Cannon Optimum
The only downrigger here that remembers depths and networks with other units, for anglers running a full spread who will pay for it.
Amazon $1,274.99$1,274.99
The Cannon Optimum rates 3.2 among premium downriggers electric downriggers; the Big Jon Captain's Pak rates 3.0 among standard downriggers ones. The Big Jon Captain's Pak costs $175 less ($1,099.99 vs $1,274.99).
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
Scores side by side
These two sit in different class classes (premium downriggers and standard downriggers), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own class peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Cannon Optimum | Big Jon Captain's Pak |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Speed 20% | 100 250 ft a minute | 50 retrieval speed not published (neutral score used) |
| Weight rating 10% | 50 weight rating not published (neutral score used) | 50 weight rating not published (neutral score used) |
| Boom reach 10% | 77 53 in boom at full reach | 60 48 in boom at full reach |
| Value 30% | 2 $1,274.99 | 19 $1,099.99 |
| Features 15% | 100 digital depth counter, auto stop, stainless boom, wireless networking | 0 none of the four |
| Warranty 15% | 0 warranty not published, scored as none | 100 lifetime warranty |
Specifications
| Cannon Optimum | Big Jon Captain's Pak | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Class | Premium | Standard |
| Retrieval speed | 250 ft/min | - |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Fit and features | ||
| Boom | 24 to 53 in | 24 to 48 in |
| Cable | 400 ft of 150 lb test stainless | 200 ft stainless |
| Digital depth counter | Yes | No |
| Auto stop | Yes | - |
| Stainless boom | Yes | No |
| Wireless networking | Yes | No |
| Warranty | - | Lifetime |