Whether you are in a small boat fishing or even on a yacht, having the right tools is always essential.
Today, people only take fishing as a recreational game, but people don’t take them seriously as a tournament or even a competition.
Competitions will always require more professional fishing tools . Whether you are an experienced or even a recreational downrigger, Downriggers are the devices that are equipped on the fishing boats for troll fishing.
It is actually a type of fishing reel with cables made of steel on it, which are then attached by a pulley or even a boom.
A clip is then further attached with a cannonball or a weight, which is between five to twenty pounds. But it mainly depends on the size of the downrigger you are using.
Downriggers are divided into two types, the electric and the manual downrigger. Both are best when it comes to specific conditions.
In case you are looking for purchasing a downrigger for your effortless fishing, then read the article based on the five best downriggers you can buy in the market as of now.
Downriggers are somehow essential while boat fishing. Choosing them is difficult because of electric and Manuel types. In this article, we will provide you with 6 top downriggers for a small boat.
Scooty #1099: Our Top Recommended
- All the performance features of the larger models in a compact size; The lowest amperage draw of any downrigger made with less than 1/3 the battery draw than some of the competition
- Includes 1023 Tilt-up Mounting Bracket which enables the unit to be tilted and locked in the upright position; Includes Power Grip Plus Line Release
- Marine grade stainless steel boom; Fully assembled and factory tested with complete saltwater protection; Includes Scotty/Marine Plug and Receptacle
- Boom mounted adjustable 355 Rodmaster II Rod Holder; Multi-position auto-stop included (Use 1008 Stopper Beads to stop at any pre-set position)
- Downrigger Boom Length: 24-inch stainless steel boom; Boom Diameter: 1-inch; Rod Holder Interior Diameter: 1.85-inch; Limited Lifetime Warranty
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The top choice mainly depends on you because when you are using the downrigger, specific functionalities define their importance at the spot.
In case you cannot make up your mind, then for your aid, we have chosen Scotty #1099 as the best because of several reasons.
Firstly, it is an electric downrigger, which makes it feature-proof and effortless to use. It has a singular suitable length, which makes it great for smaller boats while taking turns sharply.
It also comes with saltwater protection with factory assembled and tested parts, making it very durable to use in harsh conditions.
There are tilting brackets also provided with locking capabilities, decent speed with average pounds weight test, and auto retrieval mechanism.
What more do you need in a downrigger for a small boat?
Here are Our Top 6 Best Downrigger For Small Boat |
| 1. Scotty #1099 Compact Depthpower Electric Downrigger: Best Electric Downrigger For Small Boat |
| 2. Cannon Magnum 10 STX Downrigger: Best Manual downrigger for small boat |
| 3. CANNON 1901200 Mini-Troll Manual Downrigger: Best Cheap Downrigger For Small Boat |
| 4. Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger: Best Downrigger For Small Boats |
| 5. Cannon Uni-Troll Manual Downriggers: Best Saltwater Downrigger For Small Boats |
| 6. Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger: Best Portable Downrigger For Small Boats |
Check Best Downriggers For Kayaks And Small Boats
We have carefully selected and reviewed 06 Best Downrigger For Kayaks And Small Boat out of 15 products available in market.
#1. Scotty #1099 Downrigger Review: Best Electric Downrigger For Small Boat
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This here is a very famous and well-known fishing tool made by a trusted industry. Scotty #1099 Depth power is a very high performing and premium downrigger working of electric instruments.
Performance and features are not its main selling points; rather, they give in a compact structure. For beginners, it is a welcoming downrigger.
There is a 24-inch-long and 1-inch width telescopic stainless steel, marine-grade boom. You may have seen the downrigger in limited lengths, but people will also find it longer to make trolling turns in the boat.
The amazing thing you will get is the saltwater protection in the downrigger, backed up by the factory assembled and tested authenticity.
Tilting brackets are also provided for you to have this downrigger tilted and then locked in the position you desire it to be in.
With the brackets, you are getting the base for swivel and adjustable roadmaster II 355 rod holders. The results are the power grip with more line release.
You also get a fully adjustable speed, which is decent enough to lift the seven-pound ball at the speed rate of 235 feet in a minute.
You can also raise the ball weighing fifteen pounds at a lower speed limit of 235 feet per minute. It functions as an auto retrieval and is very beneficial for people who want to catch the fighting fish.
Actually, fishing provides a force on the downrigger, so it must have an auto retrieval that can catch those fighting fishes.
#2. Cannon Magnum 10 STX Review: Best Manual downrigger for small boat
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Cannon is on the top line of downriggers due to its Magnum series. The reason for the popularity is the motor which has been used in the downrigger.
The motor used in the Magnus 10 STX has been regarded as the strongest and the fastest motor, having the retrieval speed of four feet per second.
In comparison, it is really on the charts’ top, but there is no specific weight it can handle on the speed mentioned. But by the tongue of industry, it has been guaranteed.
You can get up to 250 feet of retrieval rate per minute on the weight measure of 20 pounds capacity. There is also a swivel that can be tilted 360 degrees and has a mounting base that can be used to mount on the boat effortlessly.
The unique thing in the Cannon Magnum 10 STX Downrigger is the auto-stop system, which aids in the fish catch. Basically, the function is to retrieve the weight automatically with only the help of one button.
Impressively, when you press the button, the auto retravel will push or raise the fifteen pounds from even the water’s depth.
There is also a Positive ION control provided for you that attracts the fishes and lures then in. Not to forget, there is also a waterproofing IP68 certified.
The extension of the telescopic boom is from 24 inches to 53 inches, providing you with many choices when coming towards the reach.
As mentioned before, the 360-degree rotating swivel base allows the whole downrigger to rotate on the boat, but there is a drawback that the tilt is stiffer when coming towards adjustability.
Last but not least, there is a dept counter which is not provided in other downriggers. It can feature a maximum of five depts measures to get the bait back to the strike zone, which is desired.
#3. Cannon Mini Troll Review: Best Cheap Downrigger For Small Boat
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Here is the manual downrigger manufactured by Cannon and meant specifically for smaller boats.
Compared to the other downriggers, this one will be much affordable for you that comes with a very well-built quality.
The materials used in manufacturing Cannon 1901200 mini troll manual downrigger are fiberglass injected in the nylon and an aluminum boom.
Overall, there are a hundred feet of stainless steel braided wire, which is extraordinary for the five pounds of weight or lower than that.
Actually, it is a form of transom mount that uses a clamp in such a position that makes it effortless for getting up and down from your small boat.
Getting a higher quality pedal drive would be well off with this downrigger because lower drag is there when wounding on a kayak. There is no counter for line nor drag system provided, as discussed before in the other downriggers.
But there are some markers provided for you that can act as line counters. Also, when the line knob is not tightened for the drag, there will be an unravel automatically once the line gets caught.
Last but not least, this downrigger is exceptionally well for the anglers with smaller boats because of its small size.
There are no complexities when using the downrigger due to which there is a lower percentage of errors. Hence, positive reviews are always provided by beginners for this downrigger.
#4. Scotty 1101 Downrigger Reviews: Best Downrigger For Small Boats
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Being a heavy usage and extremely power full downrigger, here is the Scotty #1101 Depth power electric.
With Performance and features, you are getting a very durable body that can endure anything while fishing. Well off for small boats and experienced anglers, but the beginners can also use this effortlessly.
There is 30-inch-long stainless steel manufactured high marine grade downrigger with lots of extras behind its back.
Some limited lengths are provided in the downrigger, which might be a problem for some people, but it is a well-off factor for some.
The main features include; saltwater protection in the downrigger and factory assembled or tested authenticity.
You also get a fully adjustable speed, which is decent enough to lift the seven-pound ball at the speed rate of 250 feet in a minute.
You can also raise the ball weighing 150 pounds at an actual speed limit of 250 feet per minute. It functions as an auto retrieval and is very beneficial for people who want to catch the fighting fish.
On adjustments features, there are Tilting brackets provided for you to have full tilt while fishing in small boats. The brackets can also be locked in the desired position for ease.
There is a separately grip online release for heavy fishes provided for safety when luring the fish into the boat. There are also 16 different position mount swivel pedals.
#5. Cannon Uni-Troll Downriggers: Best Saltwater Downrigger For Small Boats
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This here is the Cannon Uni troll that is also referred to as the tournament series downrigger.
It is actually because of the control you get with this manual downrigger for depth fishing. You can have almost control over each action that is required for fishing.
It is effortless for smaller boats to install the downrigger and then pull the fish you have caught with the least number of cranks.
A single-hand clutch is a feature to deploy, which is provided in this downrigger; it allows for single-hand use. The results are simple and very precise bait positioning. You also get the two ratios for one speed of retrieval.
Overall, the construction is done of stainless steel as other downriggers we have discusses. But the amazing this is that it is also corrosion resistant and has a unique construction.
Less cranking means a faster rate of retrieval. So, you will get quicker line retrieves with only a few cranks, unlike the other manual downriggers.
You also have complete control over the clutch deployment with only a single hand mechanism. Astonishingly, there are dual-axis rod holders, which are usually not given in this range’s downriggers.
They will make it effortless for you to make single-hand adjustments while also providing you enjoyment in vertical positioning.
You will also get the full 360 degrees of rotation on the downrigger. With that, you get the super-strong uni troll body.
Last but not least, you get the enclosed boom at the tip or end. It will help you prevent line jumps, which in return gives much effortless operation and uninterrupted fishing.
#6. Scotty #1073DP Laketroller: Best Portable Downrigger For Small Boats
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Truly an outstanding choice for small boats and canoes or kayaks, this is the Scotty #1073DP that can even be mounted on various locations like flat decks, gunnels, and transoms.
Not the electronic type, you will get the manual downrigger, which is also known commonly as the best one for pond fishing or lake fishing.
Although you will notice that it is not suitable for deep fishing in the sea, it still has a limit of weight under four pounds. With that weight, you will get a hundred feet of weight-limited 150 pounds cable made of pure stainless steel.
You can effortlessly turn the whole spool and then retrieve 1 foot of cable in a single rotation. This feature makes it worthy for beginners and inexperienced anglers.
You don’t get the rod holder with this downrigger because it is truly a budget downrigger. But don’t be disheartened because you get impressive features in a lower price range that will get you an effortless fishing bait in small boats.
How to choose the best downriggers for small boats and Kayaks
As we have provided you with the top five best downriggers for small boats, you can get in a reasonable price range.
Now, you might be full of queries considering the factors that can help you pick the right one for your scenario.
We cannot take a singular pick for you because they are made up of specific purposes. So, it depends on your own choice.
Below we have provided you with a buying guide that will help you pick a singular product that fits perfectly in your scenario.
- Ease of use:
Easy of using it, the only thing that lets you purchase a downrigger for your boat. In case you are purchasing one for your personal use, then manual downriggers are the ones that will have your attention on themselves rather than the fish you are aiming for.
They might still be not according to your beginner skills in fishing or might be hard to install in the first place. That is why getting the one that is easy to use primarily matters the most.
There are electronic ones that can themselves handle the fish that is caught inside the downrigger.
But keep in mind to get the one that gets you more fish in less time. Therefore, if you keep your attention on the downrigger’s operation like manual ones, you will have the least attention on fish.
- Size of the Vessel:
Dinghy or even Kayak will don’t require the electric downriggers; you are always good with the manual ones here.
Scotty Manual downrigger, you will have to consider the capabilities of fishing and the size too.
For example, when you are in a 250-foot-long boat, then there is no need to go for the depth power compact by Scotty.
Hence, matching the size and the capabilities with the size of the vessel is essential. It will significantly increase the downrigger usage and will also cost less in long-term usage.
- Flexibility:
Flexibility counts as an essential factor when buying the downrigger for your small boat.
Whether you are going to fish on the lake or in a completely open sea or even, you intend to go fishing in a place where the water is less than 100 feet of depth or even more profound than hundred feet.
Then, in this case, the most crucial thing you will have to do is pick a downrigger that can go in both the deep and the close water scenarios.
Unless you intend to place considerable amounts of downriggers in the same boat, then choosing the one with a single intention is always the most significant thing to do.
- Capabilities:
There are some features in specific downriggers that are much to have in scenarios, and you cannot do anything without them.
Such as when fishing for kingfish or even marlins, which are larger fishes, then you have to consider some things before purchasing the downrigger.
In the case of larger fishes, the cannon Magnum series is a perfect one from the top five list because it is made of durable material and can handle the weight of big fish.
It would be most foolish of you when you aim for a less capable downrigger for challenging fish.
The best thing here would be to know your skills and then match them with the downrigger.
- Price Range:
In case you possess a larger vessel, then knowing which one would be best could be most appropriate.
Therefore, price is the most important thing to consider because of the capabilities and the features that depend on it.
The higher is the price range, the more features and capabilities it would possess.
In case you don’t have the issue of price, then getting the best one would be most suitable.
But when buying the most expensive is not your option, then take a look at your scenario and skills, then picking a downrigger accordingly is the right choice.
Conclusion: Best downriggers for Kayaks and small boats
Whether the manual or electric ones, we have provided the top five best downriggers for small boats and provided you with a buying guide to choose the perfect one for your scenario.
Choosing the priciest one is not always the right choice or even the satisfaction you need to fulfill the requirements. So, it is essential to point out the scenario you are in and the budget line you can come by. Then chose the perfect one accordingly.
What could be the weight for the usage of downrigger?
<!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:”Cambria Math”; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-469750017 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:””; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:”Calibri”,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:”Calibri”,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:8.0pt; line-height:107%;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} –>
Typically, eight to six pounds is the moderate depth in the case of freshwater and ten pounds in the case of the saltwater application. The amount of water needed for downrigger is actually the function of its speed in which you are trolling and also the depth in which you are fishing.
Is downrigger needed to troll?
<!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:”Cambria Math”; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-469750017 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:””; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:”Calibri”,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:”Calibri”,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:8.0pt; line-height:107%;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} –>
A downrigger is essentially not just to troll but can make it easier for you. In case you want to troll without a downrigger, then you need a level wind reel that comes with a built-in line counter. In case you don’t have the line counter, then you can opt for other methods to play the line out.
How does a downrigger function?
<!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:”Cambria Math”; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-469750017 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:””; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:”Calibri”,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:”Calibri”,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:8.0pt; line-height:107%;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} –>
It is a unique device that is used in fishing for trolling methods. In which you place the lure at the depth desired, and then a clip (release) then attaches the fishing line to the weight of the cannonball. Then the bait is attached afterward to the release.