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Whether you’re fishing from a dinghy, a small boat, or even a yacht, having the right gear is essential. While many fish for fun, others take it more seriously through competitions and tournaments.
One tool that makes a big difference is the downrigger—a device mounted on your boat to help with trolling. It uses a reel, steel cable, pulley, and a weight (usually 5–20 lbs.) to get your bait to the right depth.
Downriggers come in both manual and electric types, each with its own pros and cons. No matter which you choose, they’ll help you catch more fish.
In this guide, we’ll review 5 of the best downriggers for small boats, covering both manual and electric options along with their features, benefits, and drawbacks.
Best Downrigger We Will Cover Today
1. Best Electric –Cannon Mag 10
2. Best Compact Depthpower-Scotty #1106
3. Best Manual –Scotty #1073DP
4. Best For Kayak-Brocraft Minin
5. Best High-Performance-Scotty #2116
Downrigger For Small Boat Reviews!
1. Cannon Mag 10 Electric Downrigger
Price: $ 666.08 | Review: 4.6 | weight capacity: 20-lb
The Cannon Magnum 10 Electric Downrigger is a top choice from one of the most trusted names in the industry. Cannon is known for its powerful motors, and the Magnum series is no exception. With a retrieval speed of 250 ft per minute and the ability to handle weights up to 20 lbs, this model is built for serious anglers.
It comes with a heavy-duty telescopic boom extending from 24” to 53”, offering greater reach when needed. The 360-degree swivel base makes it easy to rotate the downrigger inboard with minimal effort, though it lacks a tilt feature.
One standout feature is the auto-stop system, which automatically brings the cannonball back to the waterline every time. With just a push of a button, it can quickly retrieve even a 15 lb weight from the depths.
The Magnum 10 also includes Positive ION control to attract fish and IP68 waterproof connections for reliability in harsh conditions. Additionally, the depth counter with five programmable settings allows you to return to your favorite strike zones instantly.
While the absence of tilt may limit adjustability, its speed, strength, and advanced features make the Cannon Magnum 10 one of the best electric downriggers for both recreational and seasoned anglers.
Pros:
- Cannon’s powerful electric motor with quick weight retrieval
- 360-degree swivel base for easy operation
- Long and heavy-duty telescopic boom
- Adjustable positive ION and IP68 waterproof connections
- Up to 5 frequently used preset depths.
Cons:
- The swivel base doesn’t tilt
2.Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger
Price: $ 648.69 | Review: 4.5 | weight capacity: 15 lb max
The Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger is a powerful choice for serious anglers who value strength, durability, and convenience. Its telescopic stainless-steel boom extends from 36 to 60 inches for added reach yet collapses easily for compact storage. Built with marine-grade stainless steel, it is fully protected for saltwater use and tough conditions.
Pre-spooled with 250 feet of 150 lb test stainless steel cable, it is designed to handle large catches with ease. The unit includes a Scotty/Marinco plug and receptacle, Power Grip Plus Line Release, and a #1026 Swivel Pedestal Mount offering 16 adjustable positions. For added practicality, the #1023 Tilt-Up Mounting Bracket lets you lock it upright, while the 358 Rodmaster II Rod Holder adds versatility.
Performance is where this downrigger truly shines. With adjustable speed control, it lifts a 7 lb weight at 235 ft/min and a 15 lb weight at 203 ft/min. Despite its power, it is highly efficient, drawing less than one-third the battery power compared to similar models.
Overall, the Scotty #1106 is an excellent electric downrigger for big boats, combining efficiency, strength, and long-lasting reliability—making it a top choice for both recreational and professional anglers.
Pros:
- Marine-grade, stainless steel boom
- Swivel base in the tilt-up mounting bracket for easy operation
- Power grip plus line release
- Fully adjustable descent speed for quick retrieval
Cons:
- 24” telescopic boom may not be ideal for larger fishing boats
3.Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger
Price: $ 90.59 | Review: 4.5 | weight capacity: 4 lb max
The Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger is a compact and budget-friendly option designed for small boats, kayaks, and canoes. Its lightweight build makes it easy to handle while still offering reliable performance for recreational anglers.
This model features a portable clamp mount that allows quick setup and removal without drilling holes into your boat. It comes with a bracket that fits gunnels up to 2 inches thick, making it highly versatile for different small watercraft.
The Laketroller is spooled with 100 feet of 150 lb test stainless steel cable, providing strength for handling smaller to medium-sized fish. It is best suited for lighter trolling applications, where precision and control are more important than heavy lifting.
The downrigger includes a manual crank handle for smooth operation and a clutch brake system to give you control over line release. While it doesn’t have the speed or power of larger models, its simplicity makes it a great choice for beginners or those fishing in shallower waters.
Overall, the Scotty #1073DP Laketroller is an excellent entry-level manual downrigger for anglers looking for an affordable, easy-to-use, and portable option for small boats and freshwater fishing trips.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight, perfect for small boats, kayaks, and canoes
- Affordable entry-level option
- Clamp mount allows easy installation and removal (no drilling required)
- Bracket fits gunnels up to 2 inches thick
- Comes pre-spooled with 100 ft of 150 lb test stainless steel cable
- Manual crank with clutch brake for smooth control
- Portable and easy to store
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy weights or deep trolling
- Manual operation can be tiring over long sessions
4.Brocraft Minin Manual Downrigger
Price: $ 89.99 | Review: 4.2
Another manual downrigger designed for kayaks or small boats comes from Brocraft. This is also a quality yet affordable downrigger. It’s a basic no-nonsense manual downrigger that is well-designed and built to last for years. It’s made out of a fiberglass-injected nylon and aluminum boom.
It comes with a 100-foot of braided stainless steel wire, which should be ideal for weights of 5 lbs or below. It’s a transom mount using a clamp that is very easy to position on and off your kayak or small boat. It’s a fine piece of equipment that is easy to use and operate.
Expect a little bit of drag because of its weight when you mount it on a kayak which can make paddling a lot harder. But with a higher quality pedal drive kayak, you will appreciate this downrigger more. It doesn’t have a line counter or a drag system. However, some use a marker such as tape to serve as a line counter. As for the drag, as long as you don’t tighten the knob on the crank too tight, the spool will automatically unravel once it gets caught on something.
Overall this mini manual downrigger from Brocraft is an excellent piece of equipment that is ideal for anglers who use a small boat or kayak. You can’t go wrong with this one especially for the value it provides. You will see a lot of positive online reviews of those who bought it, with most of them very satisfied with catching a lot of fish with this piece of equipment.
Pros:
- High-quality fiberglass body
- Ideal for kayaks, dinghies, or small boats
- Great for a fishing depth of 75 feet and below
- One of the cheapest manual downrigger on the market
Cons:
- Will add a bit of drag due to its weight to small kayaks
5.Scotty #2116 High Performance Electric Downrigger
Price: $ 874.64 | Review: 4.3 | weight capacity: 12-20 lb
Our last but certainly not the least electric downrigger, comes from Scotty, once again. If you’ve noticed, 3 out of the 5 best downriggers on our list came from this great company. And it’s not surprising considering Scotty is a company that has a lot of product lines in the industry. Incidentally, this is the most expensive downrigger on our list. But don’t be surprised as Scotty did not hold anything back and put all the bells and whistles in this amazing product.
The Scotty 2116 High-Performance Electric Downrigger has reached the highest performance and reliability standards. These top-notch and all-new design downrigger feature illuminated, resettable, sealed, and silent digital line counters, unbeatable pulling power, and a lot more.
It’s ideal for bigger boats, especially with its 36”-60” long adjustable telescopic stainless steel boom. The adjustable rocket launcher rod holders secure your fishing rods into place. It also has a clutch brake with the largest braking surface in the industry allowing for ultra-fast speeds. It comes equipped with a 300 feet, 180 lbs stainless steel downrigger wire, ideal for open sea fishing. Incidentally, it’s fully assembled and factory-tested with complete saltwater protection.
It can easily lift 15 lbs. of weight at an astonishing 295 feet per minute, and about 260 ft/per min for a 20 lbs. ball. Its half-inch Kevlar drive belt made by Optibelt means it’s made to last for years. The tilt-up mounting bracket enables the downrigger to be tilted and locked in the upright position, making it flexible.
Scotty will have a hard time topping this product as it seems they’ve already put everything that any fishing enthusiast would love in a downrigger. Everything about the Scotty 2116 spells high quality and if the price is not an issue, then it would be foolish to ignore this beauty.
Pros:
- Top-of-the-line electric downrigger
- Quick retrieval of up to 20 lbs of weight
- Ideal for medium and large-sized boats
- 36”-60” long adjustable stainless steel
- 300 feet, 180 lbs. of stainless steel wire for deep-level fishing
- Great for use in the open sea
- Swivel base with tilt-up mount for more flexibility
Cons:
- One of the most expensive electric downriggers on the market
Downrigger For Small Boat Buyer’s Guide
Now that we have given you the 5 Best Downriggers currently available in the market, you might be wondering what are the important things to consider, or what are the things that one should look for when trying to find a downrigger that’s right for you.
But before we list down the things that you need to consider, you should be able to know by now if you are going to settle for a manual downrigger, or if you need an electric one. That aside, it would now be easier to analyze which are the important things that one should be able to determine to arrive at the right product.
Ease Of Use
One of the main reasons for buying a downrigger is to make life easier for you. Is the downrigger you are buying simply to use? Or will you find yourself looking at the manual every time you need to operate it, instead of focusing on getting fish?
If you find that the downrigger you will buy is way too complicated for your skill level, you might be better off with a downrigger that is easy to install and use. The main goal is to find more fish by utilizing a downrigger, but if you find yourself more focused on operating your downrigger instead of fishing, it’s not the one for you.
Size Of Your Fishing Vessel
If you’re fishing using a kayak or a dinghy, you don’t need to buy the Scotty 2116 High-Performance Electric Downrigger. Perhaps the Scotty #1050 Depthmaster Manual Downrigger is all you need. You need to consider the size and capability of your fishing boat vis-à-vis the features of your downrigger.
It wouldn’t make sense as well to settle for a Scotty #1099 Compact Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/24-inch Boom when you are in a 250-foot yacht. So be sure to match your downrigger with the size and capability of your marine vessel. This way you will maximize the use of your downrigger and it will be cost-effective in the long run.
Flexibility
While ease of use is very important in choosing the right downrigger for you, flexibility is also another thing to look out for. Are you going to fish exclusively on a lake or do you intend to sometimes go out on the open sea?
Are you fishing less than 100 feet in depth all the time or will there be an occasion that you would go deeper than that? In this case, it’s best to choose a downrigger that can be used in both scenarios. Unless you want to put multiple and different downriggers on your boat (which a lot of anglers do), then choose the one that will make the most sense for you.
Capability
Is a certain feature of the downrigger listed here something that you cannot do without? Are you fishing for large fish such as kingfish or marlins? Then you have to consider these things when you decide to buy your downrigger.
The Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downrigger is more than capable of handling big fish like the ones mentioned above. It would be foolish to use a less-than-capable downrigger for fishing highly challenging fish. It’s always best to assess your skill and match it with the right downrigger. That way you will not be disappointed.
Price
If you have a large marine vessel or a kayak that can only accommodate one, you must know by now what kind of downrigger is best for you. Price is one of the things to consider because the more features and capabilities the downrigger has, the higher its price will be. If you’re the type of person that price is not an issue, then it’s safe to say that you only want the best for yourself.
In that case, buying the most expensive downrigger on our list makes sense. But only because you are getting your money’s worth. Same thing if you are on the lookout for a downrigger that is not going to make a dent in your savings. As long as you get what you are paying for then it’s a sound and solid purchase.
Best Downrigger for Small Boats – Manual vs. Electric
FINAL THOUGHTS
When it comes to the best downrigger for small boats, your choice depends on fishing style and budget. If you want a simple and affordable setup, a manual downrigger for small boats is perfect for beginners and casual anglers. On the other hand, if you need speed, power, and deeper trolling capabilities, the best electric downrigger for trolling will give you maximum efficiency and convenience.
Both options will help you reach the right depth, improve your chances of catching more fish, and make your time on the water more enjoyable. Pick the one that suits your needs, and you’ll have a reliable tool for better fishing every trip.
- Compact size makes for easy stowing; Easy access on/off switch
- Low amperage draw; High torque 12v motor; Recreational use only
- Accommodates 1/4" - 3/8" line; 120 foot per minute retrieval speed
- Heavy duty stainless steel and composite construction
- Pulls one crab trap or up to four prawn traps; Backed by a two-year warranty
- Mini Power Grip Plus with 18” Leader and Cannonball Snap
- Fishing line is gripped between the soft pads and variable release tension is attained by moving the line in or out of the jaws
- The “tension adjuster” doubles the holding power if needed
- Streamlined design wont’ snag on weeds or foul lines
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