Imagine this: you’re out on the water, the sun is warm, and you’re ready for a great day of fishing. You’ve got your rods set, your lures are ready, but then you look at your trolling reels. Are they up to the task? Choosing the right trolling reel can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many types, brands, and features, it’s easy to get confused. You want a reel that won’t let you down when a big fish strikes, but also one that’s comfortable to use all day long.
This is where knowing about trolling reels really helps. We understand how frustrating it can be to pick the perfect one. You want a reel that handles the strain of long runs, holds plenty of line, and is built tough. But with so many choices, how do you know which one is best for *your* fishing adventures?
By reading on, you’ll learn what makes a great trolling reel. We’ll break down the important parts and explain what to look for. You’ll discover how to pick a reel that fits your fishing style and your budget. Get ready to find the reel that will make your next trolling trip a success!
Our Top 5 Fishing Reels For Trolling Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Fishing Reels For Trolling Detailed Reviews
1. Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-453D
Rating: 9.3/10
The Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-453D is built for serious anglers who demand performance and reliability. This reel is designed to handle the challenges of trolling, helping you find and land those big fish. It’s a sturdy tool that makes your time on the water more enjoyable and productive.
What We Like:
- The lightweight, corrosion-resistant frame and sideplates mean this reel won’t weigh you down and can handle salty conditions.
- Its multi-disc, carbonite drag system gives you smooth, powerful stopping power when a fish makes a run.
- The aluminum handle arm with Ergo grip handle knobs provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when your hands are wet.
- It’s a great option for outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts who love fishing.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, some users might prefer a slightly heavier feel for certain trolling techniques.
- The line counter could be slightly more intuitive for absolute beginners, though it becomes easy with practice.
The Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-453D delivers solid performance for its price. It’s a dependable reel that will serve you well on many fishing trips.
2. Okuma Fishing Tackle Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-203D Silver
Rating: 9.2/10
The Okuma Fishing Tackle Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-203D Silver is built for serious anglers. It’s a strong reel that won’t weigh you down, perfect for those long days on the water chasing big fish. Its special features help you keep track of your line and give you the power you need for a successful fight.
What We Like:
- It’s super lightweight, starting at only 14.6 ounces, so your arms won’t get tired.
- It’s made with materials that resist rust and corrosion, meaning it will last a long time, even in salty or wet conditions.
- This reel has a powerful drag system that can stop fish up to 20 pounds.
- The line counter is accurate and shows your line in feet, helping you know exactly how deep your bait is.
- Okuma’s Clear View Technology (CVT) on the counter housing stops fogging, so you can always see the numbers.
- It has a strong aluminum handle with an Ergo grip for comfortable and powerful cranking.
- The oversized brass gears provide unstoppable cranking power to reel in big catches.
- The multi-disc Carbonite drag system offers smooth, consistent drag for fighting tough fish.
- The aluminum ratcheting drag star lets you make precise adjustments to your drag.
- It comes in four different sizes and both right and left-hand retrieve options, so you can find the perfect fit for your fishing style.
- It includes a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for cold water, some anglers might prefer even more advanced features for extreme conditions.
- The 1-year warranty is standard, but a longer warranty could offer extra assurance for some buyers.
This Okuma Cold Water reel is a reliable choice for any angler who needs a strong, accurate, and comfortable trolling reel. It’s ready to handle big fish and long days of fishing.
3. Burning Shark Trolling Reel Saltwater Level Wind Reels
Rating: 9.3/10
The Burning Shark SHA40 Trolling Reel is built tough for serious saltwater fishing. It’s designed to handle big fish and tough conditions. This reel offers smooth operation and reliable performance for a variety of ocean fishing adventures.
What We Like:
- This reel has a strong metal body that can handle saltwater.
- It has 6+1 stainless steel ball bearings for super smooth retrieves.
- It can hold up to 40 lbs of drag, perfect for fighting big fish.
- The reel resists corrosion, so it lasts longer in the ocean.
- Its Carbonite drag system works hard even in saltwater.
- The 4.1:1 gear ratio gives you a good balance of speed and power.
- The level wind feature helps you cast and retrieve line evenly, preventing tangles.
- It is lightweight at only 23 oz, making it comfortable to use for a long time.
- The instant anti-reverse bearing locks the reel on hooksets.
- The star drag knob offers precise adjustments for fighting fish.
- It comes with great features usually found on more expensive reels.
- Burning Shark offers a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention specific line capacity, which can be important for some anglers.
- While it’s described as a “mid-range price,” the exact price point isn’t provided for comparison.
The Burning Shark SHA40 reel is a solid choice for anglers looking for a dependable and powerful tool for saltwater fishing without breaking the bank. It’s built to perform and last.
4. KastKing ReKon Line Counter Trolling Fishing Reel
Rating: 9.2/10
The KastKing ReKon Line Counter Trolling Fishing Reel (Size 20, Right Handed) is a new reel designed for serious anglers. It helps you find and keep your bait in the best fishing spots. This reel works well for many types of fish, from salmon and trout to walleye and saltwater species. Its line counter is very accurate, letting you repeat successful fishing depths.
What We Like:
- Accurate mechanical line counter helps you find fish-producing depths.
- Smooth operation thanks to double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings.
- Strong 30 lbs of carbon disc drag power stops big fish.
- Line clicker is useful for releasing planer boards and detecting strikes.
- Good line capacity holds plenty of monofilament, braid, or leadcore line.
- The single power handle on the size 20 provides excellent leverage for large fish and long retrieves.
What Could Be Improved:
- The gear ratio of 5.3:1 on the size 20 might be a bit slower for some quick retrieval needs.
- While built for tough conditions, some anglers might prefer even more corrosion resistance for extreme saltwater use.
Overall, the KastKing ReKon Line Counter Trolling Reel is a reliable tool for anglers targeting a variety of fish. It offers precise control and dependable performance for successful trolling trips.
5. Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel
The Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel, Small, Black/Silver, MA-20DX is a fantastic choice for anglers who want precision and comfort on the water. This reel is built for long days of fishing, making it a joy to use whether you’re targeting small fish in a quiet lake or battling big ones in the open water.
What We Like:
- It’s super light and compact, so your arm won’t get tired after a long day of casting and retrieving.
- The line counter is a game-changer! It tells you exactly how much line you have out in feet. This helps you drop your bait or lure to the perfect depth every time.
- The drag system is smooth. It uses carbonite discs to handle those powerful runs from big fish without breaking your line.
- Retrieving line is easy thanks to the two stainless steel ball bearings. The reel also has a self-lubricating gear system, meaning it’s built to last and runs smoothly.
- This reel is part of a whole family of Magda Pro reels. You can find them in different sizes and for both left and right-handed anglers.
- The frame and side plates are made of lightweight, corrosion-resistant material, so it can handle the salty air or rainy days.
- It holds a good amount of line, up to 210 yards of 20 lb test.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for many situations, it’s a “small” size, so for extremely large game fish, you might want to consider a larger reel from the Magda Pro family.
Overall, the Okuma Magda Pro MA-20DX is a reliable and user-friendly trolling reel. Its line counter and smooth drag make it a valuable tool for any angler looking to improve their fishing game.
Choosing the Best Fishing Reel for Trolling
Trolling is a fishing technique where you drag a lure or bait through the water behind a moving boat. To do this effectively, you need a strong and reliable fishing reel. This guide will help you pick the perfect trolling reel.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a trolling reel, keep these important features in mind.
1. Gear Ratio
The gear ratio tells you how many times the spool turns for one full turn of the handle. For trolling, a lower gear ratio (like 3.0:1 to 5.0:1) is usually better. This gives you more power to pull in big fish or heavy lures. It also helps you control your line more precisely.
2. Drag System
The drag system is crucial. It lets line out when a fish pulls hard, preventing your line from breaking. Look for a smooth and strong drag. Many good trolling reels have multi-disc drag systems made of carbon fiber or felt. These offer consistent pressure.
3. Line Capacity
Trolling often requires a lot of line, especially when fishing in deep water or for long-distance runs. Make sure the reel can hold enough line of your chosen strength. Check the reel’s specifications for its line capacity in yards for different line weights.
4. Level Wind System
A level wind system helps wind the line evenly onto the spool. This prevents tangles and makes casting and retrieving smoother. It’s a very helpful feature for trolling.
5. Clicker Alarm
Many trolling reels have a clicker alarm. This makes a clicking sound when line is pulled out. It alerts you when a fish is biting, even if you’re not looking directly at your rod.
Important Materials
The materials used in a reel affect its durability and performance.
- Frame and Sideplates: Look for strong materials like aluminum or graphite. Aluminum is very strong and corrosion-resistant, making it great for saltwater trolling. Graphite is lighter but still durable.
- Spool: Aluminum spools are common and offer good strength and heat resistance.
- Gears: Brass or stainless steel gears provide durability and smooth operation.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a trolling reel better or worse.
What Improves Quality:
- Sealed Drag System: This keeps water and dirt out of the drag, ensuring it works well for longer.
- Corrosion Resistance: Especially important for saltwater use. Look for anodized aluminum or special coatings.
- Number of Ball Bearings: More ball bearings can mean smoother operation, but quality matters more than quantity.
What Reduces Quality:
- Plastic Parts: Too many plastic components can make a reel less durable.
- Poorly Machined Parts: This can lead to rough operation and premature wear.
- Lack of Maintenance: Even the best reel needs cleaning and lubrication.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good trolling reel makes your fishing trips more enjoyable.
For freshwater trolling, reels designed for bass or walleye can work well. They usually have good line capacity and drag. For saltwater trolling, you need tougher reels. They must handle strong currents and powerful fish. Reels with higher line capacity and robust drag systems are essential for big game fish like tuna or marlin.
When you’re trolling, you often leave the rod in a holder. The clicker alarm is very useful here. It lets you focus on other tasks or enjoy the scenery. A smooth drag prevents fish from breaking your line when they make a sudden run. A strong reel also makes it easier to control your lure at speed and bring in your catch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of reel for trolling?
A: Conventional or baitcasting reels are best for trolling. They offer the power and line capacity needed.
Q: Should I use a spinning reel for trolling?
A: Spinning reels are generally not recommended for serious trolling. They lack the cranking power and line control that conventional reels provide.
Q: How much line should a trolling reel hold?
A: It depends on what you’re fishing for. For most freshwater trolling, 150-200 yards of line is good. For saltwater, you might need 300 yards or more.
Q: What is a good gear ratio for trolling?
A: A gear ratio between 3.0:1 and 5.0:1 is ideal for trolling. It gives you power and control.
Q: Do I need a level wind on my trolling reel?
A: While not strictly necessary, a level wind makes winding the line much easier and prevents tangles. It’s a very useful feature.
Q: How do I maintain my trolling reel?
A: Rinse your reel with freshwater after each use, especially in saltwater. Lubricate it regularly with reel grease and oil.
Q: Can I use my trolling reel for other fishing methods?
A: Yes, many conventional reels are versatile and can also be used for bottom fishing or casting.
Q: What is the difference between a baitcasting reel and a conventional reel for trolling?
A: They are very similar. Conventional reels often have a wider spool and are built for heavier duty, making them slightly more common for serious trolling.
Q: How important is the drag system for trolling?
A: The drag system is extremely important. It protects your line from breaking when a strong fish pulls hard.
Q: What is the best material for a trolling reel frame?
A: Aluminum is a top choice for trolling reel frames because it is strong and resists corrosion, especially in saltwater.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.