Cannon Magnum 5
The cheapest way into Cannon’s fast, auto-stopping electric line for a small boat that doesn’t need a long boom.
Amazon $599.99$599.99
The Cannon Magnum 5 is the better electric downrigger overall, rated 4.3 to 3.0. The Cannon Magnum 5 leads on value and features. The Big Jon Captain's Pak wins on boom reach. The Cannon Magnum 5 costs $500 less ($599.99 vs $1,099.99).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Big Jon Captain's Pak
A US-built aluminum downrigger for Great Lakes anglers loyal to Big Jon; Cannon and Scotty retrieve faster for less.
FishUSA $1,099.99$1,099.99
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Cannon Magnum 5 for value ($599.99 vs $1,099.99) and features (auto stop, stainless boom vs none of the four).
- Choose the Big Jon Captain's Pak for boom reach (48 in boom at full reach vs 24 in boom at full reach).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every standard downriggers electric downrigger; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Cannon Magnum 5 | Big Jon Captain's Pak |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Speed 20% | 100 250 ft a minute | 50 retrieval speed not published (neutral score used) |
| Weight rating 10% | 100 rated for 20 lb | 50 weight rating not published (neutral score used) |
| Boom reach 10% | 0 24 in boom at full reach | 60 48 in boom at full reach |
| Value 30% | 90 $599.99 | 19 $1,099.99 |
| Features 15% | 50 auto stop, stainless boom | 0 none of the four |
| Warranty 15% | 100 lifetime warranty | 100 lifetime warranty |
Specifications
| Cannon Magnum 5 | Big Jon Captain's Pak | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Class | Standard | Standard |
| Retrieval speed | 250 ft/min | - |
| Weight rating | 20 lb | - |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Fit and features | ||
| Boom | 24 in | 24 to 48 in |
| Cable | 250 ft of 150 lb test stainless | 200 ft stainless |
| Digital depth counter | No | No |
| Auto stop | Yes | - |
| Stainless boom | Yes | No |
| Wireless networking | No | No |
| Weight | 23 lb | - |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |