Downriggers & Accessories

What Is a Downrigger and Why Does It Matter?

Downriggers & accessories represent one of the most important innovations in trolling fishing. A downrigger is a device used while trolling that places a lure or bait at a precise, controlled depth. At its core, it consists of a boom arm, a spool of steel cable, a heavy cannonball-style weight, and a line release clip. The fishing line is attached to the release clip near the weight; when a fish strikes, the line pops free and the angler fights the fish without any weight on the rod and reel.

The fundamental advantage of downrigger fishing comes down to depth control. Fish inhabit specific layers of the water column depending on temperature, light, season, and prey availability. It is entirely possible to troll in exactly the right location but still come home empty-handed simply because your lure is running above or below the strike zone. A properly deployed downrigger eliminates that guesswork, keeping your bait precisely where the fish are feeding — whether that’s 20 feet down in a freshwater lake chasing walleye or 80 feet deep in the Great Lakes targeting chinook salmon.

Manual vs. Electric Downriggers

Downriggers come in two primary configurations, and choosing between them depends on your fishing style and boat setup. Manual downriggers use a hand crank to raise and lower the cannonball weight — they require no electrical connection, making them a practical, budget-friendly choice for smaller boats or as a backup unit. Electric downriggers use a motor to deploy and retrieve the weight at the touch of a button, freeing the angler to manage rods, set new lines, or fight fish simultaneously. Advanced electric models offer features such as depth cycling, bottom tracking, and digital depth counters that integrate with modern fish finders.

Essential Downrigger Accessories

A complete downrigger setup involves more than just the unit itself. Key accessories include:

• Downrigger weights: Typically 8 to 20 pounds depending on depth and trolling speed; heavier weights keep the cable closer to vertical for more accurate depth readings.
• Line releases: The tension on these clips must be tuned so the line holds at depth but pops free cleanly on a strike — different styles suit different lures and fishing conditions.
• Rod holders: Secure trolling rods in position while the downrigger does the depth work, keeping lines organized across a multi-rod spread.
• Mounts and booms: Proper mounting near the stern keeps weight balanced and boom angles optimized to prevent line tangles when running multiple units.
• Cables and hardware: Replacement stainless steel cables, swivels, and pulleys keep the system running smoothly through seasons of saltwater and freshwater use.

Top Brands in Downriggers & Accessories

Cannon is widely recognized as the dominant force in downrigger fishing. Founded in 1979, Cannon pioneered the controlled-depth fishing category and has continued to innovate for decades. Their lineup spans entry-level manual units to sophisticated electric models like the Magnum and Optimum series, which feature depth cycling, positive ion control, and seamless integration with Humminbird fish finders through the One-Boat Network. Cannon downriggers are built with corrosion-resistant, composite construction and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty — hallmarks of a brand that serious anglers trust season after season.

RUPP Marine brings decades of sportfishing hardware expertise to the downrigger and outrigger accessory space. A world leader in the design and production of outrigger systems and associated fishing hardware, RUPP Marine serves vessels from small center consoles to large offshore sportfishing boats. Their rigging kits, release clips, and mounting hardware are engineered to complement any downrigger setup with the kind of durability demanded by serious charter and tournament anglers.

Sierra is a well-regarded name in marine replacement parts and accessories, offering components that help keep fishing equipment performing reliably on the water.