Imagine the boat cutting through the water, lines trailing behind, hoping for that sudden, powerful strike. Trolling is an exciting way to hunt for big fish! But when you are slowly dragging lures across the water, the right equipment makes all the difference. Choosing the perfect fishing reel for trolling can feel like a massive task. There are so many sizes, gear ratios, and features to consider. Do you pick a conventional reel or a lever drag? Picking the wrong one can mean lost fish or constant frustration with tangled lines.
Don’t let complicated reel specs slow down your pursuit of trophy catches. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will clearly explain what makes a great trolling reel and show you exactly what features matter most for successful trolling trips. Get ready to learn how to select the powerhouse reel that will handle the biggest battles waiting beneath the waves. Let’s dive into the details of selecting your next reliable trolling companion.
Top Fishing Reels For Trolling Recommendations
- 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. Okuma’s MSS – Mechanical Stabilizing System keeps th
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 【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.
- Corrosion-Resistant Graphite Frame for All-Water Durability： graphite frame and side-plates resist saltwater corrosion, while stainless steel components stand up to muddy freshwater
- Stainless Steel Bearings + Instant Antireverse for Smooth Power：Stainless steel ball bearings deliver friction-free casts and retrieval, paired with an instant antireverse bearing that eliminates rotor backplay. Lock in hooksets instantly—no slack, even when big fish make sudden runs.
- Mechanical Line Counter:Effortlessly pinpoint target water depths with foot-accurate measurement, enabling precise trolling control for optimal fishing results.
- Aluminum Drag Star for Pinpoint Tension Settings:Precision-machined aluminum drag star lets you dial in exact drag pressure—critical for trolling, where too much tension spooks fish, too little lets them break free. Smooth, consistent drag even under heavy loads.
- Ergonomic Design：Ergonomic rubber grip stays secure in wet hands, reducing fatigue during long trolling sessions (common in offshore or tournament fishing). Humanized design makes it easy to maneuver, even when targeting hard-fighting game fish.
Choosing Your Perfect Trolling Reel: A Buyer’s Guide
Trolling is a fantastic way to catch big fish. It means slowly dragging a lure or bait through the water. To do this right, you need the right fishing reel. This guide will help you pick the best trolling reel for your adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a trolling reel, certain features make a big difference in how well it works and how long it lasts.
1. Line Capacity
Line capacity is how much fishing line the reel can hold. Trolling often involves letting out a lot of line, especially when targeting deep or fast fish like tuna. Look for a reel that holds plenty of heavy-test line. More capacity means you can fish deeper and fight bigger fish without running out of line.
2. Drag System Power
The drag system lets line out smoothly when a big fish pulls hard. This prevents your line from snapping. For trolling, you need a powerful, smooth drag. Look for reels with a “multi-disc” or “lever drag” system. Lever drags are often preferred by serious trollers because they let you precisely adjust the drag pressure easily, even while fighting a fish.
3. Gear Ratio
The gear ratio tells you how fast the reel retrieves line. A lower gear ratio (like 3.1:1) means you crank the handle fewer times to bring in the line, providing more cranking power. This power is essential for fighting heavy, deep-swimming fish. Higher ratios retrieve faster but offer less torque.
4. Reel Size and Weight
Trolling reels come in different sizes, usually numbered (e.g., 12, 30, 50, 80-pound class). Match the reel size to the fish you plan to catch. Smaller reels work for light inshore trolling, while huge 80-pound class reels are needed for giant offshore species like marlin. Lighter reels are easier to handle all day.
Important Materials That Matter
The materials used in the reel construction affect its strength and resistance to the harsh saltwater environment.
- Frame and Side Plates: Look for strong materials like machined aluminum or high-strength graphite composites. Aluminum offers the best rigidity and strength, resisting bending under heavy loads.
- Gears: Stainless steel gears are the standard for durability and corrosion resistance. They handle the stress of heavy trolling much better than brass gears.
- Bearings: Stainless steel ball bearings keep the reel turning smoothly. More sealed, high-quality bearings generally mean a smoother retrieve and better protection from water intrusion.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is directly linked to how the reel performs when you need it most.
What Improves Quality: A fully machined frame ensures all parts fit perfectly and stay aligned under pressure. Sealed bearings prevent salt and sand from jamming the mechanism. A good lever drag system offers micro-adjustments for precise fish fighting. These features make the reel more reliable.
What Reduces Quality: Plastic components, especially in the handle or drag star, tend to break under heavy strain. If the reel has many exposed openings, water and corrosion will quickly damage the internal parts. Cheaply cast frames might flex when fighting a large fish, leading to gear misalignment.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using the right reel makes trolling enjoyable instead of a struggle.
Inshore Trolling (Light to Medium Fish):
For smaller species like salmon or snapper, a 15 or 20-size reel with a moderate drag system is perfect. You want a reel that balances enough line capacity with a manageable weight for long days on the water.
Offshore Trolling (Large Pelagics):
When targeting tuna, wahoo, or billfish, you need heavy-duty performance. 30 or 50-size reels with robust lever drags and stainless steel construction are necessary. These reels must handle high speeds and extremely powerful runs.
Always test the reel before buying if possible. Does the handle turn easily? Does the drag engage firmly without sticking? A good trolling reel feels solid in your hands.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Trolling Reels
Q: What is the most important feature for a trolling reel?
A: The most important feature is a powerful, smooth lever drag system. It controls the fight when a big fish pulls.
Q: Should I choose a conventional or spinning reel for trolling?
A: You should choose a conventional (often called a “baitcaster” style, but much larger) reel for trolling. They are built stronger and handle heavy lines and deep depths better than spinning reels.
Q: What does “lever drag” mean?
A: Lever drag is a mechanism that uses a lever to easily switch between preset drag settings, like “Free Spool,” “Strike,” and “Full.” It offers very precise control.
Q: How does gear ratio affect trolling?
A: A lower gear ratio gives you more cranking power (torque), which you need to lift heavy lures or fight deep fish against water resistance.
Q: Is saltwater use a problem for these reels?
A: Yes, saltwater is very corrosive. You must buy reels specifically made for saltwater, featuring stainless steel components and good corrosion resistance.
Q: How should I clean my trolling reel after use?
A: Always rinse the reel thoroughly with fresh, cool water after every use to wash off the salt. Do not spray high-pressure water directly into the reel openings.
Q: What size reel is good for general offshore trolling?
A: A 30-pound or 50-pound class reel usually covers most general offshore trolling needs for medium to large game fish.
Q: Are graphite reels okay for heavy trolling?
A: High-quality graphite composite frames are strong enough for many situations, but full aluminum frames offer superior rigidity when fighting the largest, strongest fish.
Q: What is the purpose of “strike” and “full” settings on the drag lever?
A: “Strike” is the optimal setting for fighting the fish after the initial run. “Full” provides maximum drag pressure, used to stop a fish or when the line is nearly out.
Q: How does line capacity relate to trolling depth?
A: More line capacity allows you to let out more line, which lets your lure or bait sink deeper into the water column where the fish are holding.