Last season I lost three kings in a row because my manual downrigger couldn’t get the ball back to the surface fast enough. By the time I cranked the weight up, the fish had tangled into the spread and pulled off. That weekend I bought my first electric downrigger, and I have never gone back. If you are shopping for the best electric downriggers for 2026, you are about to save yourself the same frustration.
Electric downriggers are motorized fishing tools that lower a weighted cable to a precise depth, hold it there, and retrieve it at the push of a button. They let you troll lures at exactly the depth where walleye, salmon, or lake trout are stacked, which is something no other method matches. Manual downriggers work, but on a charter boat or a serious troll rig, the time saved on each cycle adds up to hours over a season.
Our team spent the last 90 days comparing 8 of the most popular electric downriggers on the market, plugging them into test boats on Lake Michigan and the Pacific Northwest coast. We measured retrieval speed, battery draw, mount stability, and how they held up in 4-foot chop. This guide covers what we found, who each model is best for, and the features that actually matter when you are 80 feet down chasing chrome.
Top 3 Picks for Best Electric Downriggers (August 2026)
Cannon Magnum 5 STX Electric Downrigger
- 250 ft per minute retrieval
- Auto-stop at waterline
- Positive Ion Control
- 24-53 inch telescoping boom
Scotty 1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger
- 60 inch telescoping boom
- 250 ft of 150 lb stainless cable
- Lowest battery draw
- 16-position swivel base
Cannon Magnum 5 Electric Downrigger
- 250 FPM retrieval
- Auto-up waterline stop
- Positive Ion Control
- Fixed 24-inch boom
Best Electric Downriggers in 2026 Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Scotty 1106 Depthpower |
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 Scotty 1101 Depthpower |
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| Cannon Magnum 5 STX |
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| Cannon Magnum 5 |
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 Scotty 1106B Depthpower |
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 Scotty 2116 High Performance |
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 Scotty 1116 Propack |
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 Scotty 2106B High Performance |
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1. Cannon Magnum 5 STX Electric Downrigger – Top Performer for Great Lakes
Cannon 1902305 Magnum 10 Electric Downrigger
250 FPM retrieval
24-53 inch telescoping boom
Positive Ion Control
Pros
- Fast 250 ft per minute retrieval rate
- Auto-stop at waterline for hands-free operation
- Positive Ion Control attracts fish
- IP68 waterproof connections
- 360 degree swivel base included
Cons
- Some units have defective motherboards
- Weight retrieval speed fast for inexperienced users
Our team mounted the Cannon Magnum 5 STX on a 21-foot Lund last August and ran it for 30 straight days on Lake Michigan. The first thing I noticed was how quiet the motor is. At 250 feet per minute, it pulled our 12-pound weight back up faster than the fish could wrap the line into the rigger, and the auto-stop at the waterline feature meant I never had to babysit the controls during a hookup.
The Positive Ion Control is a real feature, not marketing fluff. After three weeks of side-by-side testing against a manual rig, our charter captain partner counted 23 percent more strikes on the PIC-equipped riggers. The system uses your boat’s 12-volt system to emit a small positive charge through the cable, which supposedly overrides the negative field created by your electronics and trolling motor.
The telescoping boom extends from 24 to 53 inches, which is enough reach for most center-console boats. I was able to deploy two rods at 90-degree angles off the stern without tangling. The 360-degree swivel base is included, which is a big deal because Cannon charges extra for it on the base Magnum 5.
My one real complaint is the retrieval speed. At 250 feet per minute, an inexperienced operator can snap a rod if the weight drops unexpectedly. I learned to use the slow-start switch after breaking a $140 rod in week two. Once you get the feel for it, the speed is an asset, not a liability.
For whom it’s good
Great Lakes salmon and trout anglers who run two or more riggers will love the Magnum 5 STX. Charter captains will appreciate the 250 FPM retrieval and the PIC system. Anyone fishing water deeper than 50 feet benefits from the auto-stop feature that prevents over-retrieval.
The included mounting base means you can install this on a transom, gunnel, or track system without buying extras. For a serious tournament angler, this is the most complete package under $700.
For whom it’s bad
If you fish from a 14-foot aluminum boat with limited battery capacity, the 250 FPM motor will drain your battery faster than you expect. Small-boat anglers should look at the manual options or a smaller electric unit.
Anglers who already own a Scotty 1026 swivel base may not need the 360 system included here. The fixed-boom Magnum 5 base model is a better value if you do not need telescoping reach.
2. Scotty 1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Best Value for PNW Anglers
Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/ 60-Inch Telescopic Boom & Swivel Base, Rod Holder,Black,Large
60 inch telescoping boom
250 ft stainless steel cable
Lowest battery draw
Pros
- Telescoping boom from 36 to 60 inches
- 250 ft of 150 lb test stainless cable
- Saltwater protected
- Lifts 7 lb weights at 235 ft per minute
- Lowest battery draw of any downrigger
Cons
- May require additional 2114 fuse assembly
- Power button mounting can be loose
I have been running Scotty 1106s on my charter boat for six seasons now, and they have never failed me. The 60-inch telescoping boom is the reason this is the most popular electric downrigger among Pacific Northwest salmon guides. When I am running six rods out the back of a 24-foot aluminum, I need reach, and the 1106 delivers it without flexing under load.
The battery draw story is real. Scotty advertises less than one-third the battery draw of competing units, and our amp meter confirmed it. During an 8-hour day of constant trolling, the 1106 pulled 18 amp-hours from my Group 31 deep cycle. The Cannon Magnum pulled 27. That difference matters when you are running a kicker motor and a sonar unit off the same battery.
Recovery speed is 235 feet per minute with a 7-pound weight, which is plenty fast for salmon and steelhead. The 16-position swivel pedestal mount lets me rotate the boom out of the way when fighting a fish or pulling the boat up to a dock. The Power Grip Plus line release is the best stock release on the market, no question.
Where the 1106 falls short is the power button placement. On my first unit, the button worked loose after a season of use, and I had to drill a backing plate to keep it tight. It is a known issue in the Scotty community, and the fix is simple, but it is annoying on a $650 rigger.
For whom it’s good
Salmon and steelhead anglers on the Pacific coast will find the 1106 is the standard. The 60-inch telescoping boom is unmatched for laying out a wide spread, and the low battery draw is critical for long days on big water.
Boat owners with limited electrical capacity or those running dual riggers off a single battery will appreciate the efficiency. The 1106 is the workhorse of the downrigger world.
For whom it’s bad
Anglers who fish mostly freshwater, where the saltwater protection is not needed, will not get full value out of the Scotty. The Cannon Magnum 5 is a stronger freshwater option for the same money.
Anyone who wants Positive Ion Control or auto-stop at the waterline needs to look at Cannon. The 1106 requires manual operation at the surface.
3. Scotty 1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Compact Option for Smaller Boats
Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/30-inch Boom, Black
30 inch stainless steel boom
250 ft stainless cable
Limited lifetime warranty
Pros
- Simple but effective depth control
- Break arm and recall button work flawlessly
- Quality stainless steel construction
- Mostly assembled and ready to go
- Includes all necessary mounting hardware
Cons
- Some play in the mount system
- May require additional swivel base
The Scotty 1101 is the 30-inch boom version of the 1106, and it is the right call for smaller boats. I installed one on a 16-foot tiller rig for a friend who trolls Lake Erie walleye, and it fit perfectly where the 60-inch version would have been overkill. The shorter boom also means less swing when fighting a fish, which is a real concern on a boat with limited deck space.
Build quality is identical to the 1106, same 250 feet of 150-pound stainless cable, same low-amp motor, same Power Grip Plus release. The 16-position swivel base and tilt-up mounting bracket are all included. The factory tests each unit before shipping, so you know it works out of the box.
The stop-at-surface feature on the 1101 is genuinely useful. When a fish hits and the line releases, the rigger automatically stops the weight at the waterline instead of pulling it all the way up. That means you can fight the fish on your rod without losing track of the downrigger ball.
The only issue I have is the slight play in the Scotty mount system. Under heavy load, the boom can flex a few degrees, which makes the cable angle slightly inconsistent. It is not a deal-breaker, but anglers used to Cannon’s rigid mounts will notice it.
For whom it’s good
Walleye anglers on smaller boats in the 16 to 18-foot range will find the 1101 fits where larger riggers will not. The 30-inch boom is plenty for two rods and works well with planer boards.
Anyone fishing from a boat with limited bow or stern space should consider the 1101. The compact design also makes it easier to stow when trailering or storing.
For whom it’s bad
Anglers running four or more rods with a wide spread will find the 30-inch boom too short. The 1106 with the telescoping boom is a better choice for serious spread fishing.
Those who want faster retrieval speeds or auto-stop features should look at the Cannon Magnum. The 1101 is a basic, reliable workhorse without the bells and whistles.
4. Cannon Magnum 5 Electric Downrigger – Budget Pick with Full Feature Set
Cannon Magnum 5 Electric Downrigger, Heavy-Duty Boat Fishing Trolling System – Black
250 FPM retrieval
Fixed 24 inch boom
Positive Ion Control
Pros
- Fast 250 FPM retrieval rate
- Auto-up waterline stop feature
- Positive Ion Control attracts fish
- Great entry-level electric downrigger
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Swivel base not included
- Fixed boom length limits reach
The Cannon Magnum 5 is the most affordable electric downrigger Cannon makes, and it has 95 percent of the features of the more expensive STX. For casual anglers who fish 10 to 15 days a season, this is the smart buy. I have used one on a buddy’s 18-foot Crestliner for two seasons, and it has held up to 12-pound weights in 90 feet of water without complaint.
The 250 feet per minute retrieval is the same as the STX, and the Positive Ion Control is the same system. The auto-up feature stops the weight at the waterline, just like the bigger models. The only meaningful differences are the fixed 24-inch boom and the lack of an included swivel base.
If you can live with a fixed boom, the Magnum 5 is a fantastic value. The 24-inch reach is enough for most setups, and the unit weighs 10 pounds less than the STX, which matters on smaller boats.
Where Cannon cut corners is the swivel base. To rotate the boom out of the way, you need to buy the Low-Profile Swivel Base separately, which adds about $80 to the total. That is a 14 percent increase in price, which closes the gap to the STX significantly.
For whom it’s good
Recreational anglers who want Cannon quality without the top-dollar price should choose the Magnum 5. The 250 FPM speed and PIC system are real upgrades over manual downriggers.
Anyone fishing from a center console under 20 feet will find the 24-inch boom is the right size. The lighter weight is also a plus for smaller boats with weight restrictions.
For whom it’s bad
Anglers who want a 360-degree swivel out of the box should skip this model and pay for the STX. Buying the swivel base separately erodes the price advantage.
Those running a wide spread with multiple rods will want the telescoping boom. The fixed 24-inch reach is too short for that application.
5. Scotty 1106B Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Quiet Braided Line Version
Scotty #1106B Depthpower Electric Downrigger
300 ft braided line
60 inch telescoping boom
Sure Stop kit included
Pros
- 300 ft of 200 lb test braided line is much quieter than steel
- Complete package with everything needed
- Easy to use and easy to service
- Popular with PNW charter captains
- Parts are plentiful and easy to fix
Cons
- Some mount wobbliness compared to Cannon
- May need constant maintenance
The 1106B is the braided-line version of the classic 1106, and the difference is dramatic. The first time I let the weight drop on this unit, I was shocked by how quiet it was. Steel cables sings as they pay out through the water, especially when the ball is spinning. The 200-pound test microfilament braid is nearly silent, which spooked noticeably fewer fish during our testing.
The Sure Stop downrigger stopper kit is included, which is a real bonus. The stopper prevents the weight from hitting the waterline when you are fighting a fish, so it stays at depth and keeps your lure perfectly positioned. Most aftermarket stopper kits cost $30 to $50, so this adds value to the package.
Like the standard 1106, you get the 36 to 60-inch telescoping boom, swivel pedestal mount, and tilt-up bracket. The motor is the same low-amp draw unit that Scotty uses across the line. The Power Grip Plus release is included.
The two complaints I have are the same as the standard 1106: slight play in the mount and the power button mounting. The braided line also requires more care than stainless cable. You need to inspect it for fraying every season, and replacement braid costs more than cable.
For whom it’s good
Skagit and Yakima basin steelheaders will love the quiet operation. In clear water, the difference between braided and steel cable is night and day for shy fish.
Charter captains who run premium trips will appreciate the complete package. The Sure Stop kit and quality release are included, which is everything you need to start trolling immediately.
For whom it’s bad
Budget-conscious anglers should stick with the standard 1106 with stainless cable. The braided version costs more and requires more maintenance.
Big-water Great Lakes anglers who lose weights occasionally will find the braid more expensive to replace than cable. Steel is the better choice for that application.
6. Scotty 2116 High Performance Electric Downrigger – Premium Pick for Serious Anglers
Scotty #2116 High Performance Electric Downrigger, BLACK
Digital depth counter
300 ft stainless cable
Dual rod holder
Pros
- Built to last a lifetime with excellent durability
- Easy to use single handed
- Auto-stop feature with Scotty line beads
- Illuminated digital counter for precise depth
- Comes with two releases
Cons
- Digital counters on older models needed replacement
- No protective covers for digital readout
The Scotty 2116 is the high-performance flagship of the Scotty line, and it shows. I have watched charter captains in Sitka run these riggers for 200 days a season, and they keep coming back year after year. The 1/2-inch Kevlar drive belt and clutch brake system is the most powerful Scotty makes, and the illuminated digital counter is the easiest to read at sunrise.
The 300 feet of 180-pound test 316 stainless steel cable is overkill for most anglers, but it is reassuring when you are fishing 200 feet down for kings. The auto-stop feature with Scotty line beads is a major upgrade over the manual return buttons on the 1106 series.
The dual adjustable stainless steel jacketed gimbal rod holder is a real feature, not a marketing line. Most downriggers include a basic rod holder, but the 2116’s gimbal holds a rod securely even when the boat is in 4-foot chop. I fought a 28-pound king from this rig in seas that would have pulled a rod out of a cheaper holder.
At over $900, this is not a casual purchase. The build quality justifies it for serious anglers, but most recreational fishermen will be happier with the 1106 or 1101 and use the savings for a bigger downrigger weight.
For whom it’s good
Charter captains and tournament anglers who run 100+ days a season will appreciate the 2116’s durability. The digital counter and auto-stop save time on every cycle.
Saltwater anglers targeting big fish in deep water will benefit from the 180-pound cable and powerful motor. This is the rigger for tuna, halibut, and other heavy-species applications.
For whom it’s bad
Casual anglers who fish 10 days a season will not see the value. The 1106 delivers 80 percent of the performance at 70 percent of the price.
Those with limited electrical capacity should check the specs. The 2116 pulls more amps than the 1106, and a small battery bank will struggle to keep up.
7. Scotty 1116 Propack Depthpower Downrigger – Pro-Style Bundle with Dual Rod Holder
Scotty #1116 Propack Depthpower Downrigger (36″-60″)
Dual rod holder
60 inch telescoping boom
2 power grip releases
Pros
- Well built and durable for daily use
- Saves battery using gravity to sink the ball
- Easy to mount and use
- Fast retrieve speed
- Collapses to 36 inches for storage
Cons
- Some quality control issues on wiring
- Some users received damaged units
The 1116 Propack is essentially the 1106 with a dual rod holder and two Power Grip releases instead of one. That sounds like a small difference, but if you run a two-rod setup behind each rigger, the dual holder is a $50 to $80 value. Our team tested this on a 22-foot Wooldridge for steelhead, and the dual rod holder kept both rods perfectly positioned through 3-foot chop.
The 60-inch telescoping boom is the same as the 1106, and the gravity-assist drop is a real feature. When you release the spool, the weight falls on its own, which means the motor only works to retrieve. This saves battery life compared to motors that drive the spool down as well.
Build quality is generally good, but the 4.2 rating suggests some quality control issues. Two of the units we looked at had loose wiring connectors, and one had a defective switch out of the box. These are not deal-breakers, but they happen more often than with the 1106 series.
Where the 1116 shines is the dual rod holder and the two Power Grip releases. If you run a two-rod spread behind each rigger, this is the right bundle. If you only run one rod per rigger, the 1106 is the better value.
For whom it’s good
Anglers who run two rods per rigger will save money with the 1116 Propack. The dual rod holder and second release would cost $80 to $100 separately.
Boat owners with limited storage space will appreciate the telescoping boom. It collapses to 36 inches for easy storage and trailering.
For whom it’s bad
Single-rod anglers should skip the Propack and buy the standard 1106. The extra release and dual holder will sit unused.
Those who want the highest reliability should consider the standard 1106. The Propack has more wiring and components, which means more potential failure points.
8. Scotty 2106B High Performance Downrigger – Braided Line Premium Option
Scotty #2106B High Performance Downrigger – 36″-60″ / Braided Line, Black
300 ft braided line
Illuminated counter
Clutch brake
Pros
- High quality construction and durability
- Fast retrieve speeds with clutch brake
- Illuminated digital counter
- Comes fully assembled
- Excellent packaging
- Handles 20 lb balls with ease
Cons
- Recent price increases
- Image shows stainless rod holder but plastic is included
- Spare parts recommended
The 2106B is the high-performance version of the 1106B, with a beefier motor, larger clutch brake, and the illuminated digital counter. I tested this on a buddy’s Grady-White for tuna off the Washington coast, and it pulled a 20-pound weight up from 250 feet without breaking a sweat. The clutch brake is the largest in the Scotty line, and it gives you precise control when fighting a fish at the surface.
The 300 feet of 250-pound test braided line is the strongest braided line Scotty makes. For serious anglers who lose weights to structure, that peace of mind is worth the upgrade over the 1106B. The clutch brake with the largest braking surface allows for ultra-fast speeds when you need to clear lines for a net job.
The illuminated digital counter is a real feature, not a gimmick. At 4:30 AM in November, the last thing you want to do is squint at a tiny counter. The backlit display on the 2106B is readable from any angle, and the resettable counter means you can zero it out for each cycle.
Two complaints: the price has crept up significantly over the past two seasons, and the product image shows a stainless rod holder but the actual unit ships with a plastic one. Scotty needs to fix that discrepancy. Otherwise, the 2106B is an excellent premium downrigger.
For whom it’s good
Offshore anglers chasing tuna, halibut, and other heavy species will benefit from the 250-pound braided line and powerful motor. The 2106B is built for rough water and big fish.
Anyone who fishes at dawn or dusk will appreciate the illuminated digital counter. It is far easier to read than the manual counters on cheaper units.
For whom it’s bad
Budget-conscious anglers should skip the 2106B. The 1106B delivers 80 percent of the performance at 60 percent of the price.
Inland lake anglers who fish clear water over shallow structure will not need the 250-pound line. The standard 1106 with steel cable is a better value for that application.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Electric Downrigger for Your Boat?
Choosing the best electric downriggers comes down to three factors: how often you fish, what species you target, and how much spread you want to run. A casual walleye angler running two rods off an 18-foot boat has very different needs than a charter captain running six rods off a 24-foot offshore rig.
Manual vs Electric: Are Electric Downriggers Worth It?
Electric downriggers are worth every penny if you fish 20 or more days per season, run three or more rods, or charter for a living. The time saved on each cycle is real. On a charter boat, the difference between 90-second retrieval and 30-second retrieval adds up to over an hour per trip, which means more fishing time and more revenue.
For weekend warriors who run one or two rods and fish 10 days a season, a quality manual downrigger like the Cannon Uni-Troll or Okuma Magda is a better value. You will save $400 to $600 and the manual unit will last a lifetime. The break-even point is roughly 15 to 20 days of fishing per year.
Electric downriggers also give you better depth precision. The auto-stop features on Cannon’s Magnum line and the auto-stop beads on the Scotty 2116 take the guesswork out of retrieval. When you are fighting a fish and the rigger can stop itself at the waterline, you are free to focus on the rod.
Cannon vs Scotty: Which Brand Is Better?
Cannon and Scotty are the two leading downrigger brands, and both make excellent electric units. The choice comes down to your priorities.
Cannon wins on features and price. The Magnum 5 STX delivers 250 FPM retrieval, auto-stop, and Positive Ion Control for less money than the equivalent Scotty. Great Lakes anglers overwhelmingly prefer Cannon because the PIC system makes a measurable difference in catch rates.
Scotty wins on build quality and ecosystem. The 1106 and 2106 series are built like tanks, and Scotty’s mounting hardware is the industry standard. Charter captains in the Pacific Northwest have run Scotty riggers for decades because the parts are interchangeable and the customer service is excellent.
Cannon is owned by Johnson Outdoors, which means accessory compatibility is limited to its own brand. Scotty’s modular system lets you mix and match bases, mounts, and holders across the entire product line. For anglers who like to customize their setup, Scotty is the better choice.
Key Features to Consider
Retrieval speed is the most important spec. Anything under 200 feet per minute feels slow when you are fighting a fish. The industry-leading 250 FPM is what you want for salmon and trout trolling. Anything faster is a marginal improvement that is not worth the battery cost.
Boom length matters for spread fishing. A 24-inch boom is fine for one or two rods. A 60-inch telescoping boom is essential for three or more rods with a wide spread. Telescoping booms are also easier to store and trailering.
Cable versus braided line is a real choice. Stainless steel cable is cheaper, more durable, and easier to splice. Braided line is quieter, which matters in clear water and for shy species like steelhead. For most saltwater fishing, cable is the better choice. For clear-water steelhead or trout, braided is worth the upgrade.
Auto-stop is a feature you do not know you need until you have it. When a fish strikes and the release pops, the rigger automatically stops at the waterline. You can fight the fish without worrying about the weight crashing into the boat or tangling your line.
Battery Requirements for Electric Downriggers
Electric downriggers draw 2 to 5 amps continuously during retrieval, depending on the model and load. A typical 8-hour day of trolling with two riggers will pull 30 to 50 amp-hours from your battery bank. That means a Group 31 deep cycle battery (around 100 amp-hours) is the minimum for a full day of fishing.
For serious anglers running four or more riggers, a dedicated battery bank is essential. The standard setup is two Group 31 batteries wired in parallel, giving you 200 amp-hours of reserve capacity. Add a battery isolator so your house bank does not drain your starting battery.
Scotty’s low-amp draw motors pull roughly one-third less current than competing units. If you are running a small boat with limited battery capacity, the Scotty 1106 or 1106B is the better choice for power efficiency.
Mounting Options
Transom mounts are the most common and the easiest to install. They attach to the back of the boat and hold the rigger outboard of the swim platform. Most Cannon and Scotty electric downriggers include a universal mounting base that works with transom, gunnel, or track systems.
Track mount systems use a horizontal rail on the gunnel or deck, allowing you to slide the rigger forward and back. This is the best choice for center console boats where you want to adjust the spread based on conditions. Scotty’s track system is the industry standard, and most aftermarket accessories are designed to fit it.
Gunnel mounts are best for smaller boats where transom space is limited. The 16-position swivel pedestal mount included with most Scotty electric downriggers works on both transom and gunnel applications.
Essential Downrigger Accessories
Downrigger weights are not optional. The standard 10 to 12-pound ball is the right size for most trolling applications. For deep water or strong currents, go up to 15 pounds. The 100-foot rule says you want 100 feet of cable out behind the weight for the best depth accuracy, which means a 10-pound ball minimum.
Release clips are critical. The Power Grip Plus that comes with Scotty units is the best stock release on the market. Aftermarket releases from Trolling-Tamer and Church Tackle are also excellent and worth $20 to $40 each.
Backing plates and fuses are essential safety equipment. Every rigger should be wired through an inline fuse (typically 30 to 50 amps) and bolted through a backing plate to prevent the mount from pulling out under load. Scotty’s 2114 fuse assembly is a good add-on if your unit does not include one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 100 foot rule for downriggers?
The 100-foot rule for downriggers means letting out 100 feet of cable behind the weight to achieve the best depth accuracy. With 100 feet of cable out, the weight hangs nearly straight down, which makes your lure depth predictable and consistent. With less than 100 feet of cable out, the weight angles behind the boat and your lure rides shallower than the counter shows.
Are electric downriggers worth it?
Electric downriggers are worth it for anglers who fish 20 or more days per season, run three or more rods, or operate charter boats. The time saved on each retrieval cycle adds up to hours over a season, and features like auto-stop and Positive Ion Control produce more strikes. For weekend anglers fishing 10 days a season, a quality manual downrigger is the better value.
Which is better, a cannon downrigger or a Scotty downrigger?
Cannon downriggers win on features and price, with the Magnum 5 STX offering 250 FPM retrieval, auto-stop, and Positive Ion Control at a lower cost than Scotty equivalents. Scotty downriggers win on build quality and ecosystem, with the 1106 and 2106 series built for saltwater durability and a modular mount system that accepts the widest range of aftermarket accessories. Great Lakes anglers prefer Cannon; Pacific Northwest charter captains prefer Scotty.
How far behind the downrigger should the lure be?
Your lure should be 20 to 50 feet behind the downrigger weight, depending on trolling speed and the depth you are targeting. A common starting point is 30 feet back, then adjust based on what your fish finder shows. Faster trolling speeds and deeper targets require more line out; slower speeds and shallower targets need less. The 100-foot rule for cable out still applies regardless of lure distance.
Final Verdict: Which Electric Downrigger Should You Buy in 2026?
After 90 days of testing on two coasts, our team has a clear favorite for the best electric downriggers of 2026. The Cannon Magnum 5 STX is the top pick for most anglers, with its 250 FPM retrieval, auto-stop, and Positive Ion Control making it the most capable all-around unit. The Scotty 1106 is the smart buy for saltwater anglers who want bulletproof build quality and the lowest battery draw on the market. And the Cannon Magnum 5 is the right call for budget-conscious anglers who want Cannon features without the top-dollar price.
Whatever you choose, mount it carefully, keep an extra fuse on board, and respect the speed of these machines. I learned the hard way that 250 feet per minute is fast enough to break a rod if you are not paying attention. Once you dial in your setup, you will wonder how you ever fished without one. Tight lines in 2026.