The 9 Best Downrigger Line releases (2023 reviews)

The release is a must have accessory for your regular usage. The 'Cable Snap' style downrigger release is designed to be hooked to the cable above the weight, not the weight itself. This way you can have mutiple lines at different depths on one downrigger. It easily attaches to down-rigger cable to fish a second line. It comes with stacking, self locating snap.

It attaches to the cable that is attached to the downrigger weight. The scotty mini power grip plus with cannonball snap is the one you would want to connect directly to the ball. It is easy to use and works as it should.

Why We Like This:

Perfect size for smaller fish to trigger
Very effective release for stacking a second line on a downrigger
One of the new comers and featured product

Best For boat: Black marine Downrigger Line Release

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The black marine downrigger line release is capable of outshining several other release featured in this list in overall features in its price range. This release is a great choice for those who want to protect your boat from swinging downrigger balls and excels for bouncing the bottom applications. It features black's release clip with variable tension adjustment screw for the most precise settings on the market. It works with braided line and also has ball bearing swivels. They allow you to load up the rods with far fewer knock offs and are still sensitive enough to see light bites and release nicely.

This is the best release for fishing chinook and coho. It is great for fresh or saltwater.

Why We Like This:

A real quick and easy setup that can be moved around as needed
Adjustable and works with braided line
Hold well, release reliably and easy to adjust
Great release for landlocked and others small fish

Best For trolling: Bimini lures Downrigger Line Release

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Not everyone likes to purchase release for their regular usage, but the bimini lures downrigger line release would be an anomoly. These are very small clips, about an inch long, and not very strong either. The releases are good and will work well for fishing trout or walleye.

Why We Like This:

One of the new comers and featured product
Delivers what they promise

Best For braided Line: Walker Downriggers Downrigger Line Release

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It is great with braded line. The white knob is adjustable to fit any size test line. The release should be clipped so the angle of the release is tipping down at the release plunger end. It is easy to set all types of line work fine. This is a very good release once you get it adjusted for the tackle that you are using.

Why We Like This:

Adjustable line release for heavy and light applications
Good brand reputation

Best For shallow water trolling: off shore Downrigger Line Release

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The features department is where off shore downrigger line release truly manages to shine. It is ideal for shallow water trolling and for light hitting fish. It is easy to open but strong enough to load your rods hard. It is good for lighter fish bites like walleyes and northerns.

Why We Like This:

Lot of satisfied buyers
New and hot release

Best For fish: Cannon Downrigger Line Release

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The cannon downrigger line release's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The Cannon Offshore Saltwater Line Release has a corrosion-resistant, high-tension spring designed for heavier saltwater lines. These are very tough downrigger line clips that hold your line with a lot of gripping power. It comes with the strong gripping power you never have your line and flasher release accidently when trolling deep, or at higher speeds. The heavy spring is enough to handle the slipperiness of spectra.

These line releases hold the braid better than the Scotty products. It works well with heavy plugs.

Why We Like This:

Best used with large flashers while fishing fairly deep for strong fish
Anti-fouling pins prevent line from snagging behind the gripper pads
Very nice downrigger release for ocean salmon fishing

Best For trout: off shore Downrigger Line Release

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Off Shore offers a variety of release for personal choice and yet maintaining quality in all the variants. It is great release for salmon fishing.

Why We Like This:

Delivers what they promise
New and hot release

Best For salt: Trollmaster Downrigger Line Release

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The trollmaster downrigger line release should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. This fishing line release is specifically engineered to reduce water resistance. It can be used with downriggers, outriggers, flat lines and kites. The hydrodynamic design minimizes the turbulence allowing for natural bait / lure presentation. It is ideal for most of the salt and fresh water applications.

Why We Like This:

Lower resistance results in decreased blow-back
Good investment for long term

Best For fresh water applications: Trollmaster Fishing Line Release

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The trollmaster fishing line release's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. This fishing line release is specifically engineered to reduce water resistance. It can be used with downriggers, outriggers, flat lines and kites. The hydrodynamic design minimizes the turbulence allowing for natural bait / lure presentation. It is ideal for most of the salt and fresh water applications.

Why We Like This: