Key takeaways
- Engineered for deeper, high-demand sets: The Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll is patterned after commercial-grade ocean tackle, meaning the frame, spool housing, and winding mechanisms are built to handle heavier cannonballs without frame flex. If you frequently target deep thermoclines where heavy lead is mandatory to prevent blowback, the Easi-Troll handles the strain without binding.
- Controlled weight descent: Cannon’s manual clutch mechanism allows for smooth, one-handed depth adjustments on the drop. You can ease weights downward with controlled resistance rather than risking an uncontrolled free-fall that causes bird nests on the drum.
- Extended leverage on the retrieve: When cranking weights back to the surface from significant depths, the larger spool radius and generous crank handle of the Easi-Troll provide much better mechanical advantage. You expend noticeably less arm fatigue over an eight-hour day of frequent checking and resetting.
What's inside
Few things ruin an early morning bite faster than wrestling with a downrigger that fights you back. A few seasons back, trolling for deep-holding lake trout in rough chop, the distinction between these two manual units became crystal clear. When you are suspended over deep basins in an open aluminum boat, crank ergonomics, retrieval pace, and mount rigidity are not theoretical talking points—they dictate whether you spend the morning fishing or untangling blowback and swearing at your gunwales.
The Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll and the Scotty #1073DP Laketroller target manual trolling from very different angles. The Cannon presents itself as a burly, full-size manual downrigger built to run heavier weights down into thermal layers, while the Scotty Laketroller is built lean, compact, and purpose-made for small-craft anglers who want to escape flat-line limits without turning their transom into an industrial crane yard. Both run without battery power, but the practical gulf between them is massive.
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Quick Verdict
Anglers running larger aluminum or fiberglass boats who target deep-water salmon or trout with heavier weights should buy the Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll for its high-leverage build and faster retrieves. Small-craft anglers, kayak fishermen, and casual weekenders targeting modest depths on calm inland waters should buy the Scotty #1073DP Laketroller to save significant cash and cockpit space.
Easi-Troll vs Laketroller: Specs Side by Side
| Feature | Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll | Scotty #1073DP Laketroller |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger | Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger |
| Model / Part Number | 1901020 | #1073DP |
| Operation Type | Manual crank | Manual crank |
| Mounting System | Not stated | Post mount |
| Physical Size Profile | Not stated | Small |
| Color / Finish | Not stated | Black |
| Packaging Format | Not stated | Display packed |
| Price | $229.99 | $89.95 |
| User Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
Where Cannon Easi-Troll Wins
- Engineered for deeper, high-demand sets: The Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll is patterned after commercial-grade ocean tackle, meaning the frame, spool housing, and winding mechanisms are built to handle heavier cannonballs without frame flex. If you frequently target deep thermoclines where heavy lead is mandatory to prevent blowback, the Easi-Troll handles the strain without binding.
- Controlled weight descent: Cannon’s manual clutch mechanism allows for smooth, one-handed depth adjustments on the drop. You can ease weights downward with controlled resistance rather than risking an uncontrolled free-fall that causes bird nests on the drum.
- Extended leverage on the retrieve: When cranking weights back to the surface from significant depths, the larger spool radius and generous crank handle of the Easi-Troll provide much better mechanical advantage. You expend noticeably less arm fatigue over an eight-hour day of frequent checking and resetting.
Where Scotty Laketroller Wins
- Exceptional compact footprint: Designated specifically as a small-profile unit, the Scotty #1073DP takes up negligible gunwale real estate. It mounts flush on narrow gunnels, kayak track adapters, or canoe crossbars where the bulky Cannon frame simply cannot fit.
- Versatile post-mount design: The included post mount allows you to drop the downrigger into position instantly and lift it free for safe storage at the end of the trip. It also integrates seamlessly with Scotty’s extensive modular bracket and rod-holder ecosystem.
- Remarkable affordability: At under a hundred dollars, the Laketroller removes the financial barrier to controlled-depth trolling. You can rig two Laketrollers on your craft for substantially less than the cost of a single Easi-Troll.
Real-World Use: Which One Fits You
The Kayak and Canoe Troller
If your fishing platform is a paddle craft or small jon boat, buy the Scotty #1073DP Laketroller. Its small size, light weight, and straightforward post mount ensure your craft stays balanced without top-heavy tipping, giving you controlled-depth capability in tight waters without cramping your paddling stroke.
The Deep Basin Trout and Salmon Hunter
When you are trolling open water across deep reservoirs or the Great Lakes out of a 16-to-20-foot multi-species rig, buy the Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll. Dragging heavy lead weights through deep water puts tremendous torque on a downrigger, and the Cannon’s sturdier frame and high-leverage retrieve will save your arms during constant depth changes.
The Occasional Weekend Angler
If you only drop lines deep a few weekends each summer for kokanee or walleye, pick the Scotty #1073DP Laketroller. It delivers the essential depth control you need without tying up hundreds of dollars in specialized gear that sits idle on garage shelves most of the season.
Price and Value
Looking at the market in 2026, the cost difference between these two rigs is stark. The Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll retails for $229.99, while the Scotty #1073DP Laketroller comes in at $89.95. That creates an exact price gap of $140.04.
Whether that $140.04 premium is justified comes down entirely to how hard you push your tackle. The Cannon demands more than double the investment, but it delivers heavy-duty build quality, better leverage, and the ability to drop deep weights without feeling like the frame is on the verge of cracking. However, for sheer value per dollar, the Scotty punches well above its class. Its impressive 4.5/5 rating proves that budget-conscious anglers get dependable, rattle-free service without paying big-boat money.
Final Recommendation
Our overall pick is the Scotty #1073DP Laketroller. For the vast majority of inland anglers, it provides the essential mechanics of controlled-depth trolling in an unobtrusive, durable, and highly budget-friendly package that outscores its rival in customer satisfaction.
The only condition under which you should skip the Scotty and buy the Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll is if you run a mid-to-large boat and regularly pull heavy weights into deep water, where the Scotty’s compact post and small spool will feel underpowered against heavy water resistance.
FAQ
Can I mount the Scotty #1073DP Laketroller on a fishing kayak?
Yes, the Laketroller is widely considered one of the best downriggers for kayak fishing due to its small form factor and post-mount setup. It pairs easily with kayak track adapters and compact mounting plates without cluttering your paddling space.
Why does the Scotty have a higher customer rating than the Cannon?
The Scotty holds a 4.5/5 rating compared to the Cannon’s 4.3/5 largely because it exceeds expectations for an entry-level unit under ninety dollars. Anglers appreciate its dead-simple design and zero-fuss reliability, whereas buyers spending over two hundred dollars on the Cannon expect near-flawless performance.
Do these downriggers require an external 12-volt battery?
No, both the Cannon Easi-Troll and the Scotty Laketroller are completely manual downriggers. They operate using hand-crank spools and manual brake systems, making them ideal for small crafts lacking on-board electrical systems.
Is the Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll too big for a 12-foot jon boat?
While you can physically mount it to a reinforced transom or gunwale, the Easi-Troll is generally oversized for a small 12-foot utility craft. Its leverage and weight profile are better matched to wider, heavier hulls, whereas the small Scotty Laketroller fits small utility boats much more naturally.
See also: our full roundup Best Downriggers in 2026: Tested and Ranked.
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