Ever feel lost staring at a wall of fishing reels, wondering which one will actually help you land that big catch? It’s a common feeling for anglers, especially when it comes to trolling reels. These specialized tools are vital for deep-sea fishing, but choosing the wrong one can lead to frustrating tangles, lost fish, and wasted money. You need a reel that handles heavy lines and tough fights without giving up.
The market is flooded with confusing terms like drag ratings and gear ratios. How do you know which features truly matter for your style of trolling? Stop guessing and start mastering your gear! This guide cuts through the jargon. We will break down everything you need to know about Trolling Reels, from size and material to the best features for different waters.
By the end of this post, you will confidently select a Trolling Reel that perfectly matches your needs, ensuring smoother, more successful trolling trips every time. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect reel for your next adventure!
Top Trolling Reel Recommendations
- 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. 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
- Magda Pro Size 20 - 5.1:1 Gear Ratio
- Multi-Disc Carbonite Drag System
- 2 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
- Lightweight Corrosion Resistant Frame And Side Plates
- 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
- Bullet Proof - The KastKing Rover round baitcasting reel has been reinforced with thicker hard anodized aluminum side plates, CNC machined spool, precision cut brass gears, all alloy flawless level wind, industry-first stainless steel worm gear, patented metal idle gear, stainless steel shaft and other components for superior durability and corrosion protection.
- More Powerful - You will love the stronger, more powerful KastKing Rover round baitcasting reel with a superior carbon fiber drag system. With its newly designed “Cymbal Washer” System, KastKing Rover baitcasting reel now offers up to 15LB of smooth drag.
- Super Smooth - KastKing Rover baitcaster reel have premium MaxiDur double shielded stainless steel ball bearings (6 + 1 BBs on Size 40-60, 4 + 1 BBs on 70 - 90) for smooth operation.
- Versatile - KastKing Rover baitcasting reel is a conventional reel for trolling, bottom fishing, and other techniques used in freshwater and saltwater. The oversized non-slip TPE grips, line out clicker alarm, easy access thumb bar spool release and the classic look are everything you would expect of a round baitcasting fishing reel.
- Fish Into The Future - KastKing Rover conventional reels are built with functionality, and quality, and are built to last. KastKing Rover Series delivers fantastic design, power, and performance.
Choosing Your Next Trolling Reel: A Buyer’s Guide
Trolling fishing is a fantastic way to cover a lot of water and find big fish. Whether you are chasing big tuna offshore or landlocked salmon, the right trolling reel makes all the difference. This guide helps you pick the perfect reel for your next adventure.
Key Features to Look For
A great trolling reel needs specific features to handle the stress of dragging lures all day. Think about these important parts when you shop.
1. Gear Ratio
- What it is: This tells you how fast the spool spins with every turn of the handle.
- Why it matters: A lower gear ratio (like 3.2:1) gives you more cranking power for heavy loads. A higher ratio (like 5.1:1) lets you retrieve your line faster when you need to check your lure or fight a fast runner.
2. Drag System
- What it is: The drag controls how much pressure the reel puts on the fish before the line starts peeling out.
- Why it matters: You need a smooth, powerful drag. Look for reels with “carbon fiber” or “HD (Heavy Duty)” drag washers. Jerky drags spook fish and can snap your line.
3. Line Capacity
- What it is: How much fishing line the spool can hold.
- Why it matters: Offshore trolling often means long runs from big fish. Make sure the reel holds enough heavy-test line (like 50lb or 80lb mono or braid) for the fish you target.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used decide how long your reel lasts and how much punishment it can take.
Frame and Sideplates
- Aluminum: Most high-quality trolling reels use machined aluminum frames. Aluminum is strong and resists bending under heavy pressure. It also handles saltwater spray well if it has good coatings.
- Composite/Graphite: Some lighter reels use strong composite materials. These reduce weight, which helps when trolling for many hours. Quality is key here; cheap composite breaks easily.
Bearings
- Stainless Steel: Always choose stainless steel bearings, especially for saltwater use. They resist rust better than standard steel. More sealed bearings usually mean smoother operation.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all reels are built the same. Small details separate the top-tier reels from the budget options.
What Makes a Reel Better
- One-Piece Frame: A single, solid frame is much stronger than a frame made of several bolted-together pieces.
- Anodizing: Good anodizing seals the aluminum against corrosion. This finish keeps the reel looking new and functioning smoothly for years.
- Ratcheting Drag Lever: High-end reels have a precise lever system that lets you set the drag exactly where you want it, from Free Spool to Full Strike.
What Lowers Quality
- Plastic Components: If the handle knobs, drag lever, or spool are made of cheap plastic, they will likely fail first.
- Poor Sealing: Reels that lack good seals around the bearings and drag washers let water and salt seep inside. This causes corrosion and sticking parts.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you fish. This affects the size and style of reel you need.
Offshore Big Game (Tuna, Marlin)
You need large reels (50W or 80W class). These demand high drag pressure (30+ lbs) and huge line capacity. Durability is the top priority here.
Inshore/Lake Trolling (Trout, Salmon, Smaller Stripers)
Smaller reels (like 20 or 30 size) work well. Focus on smooth retrieves and lighter weight for all-day use. A faster gear ratio can be nice for quickly resetting lines.
Single Speed vs. Two Speed
- Single Speed: Simpler and usually tougher. You pick one gear ratio.
- Two Speed: These let you switch gears instantly. Use the low gear for fighting heavy fish and the high gear for faster retrieval. They add complexity but offer versatility.
Trolling Reel Buying Guide: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size trolling reel should I buy?
A: Reel size is based on line class. For small fish, look at 15-30 size reels. For big offshore fish, you need 50, 80, or 130 size reels.
Q: Is a two-speed reel always better than a single-speed reel?
A: No. Two-speed reels offer flexibility but have more moving parts that can fail. If you only need power, a high-quality single speed works great.
Q: What is the most important part of a trolling reel?
A: The drag system is the most critical part. A smooth, strong drag prevents line breaks when a big fish makes a sudden run.
Q: Do I need a reel with clicker or alarm?
A: Yes, most serious trollers prefer a loud clicker. This alarm sounds when a fish hits your line while you are looking away or busy rigging another rod.
Q: Can I use a conventional reel for trolling?
A: Yes, conventional reels are the standard for trolling. Spinning reels are generally too light for the heavy demands of trolling.
Q: How do I clean my trolling reel after saltwater use?
A: Immediately rinse the entire reel thoroughly with fresh, running water. Do not spray directly into the drag or bearing areas. Dry it completely afterward.
Q: What does “pre-spooled” mean?
A: It means the reel comes already filled with fishing line from the factory. Check the line type and test weight before buying.
Q: How does the gear ratio affect trolling?
A: A lower ratio (like 3.0:1) gives you more lifting power to fight heavy fish. A higher ratio (like 4.5:1) lets you reel in your lure faster between passes.
Q: Should I choose braided line or monofilament for trolling?
A: Braid holds more line in a smaller space and has no stretch, which helps set the hook. Many trollers use braid backing and top it off with a few yards of mono leader.
Q: How often should I service my trolling reel?
A: If you fish saltwater frequently, you should service the reel (lubricate and check drag washers) at least once a year. If you notice grinding noises, service it sooner.