Downrigger Weights & Accessories
What Are Downrigger Weights & Accessories?
Downrigger weights and accessories are the core components that make precision depth trolling possible. At the heart of every downrigger system is the weight — a dense, purpose-built sinker that carries your fishing line down to the exact depth where fish are actively feeding. When a fish strikes, the line releases from a clip attached above the weight, letting you fight the fish freely without dragging heavy hardware through the water.
The concept isn't new. Downriggers first gained popularity on the Great Lakes, where anglers needed to get their bait into deeper water to reach species like salmon and lake trout. Early fishermen improvised with stones and improvised iron, but over time manufacturers developed specialized weights engineered to hold steady even in strong currents and varying depths. Today, these weights come in a variety of shapes — cannonball, pancake, keel — each refined to reduce drag, maintain stability, and improve lure presentation.
Why the Right Weight Matters
Choosing the correct downrigger weight is more nuanced than simply picking the heaviest option. The ideal weight depends on your trolling speed, water depth, current strength, and the size of your lures or baits. A heavier weight minimizes "blowback" — the tendency of the cable to angle back as the boat moves forward — which is critical when targeting fish at precise depths. Conversely, a lighter weight is more manageable for shallow-water trolling and keeps your tackle out of prop wash when running close to the boat.
Beyond the weight itself, accessories such as release clips, stainless steel cables, swivels, rod holders, and mounting hardware all play a role in a well-tuned downrigger setup. Quality materials matter here: stainless steel eyelets resist the corrosion that saltwater and prolonged submersion inevitably bring, while durable vinyl or PVC coatings protect both the weight and your boat's hull from scratches and dings.
Top Brands in Downrigger Weights & Accessories
Scotty Downriggers is one of the most recognized names in the trolling world, and for good reason. The brand traces its roots back to 1952 in Victoria, British Columbia, where it pioneered the use of modern materials in fishing gear. Their Saltaire manual downrigger, introduced in 1973, quickly became an essential tool for anglers along Canada's west coast. Today, Scotty manufactures a wide range of downrigger weights, hooks, cables, and accessories designed to integrate seamlessly with their electric and manual downrigger systems — making them a go-to choice for serious trollers targeting salmon, trout, and other deep-water species.
Greenfield Products brings an environmentally conscious approach to downrigger weight manufacturing. Their weights are made from recycled lead and cast directly during the recycling process, minimizing secondary smelting and emissions. Available in classic cannonball and low-profile pancake styles, Greenfield weights feature durable PVC coating for quiet, easy handling and stainless steel eyelets to resist corrosion — making them a reliable, responsible choice for freshwater and saltwater anglers alike.
Cannon has long been synonymous with downrigger innovation. Their weights are vinyl coated to prevent hull scratching, and many feature reflective prism tape on the fin to attract fish from a distance — a smart design detail that makes the weight an active part of your presentation rather than just ballast. With options ranging from 4 to 16 lbs., Cannon's lineup covers everything from light freshwater trolling to heavy-duty deep-water setups.
What to Consider When Shopping
- Weight range: Heavier weights (10–16 lbs.) excel in deep water and fast trolling speeds; lighter options (4–8 lbs.) suit shallower presentations and calmer conditions.
- Shape: Cannonball styles offer straightforward stability; pancake and keel designs deliver a lower drag profile for precise tracking.
- Coating: Vinyl and PVC coatings protect your boat and extend the life of the weight by resisting corrosion and physical wear.
- Hardware quality: Look for stainless steel eyelets and clips that can withstand prolonged saltwater exposure without seizing up.
- Compatibility: Make sure weights, hooks, and release clips are compatible with your specific downrigger model.