Scotty downriggers are the gold standard for trollers because they are rugged, modular, and feature the fastest retrieve rates on the market. Whether you are chasing trout in a kayak or Kingfish in the heavy swells of the Pacific, this guide covers the full range of models and the essential gear needed to fish them effectively.
1. Choose Your Tier: From Kayaks to Commercial
The first step is matching the machine to your boat size and target depth.
The Laketroller Series (Best for Kayaks & small boats)
If you have a tiny vessel or fish strictly small lakes, these are the most portable options. They use a direct-drive spool (1 foot per turn).
- Laketroller Clamp Mount (No. 1071): Includes a heavy-duty portable clamp. Perfect for aluminum boats where you don't want to drill holes.
- Laketroller Bracket Mount (No. 1073): Includes a permanent side/deck mount.
- Weight Limit: Best for 1–3 lb weights; maxes out at 5 lbs.
Manual Downriggers (The Mid-Range Workout)
For larger lakes and light saltwater use where you don't want to deal with batteries.
- Depthmaster (No. 1050) / No. 1060: The classic choice. It has a horizontal spool and a 1:1 retrieve.
- Strongarm (No. 1080) / No. 1085: Features a vertical spool with a faster retrieve. Best for deeper lakes.
Standard Electric (The Industry Workhorses)
These feature a 260 feet-per-minute (fpm) retrieve rate and the Scotty auto-stop system.
- Depthpower No. 1101: Features a 30" fixed boom. Ideal for narrower transoms.
- Depthpower No. 1106: The best-selling model globally. It has a 36"–60" telescoping boom to spread lines wide.
High-Performance (HP) Series (The Professional Standard)
If you fish deep (150ft+) or use heavy lead, this is the premium tier.
- No. 2106 HP: The flagship. It pulls at 295 fpm, handles 20lb weights effortlessly, and features a backlit digital counter.
2. Choosing Your Line: Steel vs. Braid
Stainless Steel (150lb): Standard on most units. Durable and allows the use of electronic "Black Boxes." However, it can "hum" in the current and is prone to kinking.
Premium Braid (200lb+): Silent, doesn't kink, and has less "blowback" (drag) in deep water. Note: Braid does not conduct electricity, so it is incompatible with electronic voltage systems.
3. Essential Mounting & Rigging Hardware
| Accessory | Function |
|---|---|
| Swivel Pedestal (No. 1026) | Allows 360° rotation. Essential for docking and clearing the deck safely. |
| Gimbal Mount (No. 1028) | Slides into existing rod holders—zero drilling required. |
| Snubber | A rubber shock absorber that prevents the lead weight from snapping the cable. |
| Power Grip Plus (No. 1170) | The clip that connects your fishing line to the downrigger cable. |
4. Pro Buyer Tips & Safety
- The 30-Amp Rule: All Scotty electrics require a 30-amp inline fuse. Never wire them directly to the battery without one.
- Weight Selection: 3–5 lbs for Laketrollers; 8–12 lbs for lakes; 15 lbs for standard saltwater; 18 lb+ for deep-sea or high-speed trolling.
- Emergency Gear: Always keep wire cutters near the rigger. If your weight snags a reef, you must be able to cut the cable instantly to protect the boat.
Summary Checklist:
- The Unit (Match to boat size)
- Mounting (Swivel base, Gimbal, or Clamp)
- The Weight (Lead cannonball)
- Terminal Tackle (Snubbers and Power Grip Plus releases)
- Power (10-gauge marine wire and a 30-amp fuse for electrics)