Scotty Downrigger Reviews: 5 Models Compared for Deep-Water Trolling
For those who are serious about catching more fish while trolling, using in a reliable Scotty downrigger can completely transform your time on the water.
If you are targeting salmon, walleye, kokanee, or striped bass, the right downrigger allows you to present your bait at the precise depth where fish are actively feeding.
That’s why experienced anglers consistently recommend Scotty products for their outstanding durability, smooth operation, and dependable performance in both freshwater and saltwater conditions.
Finding the best downrigger for 16 foot fishing boat can be challenging because smaller boats require equipment that is lightweight, compact, and easy to operate without sacrificing strength.
Scotty offers several models that perfectly balance portability with powerful line control, making them an excellent choice for anglers fishing from compact vessels.
Likewise, anyone searching for the best downrigger for 18 foot aluminum boat will appreciate Scotty’s rugged construction and corrosion-resistant materials that stand up to years of demanding use.
Versatility is another reason Scotty remains one of the most trusted names in trolling equipment.
Whether you need the best downrigger for pontoon boat fishing or a system capable of handling larger fishing boats, Scotty provides manual and electric options designed to fit virtually every style of angling.
Their adjustable mounting systems and user-friendly controls make installation simple while delivering smooth, consistent performance every trip.
Species-specific trolling demands precision, and Scotty downriggers excel in exactly that area.
Anglers looking for the best downrigger for walleye trolling benefit from accurate depth control that keeps crankbaits and live bait presentations in the strike zone longer.
Those pursuing kokanee will quickly understand why many fishermen consider Scotty the best downrigger for kokanee fishing, where maintaining exact depths often makes the difference between an average day and a full cooler.
Lake anglers targeting trophy salmon also depend on reliable depth management.
If you’re searching for the best downrigger for salmon fishing in lakes, Scotty’s smooth retrieval systems, dependable cable management, and powerful lifting capabilities make every trolling pass more productive.
The same precision is equally valuable for anyone needing the best downrigger for striped bass trolling, where bait placement and consistent trolling depth can dramatically increase hookups.
Scotty has also earned an outstanding reputation among serious anglers who fish expansive waters.
Many consider it the best downrigger for Great Lakes fishing because its heavy-duty construction is built to withstand rough conditions while maintaining dependable performance throughout long fishing seasons.
Whether battling changing weather or chasing trophy fish in deeper water, Scotty equipment is engineered to perform when it matters most.
Beginners anglers will appreciate that Scotty offers models for every experience level.
If you’re shopping for the best portable manual downrigger for beginners, you’ll find lightweight designs that are simple to install, easy to learn, and surprisingly affordable.
More experienced anglers wanting greater convenience can choose the best compact electric downrigger for small boats, combining automatic retrieval with space-saving designs that maximize deck room without compromising power.
In this guide, you will learn the best Scotty downriggers available today, compare their standout features, highlight their strengths and weaknesses, and help you choose the ideal model for your fishing style, boat size, and target species.
Whether you’re a weekend recreational angler or a dedicated trolling enthusiast, there’s a Scotty downrigger designed to help you fish deeper, troll smarter, and land more trophy catches on every outing.
If you troll for salmon, lake trout, walleye, or kokanee, a downrigger is what puts your lure at the exact depth the fish are holding instead of hoping a diving plug or leaded line gets close.
Scotty has been building downriggers since 1973, and its lineup spans everything from budget clamp-on units for a canoe to full electric setups for charter boats.
Below is an honest, side-by-side look at five popular Scotty downriggers to help you pick the right one for your boat and your fishing style.
1. Scotty #1116 Propack Depthpower Downrigger
The 1116 is Scotty’s flagship electric downrigger, that is built to send and retrieve a trolling weight and lure to precise depths including very deep water with the push of a button instead of hand-cranking.
It’s designed for anglers who run multiple lines at varying depths all day long.
It is for charter captains, serious salmon and lake trout trollers, and multi-rod anglers who fish larger boats and want dual-rod capability.
This is a premium, heavy-use tool, not an entry-level purchase.
Key Points
- 36″–60″ telescoping boom + dual rod holders
Here, you get the reach of a full-size boom with the flexibility to collapse it for storage, plus two 10″ rod holders so you can run two lines per side. - Lowest amp draw of any downrigger
Scotty makes and uses less than a third of the battery draw of some competitors that is a real advantage on all-day trips or smaller battery banks. - Fully adjustable descent and fast retrieval
It is lifting 7 lb. weights at 235 ft./min., with a spray-protected positive-drive depth counter for accurate, repeatable depth control.
Pros
✅ Hands-free, fast, and precise — ideal for running several lines at once
✅ Marine-grade stainless steel boom and Kevlar drive belt for durability
✅ Backed by Scotty’s limited lifetime warranty
Cons
❌ Requires a 12V power source and wiring not plug-and-play
❌ Premium price point compared to manual models
❌ Overkill for casual, single-rod anglers
The Scotty downrigger 1116 is a serious investment, but for anyone running a charter operation or fishing hard multiple days a week, the low amp draw, dual-rod versatility, and telescoping boom make it one of the best electric downriggers on the market.
Scotty #1116 Propack Depthpower Downrigger
2. Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger
The Scotty downrigger 1101 delivers the same electric Depthpower drive system as the 1116, but on a fixed 30″ boom without the dual-rod option that is built specifically for heavy-duty, long-hours use in tough conditions.
It is for anglers who want dependable electric power without the telescoping boom or second rod holder that is a great fit for mid-size boats running one or two downriggers per side.
Key Points
1. 250 ft. of 150 lb.
Test stainless steel cable gives you real depth capacity for deep-holding fish in lakes or open water.
2. Low amperage draw
It is the same efficient motor as the 1116, so it won’t drain your battery on long trolling passes.
3. 203 ft./min. hands-free retrieval with a 15 lb.
Here, weight means less time cranking and more time fishing when it’s time to check bait or land a fish.
Pros
✅ Heavy-duty build handles long days and big weights
✅ Fast, efficient, low-draw electric motor
✅ Fully assembled with mount and swivel base included
Cons
❌ Fixed 30″ boom — less reach than telescoping models
❌ Single rod holder only
❌ Still needs onboard electrical wiring
The Scotty downrigger 1101 strips away the extras of the 1116 while keeping the core electric performance that is a smart, slightly more affordable choice for anglers who want power and reliability without paying for dual-rod features they may not need.
Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger
3. Scotty Downrigger Depthking Manual #1060 Model
Scotty Downrigger, Depthking Manual is a manual downrigger built for small-to-mid-size boats that fish deep but still want a fast hand retrieve that has no batteries or wiring required.
It is for budget-conscious anglers, small aluminum boat owners, and anyone who prefers a simple mechanical system with no electrical installation.
Key Points
- High-speed 2 ft.
Per turn spool with an extension handle means you’re not cranking forever to bring up your line, even from real depth. - Clutch brake
With the largest braking surface in the industry pays out line automatically if you snag bottom, saving your gear instead of snapping the cable. - 200 ft. of 150 lb.
Test stainless steel cable plus a spray-protected depth counter gives you accuracy without any power draw at all.
Pros
✅ No wiring, no battery drain — install and go
✅ Fast retrieve for a manual unit
✅ Auto-release brake protects against snag losses
Cons
❌ Still requires hand cranking, which gets tiring over many runs
❌ 23″ boom is shorter than the electric Depthpower models
❌ Not ideal for anglers running many lines at once
Scotty Downrigger Depthking Manual is the sweet spot between affordability and performance for small-boat anglers where you get real depth capability and a genuinely fast retrieve without any electrical setup.
Scotty Downrigger Depthking Manual
4. Laketroller Manual Downrigger Clamp Mount #1071 Model
Laketroller Manual Downrigger Clamp Mount is Scotty’s compact, portable downrigger designed to clamp directly onto a gunnel, transom, or canoe edge which has no permanent mounting hardware needed.
It is for canoe, kayak-with-motor, and small aluminum boat anglers who want a truly portable, lightweight downrigger they can move between boats or take on and off easily.
Key Points
- Portable 2″ opening clamp
It lets you mount and remove the unit in seconds that is perfect for anglers who share a boat or want to store the rigger between trips. - 100 ft. of 150 lb.
Test stainless steel cable is plenty for the shallower-to-mid depths typical lake trollers target. - Lightweight stainless/nylon construction about 3 lbs.
It keeps the whole package easy to carry and mount on smaller, lighter craft.
Pros
✅ No drilling or permanent mounting required
✅ Very portable and lightweight
✅ Affordable entry point into downrigger fishing
Cons
❌ 100 ft. cable limits maximum depth versus larger models
❌ Recommended only for weights under 4 lbs. that is not for heavy trolling setups
❌ No rod holder or depth counter included
For canoe and small-boat anglers who want an easy, no-commitment way to start fishing precise depths, Laketroller Manual Downrigger Clamp Mount delivers solid basic performance at a budget-friendly price.
Laketroller Manual Downrigger Clamp Mount
5. Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger
Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger is the bracket-mount version of the Laketroller line, using a No. 241 Combination Side/Deck Mount that bolts on and rotates a full 360°, rather than a removable clamp.
It is for anglers with a small boat who want a semi-permanent, more stable mounting option than the clamp version, while still keeping the compact Laketroller footprint.
Key Points
- 360° rotating side/deck mount
It lets you swing the unit out of the way when landing fish, then back into trolling position — more flexibility than a fixed clamp. - 100 ft. of 150 lb.
Test stainless steel cable with a 1 ft. per turn spool keeps retrieval simple and manageable for light tackle. - Compact 11″–12″ boom and stainless/nylon
It is built to keep the unit small and light, ideal for boats with limited deck space.
Pros
✅ More stable and rotatable than a simple clamp mount
✅ Compact footprint suits small boats and tight gunnels
✅ Includes Mini Power Grip Plus line release
Cons
❌ Requires drilling to install the mount
❌ Limited to weights under 4 lbs.
❌ No rod holder included
Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger is a great middle-ground pick for small-boat anglers who want the flexibility of a rotating mount without stepping up to a full-size Depthpower rig which is simple, compact, and easy to live with.
Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger
Conclusion
Choosing a downrigger comes down to how you fish, what boat you run, and how much you want to spend. Here’s a neutral, head-to-head breakdown of five popular Scotty models: Scotty #1116 Propack Depthpower Downrigger, #1101 Depthpower Electric, Depthking Manual #1060, Laketroller Clamp Mount #1071, and #1073DP Laketroller.
Design
- Scotty Downrigger model #1116 and #1101 share Scotty’s electric Depthpower drive, Kevlar belt, and stainless boom construction but the 1116 adds a 36″–60″ telescoping boom and dual rod holders, while the 1101 uses a fixed 30″ boom and single holder.
- Scotty Downrigger model #1060 is a manual unit with a shorter 23″ boom, a high-speed 2 ft./turn spool, and a heavy-duty clutch brake that pays out line automatically on a snag.
- Scotty two Laketroller models are the most compact of the group, that is built from lighter stainless-and-nylon components with 11″–12″ booms: Scotty Clamp Mount model #1071 attaches with a portable, no-drill 2″ clamp, while the 1073DP uses a bolted, 360°-rotating side/deck mount for a more stable and permanent install.
Price
- Generally, price scales with power and boom size.
- Scotty Downrigger model #1116 sits at the top as Scotty’s flagship electric model, followed by the 1101, which delivers similar electric performance in a simpler, single-rod package.
- Scotty Downrigger model #1116 Depthking is mid-range, giving you real depth capability and a fast manual retrieve without wiring costs.
- Scotty Downrigger model #1116 two Laketrollers are the most affordable, entry-level options
- Scotty Downrigger model #1116 1071 clamp version is typically the cheapest of all five since it skips a permanent mount and rod holder.
Performance
- Scotty Downrigger model #1116 and #1101 electric units are the clear leaders here: fast, low-amp-draw motors retrieve line at up to 203–235 ft./min. hands-free, with 250 ft. of 150 lb. test cable for real depth.
- The Depthking performs impressively for a manual reel in which its 2 ft./turn spool and oversized brake make it fast and snag-safe — but it can’t match the effortless, hands-free retrieval of the electric models.
- The Laketrollers are the least powerful of the group, with 100 ft. of cable and a recommended weight limit under 4 lbs., making them best suited to lighter tackle and shallower trolling depths rather than deep-water work.
Ease of Use
- Electric Scotty Downrigger models win for pure convenience with a press button and Scotty Downrigger #1116 or #1101 does the work, which matters most when running multiple lines.
- Scotty Downrigger Depthking requires manual cranking but is genuinely quick thanks to its high-speed spool.
- Scotty Downrigger Laketrollers are the simplest to install especially the clamp version but require full manual cranking with a slower 1 ft./turn spool.
The Winner: Best Pick by Buyer Type
- Charter captains & multi-line trollers: Scotty #1116 – it is telescoping boom and dual rod holders justify the price.
- Serious single-rod electric anglers: Scotty #1101 — it is same power, simpler and slightly more affordable.
- Budget-conscious manual anglers: Depthking #1060 — it is fast retrieve without any wiring.
- Canoe/kayak or shared-boat anglers: Laketroller Clamp Mount #1071 — it is portable, no-drill setup.
- Small boats wanting a stable, rotating mount: Scotty #1073DP — it is compact but more secure than a clamp.
Which Scotty Downrigger Should You Buy?
- Charter or multi-line trolling: Scotty #1116 Propack Depthpower
- Serious trolling, single rod electric: Scotty #1101 Depthpower
- Budget manual with fast retrieve: Scotty Depthking #1060
- Portable, no-drill setup for canoes/small boats: Laketroller Clamp Mount #1071
- Compact, rotating mount for small boats: Scotty #1073DP Laketroller
