1. Mechanical devices used in fishing that lower and control fishing lines to specific depths, typically consisting of a weighted arm and a release mechanism.
Usage: plural form; fishing/nautical term; commonly used in saltwater and freshwater trolling

Examples

• The captain installed downriggers on the boat to reach deeper fish.
• Modern downriggers allow anglers to fish at precise depths without heavy sinkers.
• She adjusted the downriggers to lower the lures to 80 feet.
• Downriggers are essential equipment for serious salmon fishermen.
• The boat's downriggers released the lines when the fish struck.
• He used two downriggers to cover different water depths simultaneously.