Have you ever felt the sudden, powerful tug on your line, only to realize your reel just couldn’t handle the fight? Trolling for big fish demands serious gear, and your reel is the heart of that setup. Choosing the right trolling reel can feel like navigating a maze of confusing specs and brand names. You worry about corrosion, line capacity, and whether that expensive model will actually last through the saltwater abuse.
Don’t let the wrong equipment cost you the catch of a lifetime! This is where the right knowledge becomes your secret weapon. We cut through the jargon to show you exactly what makes a trolling reel effective for serious anglers.
By the end of this guide, you will know the key features to look for, understand the differences between the top types, and feel confident selecting a reel that matches your fishing style and budget. Get ready to upgrade your trolling game!
Top Trolling Fishing Reels Recommendations
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT – The Magda Pro line counter reels are both light weight, and compact making them perfect for all day use. Staring at just 12.6 ounces, these graphite line counters are both light yet durable, and corrosion resistant.
- COUNTING DOWN – The Magda Pro features a mechanical line counter function that measures in feet. You can drop back with confidence as you flip open the spool and let you line back, knowing exactly how much line you have out. Then the automatic trip spool
- SMOOTH DRAG SYSTEM – There is nothing like the scream of the drag when a fish makes that initial run. A multi-disc Carbonite drag system keeps your line running smooth on long, fast runs by big fish.
- A TURN OF THE HANDLE - The two stainless steel ball bearings make for a smooth retrieve when cranking in from way back, or down deep. The self-lubricating gear system comes standard in all models. Speaking of gearing, the Magda Pro is packed with durabl
- MAGDA PRO FAMILY – The Magda Pro is available in four sizes and comes in both left and right hand retrieve. Whether you are chasing Kokanee on a small mountain lake, or heading out to the big water for some excitement, the Magda Pro has you covered.
- SHAKESPEARE ATS CONVENTIONAL TROLLING REEL: Made with lightweight, durable graphite materials, ATS conventional trolling reels deliver performance and reliability.
- RECOVERY RATE: Recover 26" | 66cm of line with every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 5.1:1. Right handle position. Line counter and non-line counter options available for each reel size.
- 2 BALL BEARINGS: Enjoy an effortless casting experience with a stainless steel level wind system and 2 ball bearings for smooth gear feel. Built for freshwater applications.
- MULTI-DISC DRAG SYSTEM: Our dependable multi-disc drag system provides a consistent and reliable star drag. Featuring a max drag of 15lb | 6.8kg to help tire out the fish.
- SINCE 1897, Shakespeare has been the leader in quality, affordable fishing tackle. With 115 years of passion and experience, we offer something for the whole family and to all levels of experience.
- Precision machine cut brass main and pinion gears
- Mechanical line counter function measures in feet
- CVT: Clear View Technology anti-fogging line counter
- Automatic trip, spool engagement mechanism
- A6061-T6 machined aluminum, anodized spool
- 【Heavy-Duty Saltwater Performance】Engineered for big game fishing, the Burning Shark SHA40 conventional reel boasts a solid metal body with 6+1 stainless steel ball bearings, delivering ultra-smooth retrieves even under 40 lbs of max drag. Its corrosion-resistant construction and Carbonite drag system ensure relentless performance in saltwater conditions.
- 【Precision Trolling & Level Wind Control】 Designed for trolling enthusiasts, this level wind reel features a 4.1:1 gear ratio for optimal speed-to-power balance. The built-in line guide evenly distributes braid or monofilament, eliminating tangles during long-distance drops—perfect for targeting pelagic species.
- 【Ergonomic & Fatigue-Free Handling】 Weighing just 23 oz (640g), the SHA40 reduces wrist strain during extended battles. The anti-reverse roller bearing locks instantly on hooksets, while the star drag’s aluminum alloy knob provides micro-adjustments for fighting trophy fish.
- 【Pro-Grade Value Don’t overpay for performance.】 The SHA40 packs tournament-ready specs—like a forged aluminum spool and double-dog anti-reverse—at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re trolling for kings or bottom fishing for grouper, this reel earns its keep.
- 【3-Year Worry Free 】 Backed by Burning Shark’s 3-year limited service, this reel is a long-term investment for anglers who demand reliability. Packed with pro-grade features at a mid-range price, it’s a saltwater workhorse that won’t quit.
- LINE COUNTER TROLLING REEL – New from KastKing is the ReKon Line Counter Trolling Reel. Available in 3 sizes, ReKon conventional reels will be perfect for Salmon, Steelhead, Trout, Kokanee, Walleye, Lake Trout, saltwater species, and so much more. Both feature an exceptional, accurate mechanical line counter so that you can consistently keep your bait in the exact zone that is producing fish over and over.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPONENTS – The KastKing ReKon baitcasting reels are designed for tough trolling conditions and uses the best components. For smooth and trouble-free operation KastKing uses 3 double shielded, stainless-steel ball bearings in high stress points plus the Instant anti-reverse bearing. KastKing ReKon main gears and worm shafts are made of precision machined brass. Its pinion gear and line guide shaft are high quality stainless-steel.
- AMAZING DRAG POWER & FEATURES – The ReKon Line Counter round casting reels use a smooth, carbon disc drag that delivers 30 lbs of fish stopping power (25lb for size 10). Both size reels have a line clicker function that makes releasing planer boards simple and easy. You can use that feature as a strike detection system while trolling. Gear ratio is 5.1:1 on the size 10, 5.3:1 on the size 20 and 4.5:1 on the size 30.
- GREAT LINE CAPACITY – KastKing kept these fishing reels as compact as possible while still providing tons of line capacity to anglers using leadcore, heavy braid, or strong monofilament fishing line. The size 10, size 20 and size 30 ReKon cast reel will hold over 250 yards of 20 lb. mono or about 10 colors of Micro Leadcore line and over 320 yards of 25 lb. mono or equivalent braided line respectively.
- TWO HANDLE OPTIONS – KastKing designed the handles to be different on the two models for a reason. The size 10 ReKon is mostly for Kokanee, Walleye and Trout so KastKing included a comfortable, double paddle handle with EVA grips. The larger size 20 and 30 reel has a single Power Handle with a comfortable round knob that gives more leverage for larger fish and longer retrieves for Salmon, Steelhead, Lake Trout, Striped Bass, or other uses such as a catfish reel that require more fishing line.
- Stainless steel main gears, pinion gears & shafts
- Durable corrosion-resistant frame & side plates
- Carbonite drag system with Cal’s universal drag grease
- 2 thrust bearings reduce handle turning force by over 50%
- Double dog, silent anti-reverse on all models
- Premium Lightweight & Durable Build: The Sougayilang Trolling Reel features an aircraft-grade aluminum frame combined with graphite side panels, offering exceptional strength without adding bulk. Its stainless steel handle and oval knobs ensure a comfortable grip, making it perfect for long trolling sessions.
- Dominates Big Game Fishing: Engineered for heavy-duty trolling, this Sougayilang fishing reel delivers a powerful 3.8:1 gear ratio and 22 lbs of max drag. Whether you're targeting marlin or tuna, its high-torque brass gears and stainless steel spool provide relentless power to reel in giants.
- Ultra-Smooth Performance: Equipped with 3 stainless steel ball bearings + instant anti-reverse, the Sougayilang Trolling Reel operates seamlessly even under pressure. Precision-machined brass main gears reduce friction for buttery retrieves, while the waterproof design resists saltwater corrosion.
- High-Capacity & Versatile Spool: Compact yet mighty, this trolling reel holds ample line for leadcore, braid, or monofilament. Its deep-anodized spool prevents line slippage, and the striking color options (black/blue/silver) add a professional touch to your gear.
- Perfect Gift for Anglers: Packaged in a sleek box, the Sougayilang Trolling Reel makes an ideal gift for holidays or birthdays. Backed by 24/7 customer support, it’s a worry-free choice to share the thrill of fishing with friends and family.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, CORROSION RESISTANT AND POWERFUL – Starting at just 14.6 ounces, the Cold Water lineup of line counter reels are lightweight and powerful putting out up to 20 pounds of fish stopping drag. Designed for trolling, the Cold Water can be used in
- A LINE COUNTER YOU CAN COUNT ON – The Cold Water line counter reels feature a mechanical line counter function that measures in feet. The counter housing itself is designed with Okuma’s anti-fogging CVT – Clear View Technology.
- INCOMPARABLE CRANKING POWER – The Aluminum handle arm with Ergo grip handle knob technology, is a direct link to the oversized machine cut brass XL drive and pinion gears for unstoppable cranking power.
- SMOOTH DRAG SYSTEM – Okuma has outfitted the Cold Water reels with a multi-disc, Carbonite drag system for smooth, line peeling runs by big salmon, steelhead and walleye. The aluminum ratcheting drag star gets you dialed in for precision drag settings.
- SIZE DOES MATTER – Available in four sizes, the Cold Water line counter reels will work perfectly for your application. The Cold Water comes in both right and left hand retrieve models. If you are running light line for walleye, or running heavy weight
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Trolling Fishing Reels
Trolling is an exciting way to fish. You pull your lure behind a moving boat. This action needs a strong, reliable reel. Choosing the right trolling reel makes a big difference. This guide helps you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
Good trolling reels share important traits. These features help you fight big fish successfully.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio tells you how fast the spool spins with one handle turn. For trolling, a lower gear ratio (like 3.5:1 or 4.1:1) is usually better. Lower ratios give you more power to crank in heavy lures or large, strong fish.
Drag System
The drag system lets line out smoothly when a fish pulls hard. This stops your line from breaking. Look for reels with a smooth, reliable drag, often called a “star drag” or “lever drag.” Lever drag systems offer very precise adjustments, which serious trollers prefer.
Line Capacity
Trolling often targets deep or long-running fish. Ensure the reel holds enough line. Check the reel’s specifications for the amount of heavy line (like 50 lb test) it can hold. You need extra line for safety.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used determine how long your reel lasts and how well it handles saltwater.
Frame and Sideplates
Frames made from **machined aluminum** are the strongest. They resist bending under heavy loads. Cheaper reels might use graphite composites. While lighter, these are less durable for heavy trolling.
Bearings
Bearings allow parts to spin smoothly. Look for reels with **stainless steel ball bearings**. More bearings often mean smoother operation, but quality matters more than just the number. Sealed bearings protect against water and corrosion.
Spool Material
The spool must handle the pressure of the line. Anodized aluminum spools resist rust and wear well. This is vital because trolling reels often get wet.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some design choices boost performance. Others lead to quick failure.
Corrosion Resistance
Since trolling happens in water, especially saltwater, corrosion resistance is key. Reels with high-quality anodizing and stainless steel components last much longer. Poorly protected parts will seize up quickly.
Ease of Use
A quality reel feels good in your hands. The handle should be comfortable, even when fighting a fish for a long time. You should easily adjust the drag settings while trolling. Simple, intuitive controls improve your experience.
Maintenance Needs
Some high-performance reels require frequent cleaning and oiling. Basic, reliable trolling reels need less fussy maintenance. Decide how much time you want to spend caring for your gear.
User Experience and Use Cases
Different trolling styles need different reels.
Light Trolling (Inshore/Small Boats)
For smaller species like smaller Kingfish or Spanish Mackerel, a medium-sized conventional reel works well. Focus on smooth casting and retrieval.
Big Game Trolling (Offshore)
When targeting Tuna or Marlin, you need heavy-duty reels (often 50-pound class or larger). These reels must have extremely powerful lever drags and robust frames. Durability is the top priority here.
A quality trolling reel is an investment. It handles tough conditions and powerful fish. Consider your typical fishing environment and target species before you buy.
Trolling Fishing Reel FAQ
Q: What is the main difference between a baitcasting reel and a trolling reel?
A: Trolling reels are usually built much stronger. They prioritize line capacity and drag power over casting distance. They are designed to hold heavy lines and fight large fish steadily.
Q: Should I choose a conventional reel or a spinning reel for trolling?
A: Conventional (or multiplier) reels are the standard choice for trolling. They handle heavy lines better and offer superior drag strength compared to spinning reels of similar size.
Q: What does “Lever Drag” mean?
A: Lever drag allows you to set the drag to specific, repeatable tension levels using a lever. You can quickly move from “Free Spool” to “Strike” to “Full,” offering great control during a fight.
Q: How important is the gear ratio for trolling?
A: It is important for efficiency. A lower ratio (like 3.4:1) gives you more cranking torque, which you need for heavy lures or deep water. A higher ratio retrieves line faster but requires more effort.
Q: Can I use my standard baitcasting reel for trolling?
A: You can use small baitcasting reels for very light trolling. However, most standard models lack the necessary frame strength and line capacity for serious offshore trolling.
Q: What size reel do I need for general saltwater trolling?
A: A 30-pound or 50-pound class conventional reel is usually a good starting point for general saltwater trolling. This handles many common species well.
Q: How do I prevent my trolling reel from rusting?
A: Always rinse your reel thoroughly with fresh water after every trip, especially if you fished in saltwater. Dry it completely before storing it. Regular light oiling also helps protect the moving parts.
Q: Are expensive trolling reels worth the extra money?
A: Yes, often they are. More expensive reels use better materials like full aluminum frames and sealed bearings. This means they last longer and perform more reliably when under extreme stress.
Q: What is “free spool” used for on a trolling reel?
A: Free spool lets the spool spin freely without the drag engaged. You use this to quickly let line out when setting your lines or when a fish takes the bait aggressively, allowing it to run before setting the hook.
Q: Does the color of the reel affect its performance?
A: No. The color of the reel does not affect how it fishes. Reel performance depends on the internal mechanics, materials, and build quality, not the paint job.