Looking for the best fishing downriggers? Trying to find the coolest, highest-quality fishing downriggers? Or maybe you’re new to fishing downriggers and want to make sure you get started on the right foot with some amazing gear? Either way, you’re in the right place!
- High performance downrigger features illuminated digital counters
- Unbeatable pulling power; Adjustable Rod Master II Rod Master
- Clutch brake with the largest braking surface allowing for ultra fast speeds
- Equipped with 300 ft. of 250 lb. test braided line
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- 1:1 Retrieval Rate - Helps get your lines out of the water easily
- One-Hand Clutch Deploy - Precisely and easily position your baits with full control
- 18" Composite Boom
- Tube Style Rod Holder - Includes one (1) rear mount tube style rod holder
- Includes - Tab Lock Mounting Base, line terminator, one (1) Uni-line releases, and manual crank handle
- Wireless Integration - Fully integrates with Fish Hawk Electronics, the Cannon mobile app and up to four Optimum downriggers wirelessly. The wireless network allows for features like Auto Up all, with one push of a button to instantly retrieve all your weights at once or one at a time
- Precision Controls - Stores up to 5 Preset Depths and remembers the depth of last catch. Cycle the weight up and down at preset intervals with Depth Cycle, or use Bottom Tracking to automatically keep your bait at preset distance from the bottom
- Waterline Zero - Protect your boat from swinging weights. Your downrigger will automatically keep your weight at a set distance below the waterline
- Positive Ion Control (PIC) - Your boat’s electronics create a fish-repelling negative energy field in the water. Positive Ion Control neutralizes the negative energy field so fish will stick closer to your line
- Speed Adjustments - Five (5) adjustable retrieve and deploy speeds with up to 250 feet-per-minute weight retrieval rate
- Fast, effortless 1.5:1 retrieval speed
- One-Hand Clutch Deploy for controlled, precise bait positioning
- Ergonomic crank handle
- Enclosed 24" stainless steel boom end pulley to prevent jump lines
- 12 lb weight capacity
- Mounting bracket permits mounting on a flat deck surface or on the side of a gunnel or transom
- Mount dimensions: 4" x 2" x 2"; with a 1-5/16" x 3-3/16" bolting pattern
- 100 Ft Of Premium 150 Lb Test Stainless Steel Cable
- Power Grip Plus Line Release Model No. 1181 Mini-Grip
- Mount Dimensions: 4” x 2” x 2”. Bolting Dimensions: 1 5/16” x 3 3/16”
- 250 ft per minute retrieval rate and 20-lb weight capacity
- Automatically retrieve the weight with a push of a button
- Positive ION control attracts fish. IP68 waterproof connections
- 360 degree swivel base and mounting base
- Heavy-duty telescopic boom extends from 24" to 53"
- Fast, effortless 2:1 retrieval speed
- One-Hand Clutch Deploy for simple, precise bait positioning and controlled weight descent
- Enclosed 24" stainless steel boom end pulley to prevent line jumps
- Dual axis rod holder with 360 degree rotation and quick release pistol grip
- 20 lb weight capacity
- 23-Inch long, 3/4-inch diameter stainless steel boom
- Each scotty downrigger comes with the Scotty limited lifetime warranty
- The prices and operating features of these units beat the competition hands down
- Scotty No. 1170 power grip plus line release included
- One foot per turn spool operates easily with either hand from a sitting position in the boat
- Comes with fully portable anodized aluminum clamp for mounting on the gunnel or transom
- Stainless steel and nylon construction, includes drag brake, scotty release
- Rugged and low cost downrigger built for smaller boats, The laketroller has a special mount for different boat configurations
- 100 feet of braided stainless steel wire, recommended for use with weights under 5 pounds
- Each scotty downrigger comes with the scotty limited lifetime warranty
- 60-Inch long, 1 1/4-inch diameter telescoping stainless steel boom that collapses to 36 for storage
- No. 247 dual rod holder, no. 1026 pedestal swivel mount, 2 power grip plus line releases, weight storage hook
- This unit gives the versatility of a telescoping boom with the dual rod holder option and pedestal swivel base
- Electric Downrigger w/ a boom that telescopes for extra reach and collapses for storage, makes for a great “big boat” downrigger; Saltwater protected
- Boom Length: 36-60 inches telescoping marine grade stainless steel boom; 250 ft of 150 lb test, stainless steel downrigger cable
- Includes Scotty/Marinco plug and receptacle, Power Grip Plus Line Release, #1026 Swivel Pedestal Mount with 16 available positions
- Includes #1023 Tilt-Up Mounting Bracket enables unit to be tilted and locked in upright position; Boom mounted adjustable 358 Rodmaster II Rod Holder
- Adjustable speed, lifts 7 lb. weights at 235 ft./min. & 15 lb. weights at 203 ft./min; lowest amperage draw, with less than 1/3 the battery draw
- Vertical spool designed with clutch/brake system for safe, controlled one-handed weight descent
- Quick mount tab-lock base
- Swivel-head depth counter
- 18" copolymer boom
- Pre-spooled with 100 feet of stainless steel cable
- Fiber-glass Injected Nylon construction and Aluminum boom
- Include a side or top deck mounting system and release
- 100 feet of braided stainless steel wire, recommended for use with weights under 5 pounds
- not Include Counter , One Lap about 1ft deep
- Each Downrigger comes with the Brocraft Marine 2 Years Warranty
- Downrigger Boom Length: 30″ stainless steel boom
- Downrigger Boom Diameter: 1 1/4″
- Rod Holder Interior Diameter: 1.85″
- Strong, Resilient and Durable
- Precision Controls - Stores up to 5 Preset Depths and remembers the depth of last catch. Cycle the weight up and down at preset intervals with Depth Cycle, or use Bottom Tracking to automatically keep your bait at preset distance from the bottom
- Waterline Zero - Protect your boat from swinging weights. Your downrigger will automatically keep your weight at a set distance below the waterline
- Positive Ion Control (PIC) - Your boat’s electronics create a fish-repelling negative energy field in the water. Positive Ion Control neutralizes the negative energy field so fish will stick closer to your line
- Speed Adjustments - Five (5) adjustable retrieve and deploy speeds with up to 250 feet-per-minute weight retrieval rate
- Speed Adjustments - Five (5) adjustable retrieve and deploy speeds with up to 250 feet-per-minute weight retrieval rate
- 2:1 retrieval speed makes getting lines out of the water fast and nearly effortless
- One-Hand Clutch Deploy - Precisely and easily position your baits with full control
- Stainless Steel Telescopic Boom - 316 marine-grade, extends from 24" to 53" with enclosed boom end - Prevents lines from jumping when deploying or retrieving weights
- Dual Axis Rod Holder - Includes one (1) rear mount rod holder
- Includes - Universal Mounting Base, Low-Profile Swivel Base, line terminator, one (1) saltwater line releases, and manual crank handle
- MAKE DOWNRIGGING SIMPLER: Get rid of the heavy balls and bulky equipment for the simple lightweight design of Zwing Hydrodynamic Downrigger Weights! Start using more effective simpler downrigger weights with the Nekton Zwing!
- SUPERIOR HYDRODYNAMIC DESIGN: This lightweight downrigger weight uses its shape to remain more stable at depth than traditional balls. The Zwing uses less line to reach deeper. To reach 15 feet deep a ball needs 45 feet of line, where the Zwing 150 only needs 19 feet!
- MADE FOR HIGH SPEEDS: The Zwing 150 is a 1.5lbs downrigger weight made for high speed trolling (4-10 knots). This hydrodynamic weight uses a stainless steel towing bracket to secure to the tow line. We recommend a minimum 200lb test tow line.
- USING THE ZWING: This lightweight advanced plastic weight works with trolling and downrigger setups and is perfect for fresh and salt water fishing. It's also the perfect tool for underwater photography and videography, net towing, data collection and more.
- ABOUT ZWING: ZWinger Downrigger is located in Natick, Massachusetts right here in America. We've worked with engineers and fishermen from across the USA to make a system that gives you more stability than any other downrigger system.
- - Comes pre-spooled with 200 ft. of Stainless Cable
- - Easy one hand drag system operation
- - Accurate depth meter
- - Built with the strongest and corrosion resistant components
- - Backed by Troll-master's 10 year warranty
- Includes: 36"- 60" 1-1/4" diameter telescopic stainless steel boom
- 300' of 200 pound test, low drag microfilament premium power braid downrigger line
- Swivel mount; boom mounted rod holder
- One power grip plus line release
- Sure stop downrigger stopper Kit; downrigger weight hook
This guide is designed to help normal folks like you and me easily spot the good stuff from the not-so-good stuff. We’ll show you exactly what to look for so you can spend your hard-earned money on fishing downriggers that are truly worth it.
What exactly are a fishing downriggers?
The fishing downriggers are specialized products used by enthusiasts of the hobby or activity. They come in various shapes, sizes and levels of quality.
Pretty neat, right? But not all fishing downriggers are created equal. The cheap ones might look okay at first glance, but they’re made with low-quality materials and poor construction. That means they’ll start falling apart and wearing out before you know it. What a waste of money!
The Difference Between Cheap and Quality fishing downriggers
The really good fishing downriggers are made very differently. They use high-quality parts and are put together with a lot of skill and care. These premium products are:
So while quality fishing downriggers might cost more upfront, you actually save money in the long run because you don’t have to keep replacing cheap junk. Not to mention you get way more enjoyment out of using a well-made product that works like a dream.
How to Identify a Truly Well-Made fishing downriggers
How can you tell if the fishing downriggers are really well-made though? Here are some key things to watch for:
Materials
The best fishing downriggers use top-notch materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, stainless steel, genuine leather and so on.
Anything less is a sign that it’s a cheaply-made product that will fall apart fast.
Features & Design
Well-crafted fishing downriggers have smart designs with useful features like enhanced ergonomics, increased durability, innovative functionality and more.
This is what separates the real high-performance products from basic bargain-bin models.
Construction Quality
Solid, well-built fishing downriggers should show close attention to detail, such as reinforced stress points, precision engineering, and flawless finishes.
You can just tell when something was slapped together quickly versus made with skill and care.
Brand Reputation
Stick to buying from brands with a proven history of making quality fishing downriggers that last. Always check reviews and ask other fishing downriggers users about what brands they recommend and trust.
No Fakes!
There are lots of counterfeit and knockoff fishing downriggers out there that look legit at first glance. Always buy from official brand stores or authorized sellers to ensure you’re getting the real 100% authentic.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right fishing downriggers
Intended Use
Think about how you plan to use the fishing downriggers. If it’s for casual, infrequent use, you may be able to go with a less expensive option. But for regular, heavy-duty use, you’ll want to invest in the highest quality gear.
Skill Level
Are you a beginner or seasoned pro at this hobby? Advanced users may need more specialized with enhanced features, while beginners can start with more basic equipment.
Item Lifespan
How long do you intend to use this item? If it’s just a short-term thing, a cheaper option could suffice. But if you want decades of use, go for the premium fishing downriggers built to last generations.
Additional Costs
Don’t just look at the upfront price tag. Factor in any extra costs for accessories, repairs, maintenance, replacements parts, etc. over the life of the fishing downriggers.
Narrowing Down Your fishing downriggers Options
With so many fishing downriggers products on the market, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one. Here are some tips to help narrow your options:
Having a focused list of strong contenders makes the final decision so much easier.
Picking the Perfect fishing downriggers for Your Needs
So how do you ultimately choose the right product for your needs? Here are some easy tips:
Write down the exact features and specs you need before shopping around. That way you won’t get distracted by fancy bells and whistles you don’t actually want or need.
Don’t go rock bottom on price no matter how tempting it is – that’s how you end up with junk. But also be realistic about what you can afford to spend. Quality ain’t cheap!
Read reviews from regular consumers and enthusiasts. Watch video demos. Learn everything you can about different product models before buying so you can make an informed choice.
How long have they been around? Where do they manufacture? What do other fishing downriggers users say about their products? This context clues you into their level of quality and credibility.
While the upfront sticker price will be higher, that premium fishing downriggers could actually cost you less over its super-long lifetime of use compared to replacing multiple cheaper products.
At the end of the day, you know quality when you see and feel it. If something seems off about a particular item, there’s probably a good reason. Go with the option that feels 100% right to you.
Tips for Inspecting fishing downriggers In-Person
While you can learn a lot from research, there’s no substitute for seeing and handling fishing downriggers yourself before purchasing. Here’s what to look for:
Reputable brands will have robust warranties and return policies too, so be sure to understand those terms.
Extended Warranties – Worth It or Not?
You’ll often be offered an extended warranty when buying higher-end fishing downriggers. Is it worth paying extra for added coverage?
It depends on a few factors:
If you’ll be using the fishing downriggers frequently for years in tough conditions, and the warranty is reasonably priced, it could provide valuable protection. But for casual, careful use, you may be able to skip it.
Getting the Best Deal on Quality fishing downriggers Gear
Even once you’ve identified the perfect fishing downriggers, there are still ways to pay less than full retail price:
Stacking a few of those money-saving tactics can lead to seriously low prices on top-shelf fishing downriggers gear!
Building Your fishing downriggers Collection Over Time
For some hobbies, outfitting yourself with all the equipment you need can be an expensive proposition, even after finding good deals. One strategy is to build your collection gradually over time.
Start with the most essential, versatile items first. Then add specialized pieces as your skills progress and your budget allows. Having the proper core items is better than a bunch of niche accessories and toys.
You can also plan to upgrade key items every few years as your enthusiasm and commitment levels increase. That heirloom-quality product you can’t afford today could be well within reach in a couple years’ time.
fishing downriggers Communities and Resources
Don’t go in alone on your quest for the best products in your hobby! There are tons of communities, clubs and online resources full of fellow enthusiasts.
Tap into their collective knowledge and experience to get advice, see item reviews, scout for deals and discounts, learn maintenance tips, and generally level up your hobby.
In-person meetings are great for hands-on lessons, trying out new products, and bonding over your shared passion. Online forums and social media groups allow you to connect with people that share the same interests.
Key Takeaways for Buying the Best fishing downriggers
There’s a huge difference between true high-quality fishing downriggers built to last and those flimsy bargain-basement cheapos. If you want to get your money’s worth and enjoy your hobby for years to come, you gotta do your research and buy smart. This guide gives you all the insider tips to make that happen.
Once you have that sweet new fishing downriggers home, the fun is just getting started! Proper cleaning and maintenance will keep it in tip-top shape for the long haul. Join some communities online or in-person to learn all the tricks. You’ll get to bond with fellow enthusiasts too.
The bottom line? Buying quality fishing downriggers might require a bigger upfront investment. But you’re getting an item crafted with care and built to bring you decades of satisfaction. It’s absolutely worth it if you’re serious about your hobby. So quit messing around with trash and treat yourself to the good stuff already!