Abstract: An automatic electric downrigger shut-off switch comprises a pair of spaced electrical contacts mounted as to be in continuous physical contact with the downrigger's metal cable, which forms an electrically conductive path between the contacts. The switch includes a relay device that allows the downrigger motor to be operated through its main control switch so long as the cable provides electrical conductivity between the contacts. However, when a nonconductive sleeve mounted on the cable near the weighted end thereof comes into physical contact with one of the electrical contacts and disrupts the conductivity between them, the downrigger motor is automatically shut off to prevent the weight at the end of the cable from colliding with the end of the downrigger rod. An override switch is provided for reeling in the cable after the weight has been removed.