Downrigger Weights & Accessories
What Are Downrigger Weights & Accessories?
For serious trolling anglers, getting a lure or bait to the exact target depth is the difference between a full livewell and an empty one. Downrigger weights — often called cannonballs — are the heavy, hydrodynamic weights attached to a downrigger cable that carry your fishing line deep into the water column. Once a fish strikes, the line releases cleanly, letting you fight the fish on your rod without the burden of extra weight. The accessories that support them — weight retrievers, snubbers, line releases, swivels, and storage mates — are just as critical for a smooth, safe, and productive day on the water.
Why the Right Weight & Accessories Matter
Choosing the correct downrigger weight depends on your trolling speed, water depth, and current conditions. Heavier weights (typically 10–16 lbs) are used in strong currents or deeper water to keep your presentation at depth without blowback, while lighter weights work well in calmer, shallower conditions. Beyond the weight itself, quality accessories keep your setup organized and protected. Items like weight retrievers save you from leaning dangerously over the gunwale, snubbers absorb shock on the cable, and line releases are calibrated to let go at just the right tension when a fish strikes. Together, these components form an integrated system that maximizes both angler safety and fishing effectiveness.
Key Features to Look For
- Coating: PVC or vinyl coatings protect both the weight and your boat's hull from scratches and dings.
- Fin Design: Longer fins improve tracking stability and reduce side-to-side movement at trolling speeds.
- Material: Lead remains the most common material due to its density; recycled and cast-iron alternatives are available for anglers mindful of environmental impact.
- Stainless Hardware: Eyelets and attachment points should be stainless steel to resist the corrosive effects of both freshwater and saltwater environments.
- Fish Attraction: Some weights incorporate reflective tape or bright finishes to attract curious fish to your presentation zone.
Top Brands in Downrigger Weights & Accessories
Scotty Downriggers is one of the most trusted names in the downrigger category. With over 70 years of manufacturing experience, Scotty products are designed to withstand the harsh effects of saltwater fishing. Their accessory lineup — including weight retrievers, snubbers with swivels, line releases, and weight mates — is engineered to integrate seamlessly with their downrigger systems, making Scotty a one-stop solution for serious trolling anglers.
Greenfield Products stands out for their environmentally conscious approach to weight manufacturing. Their downrigger weights are made from recycled lead and are cast directly during the recycling process for the lowest environmental impact possible — no secondary smelting or emissions are used in production. Their cannonball-style weights feature a durable PVC coating for easy handling and reduced noise during storage, and stainless steel eyelets for corrosion resistance.
Cannon brings a performance-first design philosophy to their downrigger weight lineup. Cannon's weights feature vinyl coating to prevent scratching the side of the boat, and reflective prism tape on the fin for extra fish attraction. Available across a wide range of sizes, Cannon offers weights engineered for both saltwater and freshwater trolling applications.