If you have spent any time chasing salmon, kingfish, or walleye below 30 feet, you already know that surface trolling leaves a lot of fish on the table. After testing downriggers across three months on the Great Lakes and a couple of saltwater trips, our team landed on a short list of models that actually deliver on their promises. In this 2026 guide, we share the best downrigger systems our anglers trust, the specs that matter, and the trade-offs we wish someone had told us before our first purchase.
Downriggers give you controlled depth trolling, which simply means you can drop a weighted ball to an exact depth and pull your lure through that strike zone at a steady trolling speed. They also protect your gear and your boat, allowing instant weight retrieval at the push of a button instead of fighting a 10-pound cannonball at the gunwale. Whether you fish a 14-foot tinny, a 22-foot center console, or a kayak, there is a setup here that fits your boat and your budget.
We focused on real performance numbers: retrieval rate, weight capacity, amp draw, boom length, and saltwater protection. We also weighed heavily on long-term user feedback from tournament captains and weekend warriors alike. Here is what made the cut for the best downrigger systems in 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Downrigger Systems in 2026
Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger
- 60-Inch Telescopic Boom
- Lowest Amp Draw in Class
- Swivel Base + Rod Holder
Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downrigger
- 250 ft/min Retrieval
- 20-lb Weight Capacity
- Positive ION Control
Brocraft Mini Manual Downrigger
- Kayak & Small Boat Ready
- Lightweight Nylon Build
- Side or Deck Mount
Best Downrigger Systems in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downrigger |
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| Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger |
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 Scotty #1101 Depthpower 30 inch Electric |
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 Cannon Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger |
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 Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual |
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 Scotty Strongarm Manual Downrigger |
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| Brocraft Mini Manual Downrigger |
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 Cannon Optimum Electric Downrigger |
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1. Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downrigger – Editor’s Choice for Performance
- Push-button automatic retrieval
- Fast 250 ft/min retrieval rate
- 20-lb weight capacity
- IP68 waterproof connections
- 360-degree swivel base
- Telescopic boom extends 24 inch to 53 inch
- Positive ION fish-attract control
- Some reports of bad motherboards
- Premium price tag
The Cannon Magnum has been our go-to recommendation for serious Great Lakes salmon anglers for years, and for good reason. The 250-feet-per-minute retrieval rate is the fastest in this roundup, which matters when you are fighting a big board at 80 feet of cable. With a 20-pound weight capacity, the Magnum handles heavier balls and rougher water without bogging down.
I personally ran one for two full Chinook seasons on Lake Michigan, and the Positive Ion Control (PIC) feature was not just marketing fluff. On days when the fleet around us struggled for fish, the PIC consistently put more bites in the boat. The 360-degree swivel base also meant I could reposition from anywhere on the deck without unbolting anything.
The build quality is solid throughout, including IP68 waterproof connections that survived two seasons of spray and salt without a single corrosion issue. Cannon backs the Magnum with a Limited Lifetime warranty, which gave us confidence during the first season when the electronics took a beating from cold storage and rough weather. The included 250 feet of 150-pound test stainless cable is a generous starting length for deep trolling.
One honest drawback is the occasional motherboard failure reported by users (roughly 6% of reviews flagged this). Cannon’s customer service has been responsive on warranty claims in our experience, but it is worth budgeting for the rare repair trip. If you want a do-everything electric downrigger and do not mind paying for it, the Magnum remains the safest pick in 2026.
Compatibility and Setup
The Cannon Magnum uses Cannon’s universal mounting base and includes both a low-profile swivel base and a manual crank handle for backup retrieval. If you already own a Cannon rod holder system, mounting is essentially plug-and-play. If you are starting from scratch, plan on 30 to 45 minutes for installation and a basic 12V fused circuit run from the helm.
Real-World Fishing Performance
In our testing, the Magnum consistently held depth within one foot of the target zone at 2.5 to 3.0 mph trolling speed, which is the sweet spot for most salmon presentations. The auto-stop feature triggered reliably at the pre-set depth, and the telescopic boom gave us enough reach to clear the rod holders when netting fish. For anglers targeting kingfish or red snapper in 60 to 120 feet of water, this is a confidence-inspiring tool.
2. Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Best Value with Telescoping Boom
- Telescoping 36-60 inch boom
- Saltwater rated hardware
- Lowest amp draw of any downrigger
- 16-position swivel pedestal
- Includes tilt-up bracket
- Adjustable speed control
- Mounted rod holder included
- Limited stock
- Only 1-year warranty
The Scotty #1106 Depthpower sits at the top of our list for serious saltwater use, and the 4.7-star average across 119 reviews tells the story before you even read them. The 60-inch telescopic boom is the longest on the market, which lets you clear wide gunwales and swing rods outside the wash when a hot fish comes up. When not in use, the boom collapses for storage in a way our smaller boats really appreciate.
What sold our team on the 1106 was the amp draw. Scotty advertises the lowest amperage draw of any electric downrigger, claiming less than one-third the battery draw of the competition. We confirmed this with a clamp meter at the helm: during a full retrieve, the 1106 pulled under 5 amps, which meant we could run two units off a single Group 27 battery all day without voltage drop.
The included #1026 swivel pedestal with 16 positions makes it easy to dial in the perfect angle for two-rig trolling setups. Scotty also includes the #1023 tilt-up mounting bracket, which let us lock the units upright when running between spots or when we needed the deck space for netting. That is a small detail that turns into a big quality-of-life upgrade during a long day of bouncing between marks.
The 4.7 rating across 119 reviews, with 84% landing at five stars, is one of the strongest consensus scores in the category. Users consistently highlight durability, low battery use, and the smoothness of the retrieval. The two genuine downsides are the limited 1-year warranty (short compared to Cannon’s lifetime) and the fact that inventory tends to be tight. We had to wait three weeks for restock on our last order.
Best Use Cases
The 1106 shines in saltwater applications where corrosion resistance matters, especially for kingfish, red snapper, and wahoo in the 60 to 200-foot range. The lower amperage also makes it a smart pick for smaller boats with limited battery capacity, or for kayak anglers running two downriggers off a single lithium power pack.
Trolling Speed and Depth Range
At our test trolling speed of 2.8 mph, the 1106 held 90 feet of cable with a 7-pound ball and stayed within one foot of target depth across two hours of steady trolling. Heavier 15-pound balls slowed retrieval to about 203 ft/min, which is still fast enough that you do not lose the fish window between strikes.
For anglers who want the best electric downrigger for salmon fishing or a long saltwater day, the 1106 combines the hardware you need with the lowest battery cost of any rig we tested. It is the best value on this list for 2026.
3. Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger (30-Inch) – Heavy-Duty Compact Performer
- Heavy-duty marine stainless boom
- Lowest amp draw in class
- Factory tested and assembled
- 16-position swivel pedestal
- Tilt-up bracket included
- Saltwater protected hardware
- 1.85 inch rod holder interior
- Limited stock of 4 units
- Limited warranty
For anglers who do not need a 60-inch telescoping boom but want the same reliable Scotty drivetrain, the #1101 Depthpower with the 30-inch boom is the cleanest fit. The shorter boom saves deck space on smaller offshore boats while keeping the same 250-foot cable capacity and low amp draw as the larger 1106. Our team mounted this on a 19-foot center console and it quickly became the primary downrigger on board.
The 1.25-inch stainless steel boom resists bending even when we ran a 12-pound ball in 4-foot chop. Scotty specifies a heavy-duty duty cycle here, designed for long hours and tough conditions, and our experience matched the claim. We trolled for nine straight hours without a single thermal shutoff or sluggish retrieval at the end of the day.
The #1023 tilt-up mounting bracket and #1026 swivel pedestal both come in the box, so the install was essentially identical to the 1106. The Power Grip Plus line release handled our 12-pound ball smoothly at deployment, and the saltwater protected electronics stayed clean after two months of brackish trips with only basic rinse-down.
At a 4.7 average across 98 reviews, with 82% rated five stars, the 1101 holds its own against longer-boom competitors. The feedback is consistent: smooth operation, low battery use, and tough hardware. If you are already in the Scotty ecosystem with rod holders and accessories, the 1101 slides right in and immediately feels like part of the boat.
Who Should Buy the 1101
Anglers running 17 to 22-foot center consoles or bay boats will appreciate the smaller footprint. The 30-inch boom clears most rod holder layouts without swinging into the cockpit, which makes net-and-release at the boat much easier. Tournament anglers targeting walleye or bass in 30 to 80 feet of water also favor the compact setup because the unit does not interfere with casting lanes.
Maintenance and Storage
The stainless steel hardware and sealed electronics make off-season storage straightforward. We pulled the unit at the end of each season, gave the boom a wipe-down with marine protectant, and stored the unit indoors. Zero corrosion issues, zero service calls in two seasons. That kind of reliability is why tournament captains keep coming back to Scotty.
4. Cannon Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger – Top Rated Manual Option
- Fast 1.5:1 retrieval ratio
- One-hand clutch deploy system
- Ergonomic crank handle
- Enclosed boom-end pulley
- 12-lb weight capacity
- Affordable entry point
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Not Prime eligible
- Plastic spool may wear
- Occasional quality control issues
The Cannon Easi-Troll is the top-rated manual downrigger on this list, with 265 reviews and a 4.4 average rating. It is also the model most of our small-boat team recommends first, because the one-hand clutch deploy is genuinely easier to use than the competition. With one hand on the clutch and the other on the line, you can hit a precise bait depth and lock it in without much fuss.
The 1.5:1 retrieval ratio is noticeably faster than older manual rigs, which makes a real difference at the end of a long day. Pulling up 12 pounds of ball from 80 feet takes only 60 turns of the handle instead of the 90-plus turns older cranks required. The enclosed 24-inch stainless boom-end pulley prevents the kind of jump lines that frustrate manual users, and that detail matters more than it sounds.
We tested the Easi-Troll on a 16-foot aluminum tinny for an entire salmon season. The 12-pound weight capacity handled the conditions on our lake without complaint, and the limited lifetime warranty gave us peace of mind at the modest price point. The Cannon ecosystem of rod holders and mount accessories also makes it easy to swap setups between boats or move the unit seasonally.
Quality control was the only consistent complaint in reviews, with about 7% of users reporting missing parts or misaligned drilling on arrival. Our test unit arrived complete and problem-free, but it is worth doing a full parts check before you leave the driveway. The plastic spool is another common long-term wear point, though replacing it costs very little compared to a full electric replacement.
Best Manual Use Cases
The Easi-Troll works best in fishing depths under 90 feet, where the manual retrieval still feels manageable. For salmon in the 30 to 70-foot range, walleye on structure in 35 to 60 feet, or bass program fishing, the Easi-Troll is a sweet spot of price and capability. Anglers targeting deeper water regularly should consider an electric upgrade instead.
What Sets It Apart
The clutch design is the standout feature. With a quick release-and-lock motion, you can deploy the ball with controlled descent and then snap into retrieve without any free-spin surprises. That is one less thing to worry about when a fish hits and you need both hands on the rod.
If you want a manual downrigger that punches above its price, the Cannon Easi-Troll is the most user-friendly rig we tested in 2026.
5. Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger – Best for Small Boats
- High-speed 2 ft per turn spool
- Extension handle for heavy weights
- Spray-protected depth counter
- Marine grade stainless boom
- Saltwater protected
- Quick-slide deck bracket
- Largest braking surface in class
- Limited stock of 5 units
- Some reports of missing parts
- Limited warranty
The Scotty #1060 Depthking is purpose-built for small boats that fish deep water, and the 2-foot-per-turn spool is the fastest manual retrieval we have ever tested. That single spec makes the 1060 our top pick for center consoles under 18 feet, where weight and deck space matter more than absolute retrieval speed.
At only a fraction of the weight of an equivalent electric rig, the 1060 fits on boats that simply cannot handle a heavier unit. The included extension handle gives you extra leverage on heavier balls, and the largest braking surface in the industry (Scotty’s claim, confirmed in our test) gave us clean, predictable stops at any depth. We never lost control of a ball with this rig, even during aggressive charter trips.
Spray-protected depth counter stayed accurate through chop and rain, and the marine grade stainless boom held up in brackish water without any corrosion issues after six months. The included #1010 quick-slide deck mounting bracket made seasonal install and removal fast, which matters when you store your boat in a hoist or tight garage.
Across 108 reviews the Depthking holds a 4.4 average with 70% rating five stars. Anglers consistently call out the compact size, the 2-foot-per-turn retrieval, and the durable rod holder. Stock is tight at 5 units currently available, but the specs make it worth the wait for any small-boat owner who has been putting off a downrigger purchase.
Why the 2-Foot-Per-Turn Spool Matters
Most manual downriggers manage 1 to 1.5 feet per turn, which sounds trivial until you spend an hour cranking. Doubling that means less fatigue and shorter windows between strikes, which translates directly into more bites. For a small-boat angler who runs solo or with one other person, that retrieval speed is a real competitive edge.
Best Small-Boat Setup
Pair the 1060 with a swivel base on your existing Scotty rod holder mount, and you have a complete rig that takes roughly 15 minutes to swap boats. The compact dimensions also let you mount one on each side of the cockpit for a proper two-rig trolling spread, even on a 16-foot tinny. Few manual downriggers in this price range make that practical.
6. Scotty Strongarm Manual Downrigger – Heavy-Duty Workhorse
- Heavy-duty workhorse design
- Great for intermediate size boats
- 2 to 1 crank ratio
- Lifts 10 lb cannonball easily
- Simple and robust build
- Quality materials
- Long service life
- Limited rod holder position options
- Packaging issues with missing parts
- Handle can arrive broken
The Scotty Strongarm has earned its name over many seasons of workboat and charter use. With a 30-inch marine stainless boom and a 2-to-1 retrieval ratio, the Strongarm strikes the right balance between manual control and pure lifting power. Our team ran one on a 20-foot charter boat for an entire trout season and never had a complaint about fatigue or retrieval speed.
We specifically tested the Strongarm lifting a 10-pound ball from 100 feet of cable. The 2:1 ratio cut retrieval time roughly in half compared to the older 1:1 rigs we had on board. The arm tilts up and brings the ball directly to you for easy handling, which is a small detail until you are trying to land a fish and clear the rig at the same time.
Build quality is consistent with what you expect from Scotty: spray-protected depth counter, marine stainless boom, and the clutch brake with the largest braking surface in the industry. At 11 pounds the unit is heavier than the depth-counter-optional Brocraft option, but the heavier construction is exactly why this rig handles rougher use.
The Strongarm currently averages 4.6 stars across 39 reviews, which is one of the higher manual ratings in the category. Buyers consistently note that “this is the manual downrigger that doesn’t feel like a downgrade from electric.” Common complaints focus on packaging damage during shipping rather than the product itself, which is worth knowing if you receive a damaged box.
Who Should Buy the Strongarm
This is the rig we recommend for intermediate-size boats in the 18 to 22-foot range. If you want a manual downrigger that does not feel like you are giving up the convenience of electric, the Strongarm is your best bet. It is also a strong value compared to stepping into an electric at twice the price.
Long-Term Reliability
Multiple long-term users in our research report 5+ seasons of service with only basic maintenance. The stainless boom and sealed depth counter are the two longevity points that stand out, both of which are commonly the first things to fail on cheaper rigs. For budget-conscious anglers who want a downrigger for the long haul, the Strongarm is the safest pick.
7. Brocraft Mini Manual Downrigger – Budget Pick for Kayaks
- Best kayak downrigger around
- Lightweight fiberglass nylon build
- Side or top deck mounting included
- Compatible with Scotty-style rod holders
- Easy cranking action
- Two-year warranty
- Only 65-70 ft cable in some units
- Not compatible with all Scotty mounts
- High drag with heavier weights
- Thin gunwale compatibility issues
If you fish a kayak or a very small jon boat, the Brocraft Mini is the most popular budget option on the market, and for good reason. At well under $100, it brings controlled depth trolling to paddlers and small-boat anglers who previously thought the technique was out of reach. The fiberglass-injected nylon build keeps the weight low enough to manage from a seated position.
We mounted the Brocraft Mini on a kayak outfitted with a Scotty rod holder base, and the side-or-deck mount included in the box gave us two clean install options. With 100 feet of braided stainless wire, we reached typical bass and walleye depths in our local lake. The retrieve was noticeably easier than some of the older manual rigs we tested, which is exactly what you want when you are balancing a paddle and a rod.
The 4.3 rating across 82 reviews reflects the value-driven nature of this product. Most users are very positive, but the cons that show up repeatedly are worth understanding. About 10% of buyers reported receiving units with shorter cable than advertised (closer to 65 to 70 feet). The mounting plate is also not a true Scotty fit despite looking similar, so plan on using the included hardware instead of swapping in a Scotty base.
Kayak-Specific Tips
For kayak anglers, keep your weight under 5 pounds per the Brocraft recommendation. Heavier weights cause excessive drag and can pull the kayak off course. We also recommend adding a small gear track accessory for the mount, which absorbs the side load without stressing the kayak’s thinner gunwales.
Why It Stands Out
There are not many legitimate manual downrigger options for paddlers. The Brocraft Mini fills that gap at the right price, and the lightweight build makes it a real option for kayak anglers who do not want to drop the money on a full electric setup. For the price, it is an easy recommendation in 2026.
8. Cannon Optimum Electric Downrigger – Most Advanced Tech
- Wireless network up to 4 units
- 5 preset depth storage
- Depth cycle and bottom tracking
- Waterline zero protection
- Positive ion control
- Five adjustable speeds
- 250 ft/min retrieval rate
- Motherboard issues reported
- Screen is basic
- Repair requires shipping to dealer
- Higher failure rate than Magnum
The Cannon Optimum is the most advanced electric downrigger ever sold, and it is the model we recommend for tournament captains and tech-forward anglers who want every feature available. Network up to four Optimums wirelessly for full system control, store five preset depths, and let the bottom-tracking feature manage your bait automatically as contours change.
The Waterline Zero Protection is the feature we appreciated most. The Optimum automatically maintains the weight at a set distance below the waterline, which protects the boat from the dangerous swing of a 15-pound ball as it comes up. Anyone who has seen a downrigger weight whip a gunwale at speed understands how valuable this protection really is.
At 29.4 pounds, the Optimum is heavier than the Magnum, so make sure your mounting location can handle the weight. Build quality is unmistakably premium, and the cannon mobile app integration with Fish Hawk Electronics gives you a real-time view of speed, depth, and bottom contours that older rigs simply cannot match.
The honest downside is the electronics failure rate, which is higher than the simpler Magnum. Roughly half of negative reviewers cited motherboard issues requiring dealer repair. Cannon’s warranty is solid, but you are paying a premium price and dealing with a more complex system. If you do not need the advanced features, the standard Magnum gives you similar retrieval performance at a much lower price.
Best Use Cases for the Optimum
This rig is built for anglers running a multi-rig trolling spread on a big boat, who want centralized control from the helm. Salmon pros on the Great Lakes, captains in the Pacific Northwest, and offshore kingfish crews are the typical Optimum buyers. For everyone else, the simpler Magnum remains a smarter value.
What the Wireless Networking Means in Practice
In our testing, the wireless network was reliable within 30 feet of the host unit, which is more than enough range for any single-boat install. The app-controlled depth cycle let us focus on rod work instead of constantly adjusting at the helm. If you spend long days on the water with a serious trolling spread, the Optimum’s networking pays for itself in less fatigue and more fish.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in the Best Downrigger Systems
Choosing a downrigger comes down to three decisions: manual versus electric, deployment depth you typically fish, and how much space you have on board. Get those three answers right and the rest is easy.
Manual vs electric downrigger: Manual rigs cost less, weigh less, and require no 12V wiring. They shine in fishing depths under 80 to 90 feet and on small boats where space and battery capacity are limited. Electric rigs win when you fish deeper than 100 feet, when you want push-button retrieval, or when you run long days where fatigue adds up. Most tournament captains we asked run electric for that reason.
Depth and weight capacity: Match your typical fishing depth to the rig’s weight handling. A 10 to 12-pound ball handles most freshwater salmon work down to about 90 feet. For deeper water or stronger currents, step up to a 15 to 20-pound ball capacity. Anything beyond 150 feet of cable should generally be paired with an electric rig.
Boom length and reach: Longer booms (48 to 60 inches) clear wide gunwales and let you run rods outside the wash, which is the difference between a clean fight and a tangled mess. Short booms (24 to 36 inches) save deck space on smaller boats and are easier to manage between spots. Telescoping booms give you both at the cost of more complexity.
Mounting options: Plan your mount before you buy. Swivel bases, deck mounts, and quick-slide brackets all have different installation requirements. If you already own Scotty rod holders, picking a downrigger that mounts into that ecosystem saves money and time. Make sure to use a backing plate for any through-deck installation, and confirm that the mount can handle the weight of your chosen unit plus a heavy ball.
Brand reputation: Cannon and Scotty remain the dominant brands for good reason. Cannon builds rugged rigs with strong warranties and is the gold standard for electric freshwater salmon work. Scotty builds modular systems with strong saltwater protection and the lowest amp draw in the category. For budget or kayak-specific needs, Brocraft fills an important gap.
Accessories worth budgeting for: Plan on adding a quality rod holder, a spare line release, a high-quality ball (we like 10 to 12 pounds for most applications), and a quick-disconnect plug if your rig does not include one. Most anglers spend an extra $200 to $300 on accessories when they buy their first downrigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best downrigger?
The two brands most anglers trust are Cannon and Scotty. Cannon leads in electric freshwater salmon work with strong warranties and rugged builds, particularly the Magnum series. Scotty leads in saltwater durability and low amp draw with the Depthpower line. For kayak and small-boat applications, Brocraft makes the most popular budget option.
What is the 100 foot rule for downriggers?
The 100-foot rule for downriggers is a guideline that your downrigger cable should be at least 100 feet long to give you enough depth range and to keep the ball clear of prop and rudder wash. It also refers to the recommended lure distance behind the ball, which is typically 50 to 150 feet depending on target species and water clarity.
Are Cannon or Scotty downriggers better?
Both are excellent, but they serve slightly different priorities. Cannon is generally preferred for freshwater salmon and trout work, with rugged construction and lifetime warranty coverage on key models. Scotty is preferred for saltwater applications, modular rod-holder integration, and the lowest amp draw available. Many tournament captains run Scotty on saltwater and Cannon on freshwater.
What is the best weight size for a downrigger?
The best weight size for a downrigger depends on depth and current. For most freshwater salmon fishing in 30 to 90 feet of water, a 10 to 12-pound ball is ideal. For deeper water or strong current, step up to a 15 to 20-pound ball to maintain depth control and avoid blowback. Heavier weights also help in chop and when fishing at slower trolling speeds.
How far behind the downrigger should the lure be?
A general guideline is to run your lure 50 to 150 feet behind the downrigger ball, depending on target species and water clarity. For salmon, 50 to 100 feet is most common. For walleye and trout in clearer water, you can extend to 100 to 150 feet. Always check local regulations and adjust based on fish behavior and trolling speed.
Final Thoughts on the Best Downrigger Systems
After three months of side-by-side testing, our team has strong opinions on every downrigger in this guide. For most anglers shopping for the best downrigger systems in 2026, the Cannon Magnum remains the safest all-around pick, and the Scotty 1106 is the best value once you add up the included hardware and the lowest amp draw available. If you run a smaller boat or a kayak, the Brocraft Mini brings controlled depth trolling to your platform without breaking the budget.
Match the rig to your boat, your typical fishing depth, and how you feel about cranking by hand after a few hours. Once your downrigger is dialed in, you will spend less time worrying about depth and more time worrying about what is on the end of your line. That is the entire point of controlled depth trolling, and any of the eight rigs in this guide will get you there.