Magnum 5 St Electric Downrigger
For one of the best budget electric downriggers, we return to Cannon. This time with their exceptional Magnum series.
On a budget, 5 ST is king. Upgraded units are available if you need more than what this amazing, compact unit offers. It may lack high-end features but it has everything a one-man operation needs.
For getting lines down and back quickly, the Magnum 5 has a total of 250 feet per minute retrieval rate. This can put you at maximum depth and back in just a couple of minutes. If you want to keep your line in the water, this is what it takes. It even has a short-stop safety so that speed doesn’t pull the weight up to the arm and cause any damage.
The arm extends to just over 50” and is a fully-coated steel construction for maximum strength. The Magnum comes loaded with 250’ of 150-pound test steel cable.
The cable is both saltwater resistant and camouflaged. A mechanical line counter will help you get your lures in the strike zone. Then, a single button press will bring the line to the surface.
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Also, see the best fishing lines for your spinning reels.
Manual vs. Electric Best Fishing Downriggers for Trolling – Which is right for you?
While it may seem electric is overdoing it a bit, there are ample reasons to own an electric downrigger. The cost difference between mid-range units is small. This has increased in popularity.
That isn’t to say there aren’t times you would want a manual over an electric one.
Let’s explore them both and their strengths and weaknesses.
Electric Downriggers
While you may spend more on an electric model than a manual, the benefits are justified for most users. They are significantly faster and can be run by just one person.
It’s easy enough to grab the rod on a hit. Then, activate the retrieve button so your rig is at the surface while you are fighting your fish. The line is out of the way and ready to set up again without delay.
Electrics will usually have all of the features on a manual including clutch breaks and line counters. But they are larger, heavier, and harder to mount. They can also be a little more complicated to learn but nothing you can’t figure out with a little time.
An additional feature you will commonly find on electric downriggers is Positive Ion Control. This is an interesting little add-on that polarizes the steel cable to attract fish. While it’s debatable how effective this is, there is some science to back it up. Regardless, if it has a chance of getting you a few more fish, it’s probably worth it!
Manual Downriggers
For the most part, manual downriggers are smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective. Many come with line counters, have clutch brakes, and work exceptionally well. They are much less complicated to use and can be run on boats of almost any size.
There are even models that can be used by kayak anglers.
They are slower to retrieve and can wear you out if you are fishing deep. The smaller crank can do a number on your arms and hands over a day and will slow the action down. You only catch fish when your baits are in the right place and minutes matter. This is even more important if you fish alone.
Best fishing Downrigger lines: Conclusion
Remember that downriggers are usually used in multiple arrangements. This will help you plan out your budget. Being able to spread several baits at depth is a common tactic.
Also, don’t forget to think about how your boat will need to be modified for mounting.
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