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Looking for a reliable mount for your downrigger to reach that sweet spot-depth with maximum efficiency and minimum damage? Then this article is for you!
Today, we’re reviewing the 9 best downrigger mounts on the market and sharing a detailed buying guide to help you land the right product for your needs and budget.
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks…
Reviews of the 9 Best Downrigger Mounts
1. Scotty #1026 Swivel Pedestal Downrigger Mount
The Scotty Swivel Pedestal Downrigger Mount #1026 offers you a simple yet efficient way to install your downrigger system with a sturdy base. Made out of tough plastic, this mount is meant to fit almost every Scotty downrigger model.
The 1026 mount can rotate a full 360 degrees, which gives you ultimate flexibility when it comes to maneuvering your downrigger. It’s also equipped with 16 locking positions for maximum convenience on the water.
To make it easier to install and remove this Scotty mount, it’s fitted with mounting knobs. These are made out of stainless steel to maximize the durability of the unit.
This mount can handle a lead weight of up to 16 pounds, weighing in at almost 6 pounds itself. The dimensions of the platform are 5 1/2 inches x 5 1/2 inches x 4 inches, with bolting dimensions of 3 1/2 inches x 4 1/2 inches.
Specs
- Type — swivel pedestal
- Material — plastic
- Dimensions — 5 ½ inches x 5 1/2 inches x 4 inches
- Weight — 5.97 pounds
What We Like
- Fits all Scotty downriggers
- Features 360-degree rotation
- Multiple lock settings
- Comes with convenient mounting knobs
What We Don’t Like
- The plastic material is nothing special given the price range
2. Brocraft Universal Downrigger Bracket
This high-rated clamp mount from Brocraft is designed to offer you a universal fit. This means it can work for any downrigger manufactured by common brands in addition to Brocraft itself, such as Scotty, Cannon, and Bigjon.
Just by looking at this unit, you can tell it’s very sturdy. The construction material is aluminum T6 alloy of marine-grade, complete with CNC processing so you can rest assured it’ll last you a long time.
The Brocraft Universal Downrigger Mount is compatible with 90-degree Lund Boat trackers as well as any other boat featuring a track system measuring a 5/16 inch.
Backed up by a 2-year warranty, the dimensions of this unit are 6 inches x 6 inches x 3.5 inches. It comes pre-drilled and tapped and includes 4 screws for extra convenience.
Specs
- Type — clamp
- Material — aluminum
- Dimensions — 6 inches x 6 inches x 3.5 inches
- Weight — 2.43 pounds
What We Like
- Solid construction material
- Easy to install and adjust
- Comes pre-drilled
What We Don’t Like
- On the expensive side
3. Cannon 2250940 Rail/Side Downrigger Mount
The Cannon 2250940 Downrigger Mount is designed to fasten any downrigger made by Cannon (other than Mini-Troll) onto the T joints of your boat’s rail as long as it has slim gunwales.
Construction-wise, this downrigger mount is built out of machined aluminum, delivering impressive durability. It’s also coated with a corrosion-resistant powder layer to prolong its lifespan.
All in all, the Cannon 2250940 mount will notably help rig the downrigger system in your fishing favor — just make sure your rail ranges from 1 inch to 1.25 inches thick.
Additionally, you’ll find the setup process to be pretty straightforward; simply adjust the rubber parts between the side mounting plates, tighten the bolts, and you’re good to go!
Specs
- Type — clamp
- Material — aluminum
- Dimensions — 5.5 inches x 5.5 inches x 4.75 inches
- Weight — 1 pound
What We Like
- Great value for money
- Durable and resistant to corrosion
- Quick to mount and remove
What We Don’t Like
- The hole pattern isn’t universal
4. Scotty #2027 Stanchion Rail Mount for Downriggers
If you’re tight on money and looking for a budget-friendly downrigger mount, then you should consider the Scotty #2027 unit. It’s designed to be secured on the stanchion of your boat, which gives it some flexibility when it comes to mounting.
This mount is compatible with all Scotty downriggers (excluding Lake rollers), as well as downriggers from other brands if you drill their hole pattern. In the case of the former, you don’t need to drill any holes as it arrives already done.
This unit is made of plastic, so it can’t support too heavy a lead weight. However, the screws are made out of stainless steel to add some strength and stability to the system.
What’s more, the #2027 downrigger bracket features big mounting knobs -also made out of stainless steel- to give you a good grip for hassle-free attachment and improved portability.
With a fairly quick performance, the top plate of this mount has dimensions of 6 inches x 6 inches x 6 inches. The side plate bolting dimensions are 4 inches x 2 inches.
Speaking of the top plate, the Scotty 2027 stanchion downrigger mount can accommodate Scotty’s 1010 compact bracket and the 1026 swivel mount directly over it.
Specs
- Type — clamp
- Material — plastic
- Dimensions — 6 inches x 6 inches x 6 inches
- Weight — 2.8 pounds
What We Like
- Available at an affordable price
- The mounting knobs are easy to use
- The top plate accommodates Scotty’s 1010 compact bracket and 1026 swivel mount
What We Don’t Like
- Not the sturdiest option
5. Cannon 1904040 and 1904045 Universal Downrigger Base
Another terrific option from Cannon is this Universal Downrigger Base. It’s available in two different versions; the 1094040 and the 1904045, which vary in their construction material.
The 10904040 version is the standard model, made out of heavy-duty composite material that provides lots of strength and resists UV damage.
On the other hand, the 1904045 is built out of 316-grade stainless steel. If you decide to upgrade to the stainless steel model, you’ll get extra protection against corrosion, pitting, and rusting.
Not only do both versions of the Cannon Universal Downrigger offer anglers impressive stability, but they also allow for quick fastening and detachment. If you’re wondering about this unit’s range of compatibility, it can work with DIGI-TROLL, EASI-TROLL, MAGNUM, and UNI-TROLL models.
Both the 1904040 and the 1904045 mounts share the same dimensions of 5.25 inches x 5.25 inches. They also weigh under 3 pounds.
Specs
- Type — clamp
- Material — composite or stainless steel
- Dimensions — 5.25 inches x 5.25 inches
- Weight — 2.2 pounds
What We Like
- Last for a long time
- Secure fit
- Budget-friendly price
What We Don’t Like
- Can be a bit tricky to screw in
6. Scotty #1025 Right Angle Side Mounting Bracket
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly downrigger mount that you can rely on for many fishing trips, then the Scotty #1025 Mounting Bracket could be exactly what you need. It’s meant to be secured on the rail or side of your boat, which gives you more room to decide where the system should stand.
This mount is compatible with all Scotty downriggers, especially boats with uneven or slim gunnels.
Additionally, since this mount is built out of plastic, it can’t support too heavy a lead weight. That being said, the included are made out of stainless steel to add more strength and stability to the system.
What’s more, the 1025 downrigger mount is equipped with two large mounting knobs -also made out of stainless steel- to give you a secure grip when installing for hassle-free attachment and better portability.
Manufactured in Canada, the top plate of this mount has dimensions of 7 inches x 6 inches x 4 inches and it weighs a total of 2 pounds.
Specs
- Type — clamp
- Material — plastic
- Dimensions — 7 inches x 6 inches x 4 inches
- Weight — 2 pounds
What We Like
- Suitable for attaching on uneven or thin gunnels
- Reasonable price
- Easy to adjust knobs
What We Don’t Like
- The plastics construction can be fortified
7. Cannon 2207237 Downrigger Clamp Mount
Next up from Cannon, we have the 2207237 clamp-type downrigger mount. It’s meant to go onto your boat’s transom or gunwale.
This bracket is compatible with the following downriggers: Legacy Easi Troll, Lake-Troll, Mini-Mag, and Sport-Troll. The maximum opening width of the clamp is 2 inches.
As for construction, this unit is made out of machined aluminum to provide decent sturdiness. Not to mention, it’s finished with powder-coated to boost resistance against corrosion when fishing in saltwater.
Specs
- Type — clamp
- Material — aluminum
- Dimensions — 5 inches x 5 inches x 5 inches
- Weight — 1.4 pounds
What We Like
- Solid metal construction
- Has a powder finish to minimize corrosion
- Ideal for pontoons
What We Don’t Like
- The included bolts can be improved
8. Brocraft Universal 12- Aluminum Downrigger Gimbal Mount
Once again, we’re looking at a reliable unit from Brocraft. This universal gimbal mount is compatible with the majority of popular downriggers on the market from brands such as Cannon, Scotty, Bigjon, and of course, Brocrafat.
The top plate of this gimbal downrigger mount measures 6 inches x 6 inches x 5 inches. It arrives already drilled and tapped, so all you need to do is screw it in place.
As for the removal process, it’s a piece of cake as it only involves pulling the mount up and out of the rod holder. Additionally, it’s equipped with a 12-inch tube of 1 1/2 inches outer diameter.
Specs
- Type — gimbal
- Material — aluminum
- Dimensions — 6 inches x 6 inches x 5 inches
- Weight — 2 pounds
What We Like
- Compatible with a wide range of downrigger brands
- Very simple to remove
- Extends 12 inches high
What We Don’t Like
- A shorter model isn’t available
9. Seahorse Gimbal Mount for Downriggers
Last but not least, we’re looking at a premium gimbal downrigger mount from Seahorse. This unit is built out of marine-grade aluminum 6060-T6 alloy, complete with CNC processing to ensure maximum durability.
The platform features dimensions of 6 inches x 6 inches x 3.5 inches, and it comes pre-drilled, tapped, and including 4 screws for quick fastening. Additionally, it sits on a tube of 9 1/2 inches long and 1 1/2 inches in diameter (outer).
The Seahorse Gimbal Downrigger Bracket is compatible with most downriggers from popular manufacturers such as Penn, BroCraft, Scotty, Bigjon, and Cannon.
Specs
- Type — gimbal
- Material — aluminum
- Dimensions — 6 inches x 6 inches x 3.5 inches
- Weight — 2.43 pounds
What We Like
- Works with just about every downrigger brand on the market
- Super tough construction
- Looks amazing
What We Don’t Like
- Has a premium price tag
How to Choose the Best Downrigger Mounts
When shopping for best downrigger mounts, the last thing you should do is go in blindly and hurriedly pick whatever product appears first in your search results.
Instead, there are a few aspects that you should check before buying anything to make sure you’re getting the product that best matches your needs. Here are the most important factors to consider:
Type
First, you should decide on the mount type. Most anglers opt for clamp mounts since they’re very easy to set up and hassle-free to remove, which makes them very convenient and portable.
Another fairly common type of downrigger mount is the gimbal mount, which possesses rotation axes that intersect at the optic center front plane. As such, when you adjust the mount, the angle of the beam changes yet its length remains the same.
On the other hand, adjusting a non-gimbal downrigger mount will alter both the beam’s angle and its length.
Compatibility
Next, you should check the compatibility of the mount with your downrigger. This is a crucial factor to keep in mind since it can make or break the whole deal. This is important when picking out the best downrigger mounts.
A lot of anglers opt for mounts with universal fits, but even then you need to be careful. It’s not uncommon for “universal” mounts to miss some downrigger models, rendering your purchase useless.
Material
Of course, you don’t want to overlook the construction material when choosing the best downrigger mounts. You’ll notice that most mounts on the market are either plastic, stainless steel, or aluminum.
Author Note: Their durability increases with the same order, but don’t rush into getting the toughest one right away. Consider the amount of catch you usually score and choose a material that can handle its pressure.
Dimensions
The dimensions of a downrigger mount are a key factor to take into account when trying to figure out whether the best downrigger mounts will fit on your boat.
There are two types of dimensions to check here: the mounting dimensions and the bolting dimensions. The former matters when confirming the compatibility of the unit with the downrigger, while the latter gives you an idea of the setup measurements.
Installation and Removal
Finally, you should check that the installation and removal processes are simple enough to complete in as little time as possible. Not only does this boost convenience, but also supports the portability of the mount.
How to Install a Downrigger with a Mount
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to install a downrigger with its mount.
Step 1 — carefully read the instructions provided in your owner’s manual. You may not realize this, but most manufacturers offer quite helpful tips on how to set up their downriggers and mounts.
Step 2 — take the measurements of the area where you plan on installing the downrigger mount. Double-check your measurements and consider having someone hold the downrigger mount in its place to make sure the numbers are accurate and not overlapping with other equipment on your boat.
Step 3 — drill the hole pattern into the top plate of the mount -if not already drilled- as well as the boat’s surface. Be careful not to hit any cables or wires while drilling.
Step 4 — install the screws or bolts to keep the downrigger in position. Then, install your downrigger onto the base and tighten the bolts to secure the system in place. This is important because downriggers often exert a lot of pressure on the mounting plate.
Wrap Up
Choosing the best downrigger mounts can be a challenging task, especially with so many points to think about such as type, compatibility, construction material, dimensions, and ease of installation.
This is why we made sure to include only the highest-rated products on our list to guarantee that you walk away with a reliable unit no matter what.
That being said, we recommend the Brocraft Universal Downrigger Bracket as today’s winner thanks to its outstanding value for money, durable and corrosion-resistant construction, as well as easy attaching and detaching.
That being said, if you already own a Scotty downrigger and need a sturdy mount, then the Scotty #1026 Swivel Pedestal Downrigger Mount should be right up your alley!
It’s compatible with all Scotty downriggers, features 360-degree rotation, is equipped with 16 lock positions, and sports large mounting knobs for extra convenience.
We hope you found this guide on the best downrigger mounts informative.
Happy Hunting!
