The Kingfisher is an all-manual downrigger with a fast 2-ft.-per-turn retrieval rate and a smooth one-
hand operation clutch system for a controlled descent. Includes a durable 2-ft. Superglas arm for
weights up to 12 lbs., a single rod holder, deck mounting plate, line release, 200 ft. of premium-grade,
195-lb. test cable. Limited lifetime warranty available through Walker for a $10 fee.
I helped out a charter boat fisherman growing up so I had some experience when I decided to get back into it. Had worked with electric BigJohns before but didn't want to spend that much for a smaller boat. I purchased two Kingfishers and two swivel bases. I went with 8lb weights thinking I didn't want to go too heavy with a manual downrigger. After the first day of fishing in 150 foot of water 120 feet down I learned that 8 lbs wasn't heavy enough and the weight was maybe 15-20 feet back. Went to a local shop when we got back in and all they had was 15lb torpedo weights. I was nervous about almost double the weight and how is it would work. While it was harder to pull up it wasn't bad. Much more accurate depths. I ended up changing out the releases to BigJohn brand ones but I don't think it was completely necessary. I just had some problems at the beginning with powerpro line being tangled on the release and I lost one fish because of it. That could have been my fault because of how I used the release. Overall great product. Will be trying on Winnebago next week for walleye so I will see if the setup I have now is universal. Lund's brackets for downriggers work very nice. Ended up mounting two extra HD rod holders on the lund bracket for dipsy divers which pull hard when you are using 124mm ones. That way I didn't have to put more holes in the boat.
I bought this Kingfisher after having bad luck with the other brands. On one of my other downriggers the spool is laying flat on it's side and the cable falls off everytime slack gets in the cable. This Walker is faster and easier to use than anything else I've tried.
I like the fast retrieve speed and the fact I can upgrade this to electric later. They are a lot better looking than the other manual downriggers I was using and are much easier to take apart for service and storage.
very strong downrigger cable. easy to use and smooth operation. I enjoy this manual , but may decide to upgrade it and add a motor next season.Great option!