Dipsy Diver
4.6(3,800)4.6 out of 5 stars, 3,800 reviews, on Amazon at the time this was writtenA directional diving disc that takes a bait down and out to the side — the cheapest way to widen a trolling spread.
Cannon
Cannon · Trolling
Optimum Electric Downrigger
4.4(190)4.4 out of 5 stars, 190 reviews, on Amazon at the time this was writtenA programmable electric downrigger that cycles baits, tracks bottom, and takes the guesswork out of fishing 100 feet down.
Check price on Amazon$1,300— Optimum Electric DownriggerPrice shown was accurate on 2026-09-01. Amazon sets the live price.
What's good
- Bottom-tracking holds a ball a set distance off a changing bottom without you watching it
- Programmable cycling raises and lowers the ball automatically, which triggers strikes on neutral fish
- Positive ion control and depth readout at the rigger head, no separate gauge
- Retrieves a 12-lb ball from 120 feet fast enough that you are not waiting on it
What isn't
- Expensive enough that two of them cost more than a used boat motor
- The electronics head is the failure point; water intrusion in the connector is a common repair
- Automated cycling burns battery — you need a dedicated deep-cycle or you will find out on the ride home
We list the drawbacks because a recommendation with no downside is a sales pitch. If a cheaper item does the job on your water, the write-up says so.
Also worth a look
Related gear
TX-44 Planer Board
4.7(2,200)4.7 out of 5 stars, 2,200 reviews, on Amazon at the time this was writtenThe in-line board that walleye trolling on Erie is essentially built around — it tracks hard, releases clean, and shows a bite.
OR12 Side Planer
4.6(1,700)4.6 out of 5 stars, 1,700 reviews, on Amazon at the time this was writtenThe other standard in-line board — slightly larger, pulls heavier loads, and handles copper and lead core better than most.
832 Advanced Lead Core
4.6(1,100)4.6 out of 5 stars, 1,100 reviews, on Amazon at the time this was writtenBraided-jacket lead core that sinks faster and takes up less spool than the old nylon-jacketed stuff.