Electric Downrigger Head-to-Head: Cannon vs. Scotty vs. Big Jon

Cannon: Clearly positions itself as the technology leader. The Optimum series boasts features like wireless networking (One-Boat Network), integration with Humminbird fish finders and a mobile app, a full-color LCD screen, and adjustable retrieval speeds up to 250 ft/min. They also heavily market their “Positive Ion Control.” The construction is a mix of composite and stainless steel, with the Tournament Series (TS) models featuring more stainless components for saltwater use. Weight capacity is consistently 20 lbs.
Scotty: The main competitor to Cannon, focusing on speed, durability, and reliability. Their High Performance (HP) models, like the 2116, are touted as the fastest on the market, with retrieval speeds of 295 ft/min with a 15 lb weight and 260 ft/min with a 20 lb weight. They emphasize their heavy-duty build, use of stainless steel booms, Kevlar drive belts, and a reliable clutch/brake system for deployment. Scotty’s customer service and parts availability are frequently praised by users, especially in the Pacific Northwest.
Big Jon: This brand appears to focus on rugged, simple, and durable construction. Their flagship models, like the Pro Tournament, are made with “aircraft-grade aluminum” with an anodized finish. Their retrieval speed is slower than the top models from Cannon and Scotty, at around 120 ft/min with a 12 lb weight. They emphasize features like their adjustable disc clutch and multi-set rod holders. Big Jon seems to be the “heavy-duty, no-frills” option.
Penn: Information on Penn’s electric downriggers is comparatively sparse. The classic Fathom-Master models (like the 625) are primarily known as robust manual downriggers. There are third-party companies, like Elec-Tra-Mate, that manufacture powerful electric drive conversion kits for these popular Penn models. These conversions can be incredibly fast, with speeds claimed to be over 300 ft/min. However, this is not a factory electric downrigger from Penn itself. For the purpose of this comparison, I will have to position Penn as a brand whose popular manual models are frequently converted to electric, rather than a direct competitor in the integrated electric downrigger space like Cannon and Scotty.

Key Comparison Points Gathered:

Retrieval Speed: Scotty HP models are the fastest (260-295 ft/min), followed by Cannon Optimum (250 ft/min), then Big Jon (120 ft/min). Penn conversions can be extremely fast (300+ ft/min).
Technology & Integration: Cannon is the undisputed leader here with its One-Boat Network, full-color screen, and app control. Scotty has digital counters and auto-stop but lacks the deep integration of Cannon. Big Jon and Penn (as stock manuals) are mechanically focused.
Construction: All brands are well-regarded for durability. Big Jon uses anodized aluminum, Scotty uses a mix of composite and stainless steel, and Cannon uses composite with stainless options. User reviews suggest Scotty has a reputation for being particularly robust and easy to repair.
Deployment: A key difference noted by users is that Cannon models often have powered up and down, while Scotty uses a clutch/brake system for a gravity-based drop, which many users prefer for its speed and control.
Positive Ion Control: This feature, which aims to neutralize the boat’s negative energy field, is exclusive to Cannon.

I have sufficient information to proceed with writing a detailed head-to-head comparison. I can now structure the article as planned, using the specific model names and technical data I have found.

DISCLAIMER: As of my last update, Penn does not offer a widely marketed, fully integrated electric downrigger comparable to the flagship models from Cannon, Scotty, and Big Jon. Penn’s reputation lies in their durable manual downriggers, such as the Fathom-Master series, which are often converted to electric units by third-party manufacturers like Elec-Tra-Mate. Therefore, this comparison will focus on the factory-electric models from Cannon, Scotty, and Big Jon, with a concluding section on the Penn conversion option.

In the world of controlled-depth trolling, the electric downrigger is an indispensable tool. It allows anglers to present lures at precise depths where fish are holding, revolutionizing the pursuit of species like salmon, trout, and walleye. Four names consistently rise to the top of the conversation: Cannon, Scotty, Big Jon, and Penn. This head-to-head comparison dives deep into the technical features, retrieval speeds, and core philosophies of these industry giants to help you determine the best fit for your vessel and fishing style.

Retrieval Speed: The Race to the Surface

For many anglers, the most critical performance metric is retrieval speed. A fast downrigger clears lines quickly when a fish is on, reduces the time spent resetting gear, and helps avoid underwater hangs.

Winner: Scotty The Scotty High Performance series (like the 2106 and 2116 models) stands as the undisputed speed champion. Boasting retrieval rates of 295 feet per minute (FPM) with a 15-pound weight and a still-blistering 260 FPM with a 20-pound weight, Scotty gets your gear up faster than any other factory model on the market. This is achieved through a powerful 12-volt motor and a robust Kevlar drive belt system.
Runner-Up: Cannon Cannon’s flagship Optimum series is no slouch, retrieving weights at a consistent 250 FPM. While slightly slower than Scotty’s top speed, this is still exceptionally fast and more than enough for any trolling application. Cannon also offers the unique ability to adjust the retrieval speed through its digital interface, allowing anglers to slow it down if desired.
Contender: Big Jon Big Jon’s Pro Tournament electric downriggers are built with a focus on torque and durability over raw speed. Their retrieval rate is a more modest 120 FPM with a 12-pound weight. While significantly slower than its main competitors, this speed is reliable and gets the job done without placing undue stress on the electrical system.

Head-to-Head Technical Feature Analysis

Beyond speed, a host of technical features differentiate these brands.

Feature	Cannon (Optimum Series)	Scotty (High Performance Series)	Big Jon (Pro Tournament)
Max Retrieval Speed	250 FPM	295 FPM	120 FPM
Construction	Composite Body, Stainless Boom	Composite Body, Stainless Boom	Anodized Aluminum Body & Boom
Deployment	Power Down	Clutch/Brake Gravity Drop	Adjustable Disc Clutch Drop
Advanced Tech	One-Boat Network, Color LCD, App Control, Bottom Tracking, Positive Ion Control	Digital Counter, Auto Stop	Auto-Stop, Adjustable Disc Clutch
Weight Capacity	20 lbs	20 lbs	12 lbs (rated)
Country of Origin	USA	Canada	USA

Export to Sheets

Deep Dive by Brand

Cannon: The Technology Leader

If your boat is a modern, connected machine, Cannon is likely your brand. The Optimum series is built to integrate seamlessly into a larger fishing system.

One-Boat Network™: This is Cannon’s killer feature. It allows up to four Optimum downriggers to be wirelessly networked together and controlled from a compatible Humminbird fish finder, the downrigger’s full-color LCD screen, or even a mobile app. You can raise, lower, and cycle all your weights from the captain’s chair.
Positive Ion Control (PIC): A feature exclusive to Cannon, PIC emits a field of positive ions down the downrigger cable. The theory is that this neutralizes the negative energy field created by the boat’s hull and electronics, making the lure presentation more attractive to fish.
Advanced Features: With features like Bottom Tracking (which keeps your weight a set distance from the bottom), Depth Cycling (which automatically moves your lure up and down through a set range), and five adjustable retrieval speeds, the Optimum is a tinkerer’s dream.
Downside: The complexity and reliance on digital systems can be a potential point of failure for some anglers who prefer mechanical simplicity. The power-down deployment is also a point of contention; some users prefer the faster, gravity-based drop of a clutch system.

Scotty: The Speed and Durability King

Built in British Columbia, Scotty downriggers are renowned in the Pacific Northwest and beyond for their rugged construction and straightforward, reliable performance.

Unmatched Speed: As mentioned, the High Performance models are the fastest you can buy.
Robust Build: Scotty uses heavy-duty components, stainless steel booms, and powerful, low-draw motors coupled with Kevlar belts. Their reputation for being able to withstand years of harsh saltwater abuse is well-earned.
Superior Deployment System: The Scotty clutch/brake system is universally praised. It allows for a one-handed, ultra-fast gravity drop that gives the angler precise control over the cannonball’s descent.
Service and Parts: User feedback consistently highlights that Scotty’s customer service and the wide availability of replacement parts make them easy to own and maintain for the long haul.
Downside: While they feature digital line counters and an excellent Auto Stop system (using stopper beads), they lack the deep electronic integration and advanced features of the Cannon Optimum.

Big Jon: The All-Metal Workhorse

Big Jon has a loyal following among anglers who prioritize robust, all-metal construction and proven, no-frills design over high-tech features and blistering speed.

Aircraft-Grade Aluminum: Where competitors use composite bodies, Big Jon machines their downriggers from aircraft-grade aluminum and gives them a protective anodized finish. This makes them incredibly strong and corrosion-resistant.
Adjustable Disc Clutch: Their reliable and powerful disc clutch system allows for controlled, smooth deployment and can handle heavy use.
Simplicity and Reliability: With fewer complex electronics, there are fewer potential points of failure. Big Jon downriggers are designed to work consistently for decades with minimal maintenance.
Downside: The most significant drawbacks are the slower retrieval speed and the lack of advanced digital features found on competing models. The line counters are functional but mechanical, not backlit digital displays.

The Penn Option: The Conversion Powerhouse

While Penn currently does not produce a factory-integrated electric model to compete directly with the others, their Fathom-Master manual downriggers are so durable and popular that a niche market has thrived on converting them. Companies like Elec-Tra-Mate offer powerful 12-volt drive kits that bolt directly onto a Penn 625 Fathom-Master. These conversions are known for incredible power and retrieval speeds that can exceed 300 FPM, making them a fantastic option for anglers who want extreme performance and may already own a set of Penn manual riggers.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Weapon

For the Tech-Savvy Angler: If you run a modern boat with integrated electronics and want unparalleled control over your trolling spread from anywhere on the vessel, the Cannon Optimum is the clear choice.
For the Speed-Focused and Reliability-Driven Angler: If your top priorities are getting your gear up as fast as possible and having a robust, easily serviceable unit that will last a lifetime, the Scotty High Performance series is your best bet.
For the Traditionalist Who Values Raw Strength: If you prefer all-metal construction and a simple, powerful design that is built to be a lifelong workhorse, the Big Jon Pro Tournament will not disappoint.