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10 Best Trolling Reels 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-453D

The Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-453D is a solid choice for those in need of a reliable trolling reel. One of its standout strengths is its lightweight and corrosion-resistant frame and sideplates, making it durable and convenient for use in various fishing conditions. The multi-disc, carbonite drag system offers smooth and consistent drag, which is crucial for controlling and reeling in big catches.

The aluminum handle arm with Ergo grip handle knobs provides comfort and ease of use, especially during prolonged fishing sessions. Additionally, the line counter feature is very useful for precise line management, which is essential in trolling to ensure bait is placed at the correct depth. At 617 grams, the reel is moderately heavy, which might be an issue for those preferring lighter gear. Despite these minor drawbacks, the reel's build quality, advanced features, and the anti-reverse feature ensure that your line doesn't slip, providing additional reliability.

This reel is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle and engage in various fishing techniques, especially trolling.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Drag System
Its smooth drag system operates seamlessly, allowing for precise adjustments even when battling larger fish.
Construction Material
Constructed with durability in mind, the Okuma Cold Water reel boasts a corrosion-resistant frame and side plates made from lightweight yet sturdy materials.
Line Counter
The line counter feature is incredibly handy for consistently replicating successful trolling depths.
#2

Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-303D, Silver

The Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-303D is built with high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials, making it durable and lightweight. Its frame and side plates resist rust, which is crucial for performance in saltwater environments. The reel features a multi-disc Carbonite drag system, which ensures smooth and precise control over drag settings, ideal for handling large fish. Additionally, the ratcheting drag star allows for fine-tuning the drag, which provides more accurate adjustments when needed.

The XL gearing and self-lubricating gear system enhance the reel's reliability and longevity, ensuring it maintains performance even with frequent use. The reel's construction material is composite, which combines strength and lightness, beneficial for extended fishing trips. One downside is that the reel supports only right-hand orientation, which could be a limitation for left-handed users. At 567 grams, it’s relatively lightweight, but some might find it slightly on the heavier side for continuous usage.

The line counter feature is practical for tracking how much line is out, aiding in better control and precision. With a maximum drag of 20 pounds, it’s well-suited for medium to large fish. The one-year warranty offers some peace of mind, though it’s on the shorter side compared to other products. Its gear ratio is not explicitly stated, but the emphasis on XL gearing suggests it is designed for efficient retrieval. This trolling reel is best for anglers looking for a durable, reliable option for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Drag System
Its smooth drag system allows for precise adjustments even when battling larger fish, making it highly reliable.
Construction Material
Constructed with durability in mind, the corrosion-resistant frame and side plates make the reel feel solid without being overly heavy.
Line Counter
The line counter feature is incredibly handy for consistently replicating successful trolling depths, crucial for targeting specific fish species.
#3

Reels Saltwater Lever Drag PENN INT80VISW International Leverdrag Conventional 2-Speed Reel 80

The PENN INT80VISW International Lever Drag Conventional 2-Speed Reel is a solid choice for saltwater trolling enthusiasts. Its machined and anodized aluminum body and side plates make it highly durable and resistant to corrosion, which is crucial for saltwater environments. The stainless steel main and pinion gears add to its robustness, ensuring long-term reliability.

With a Quick-shift II 2-speed System, this reel allows for easy switching between high and low speeds, providing versatility in different fishing situations. The Dura-Drag System offers a smooth and consistent drag performance, essential for handling big game fish. Additionally, the Versa-strike adjustable strike stop enhances precision and control when setting the hook. The reel's line capacity and maximum drag of 30 pounds make it suitable for heavy-duty fishing.

The reel is quite heavy at 9.03 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users during extended fishing trips. The lack of a line counter might be a downside for those who prefer precise line measurements. Despite these minor drawbacks, the PENN INT80VISW is a top-performing reel, indicating its reliability and user satisfaction.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Line Capacity
Holds plenty of line to reach deep shelves and allows for long runs by big fish, making it ideal for deep sea fishing.
Gear Ratio
The high-speed retrieve is excellent for pulling up from the deep quickly when checking bait or making adjustments.
Handle Design
The handle design comfortably fits the hand, with a no-slip texture that spreads stress, making long battles easier.

Buying Guide for the Best Trolling Reels

Choosing the right trolling reel is essential for a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. Trolling reels are designed to handle the specific demands of trolling, which involves dragging bait or lures behind a moving boat. To find the best trolling reel for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your fishing style and target species. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a trolling reel.
Line CapacityLine capacity refers to the amount of fishing line that the reel can hold. This is important because trolling often involves letting out a significant amount of line to reach the desired depth or distance. Line capacity is usually measured in yards and is specified for different line strengths (e.g., 20 lb test). If you plan to target larger fish or fish in deeper waters, you'll need a reel with a higher line capacity. For smaller fish or shallower waters, a lower line capacity may suffice.
Gear RatioThe gear ratio of a trolling reel indicates how many times the spool rotates with each turn of the handle. A higher gear ratio means faster line retrieval, while a lower gear ratio provides more power for reeling in heavy fish. If you are targeting fast-swimming species or need to quickly retrieve your line, a higher gear ratio (e.g., 6:1) is beneficial. For larger, stronger fish that require more torque, a lower gear ratio (e.g., 4:1) is preferable.
Drag SystemThe drag system controls the resistance a fish feels when it pulls on the line. A smooth and reliable drag system is crucial for preventing line breakage and ensuring you can effectively tire out and land the fish. Look for a trolling reel with a high-quality drag system that offers a wide range of adjustment. If you are targeting larger or more powerful fish, a reel with a higher maximum drag capacity will be necessary.
Construction MaterialThe materials used in the construction of a trolling reel affect its durability, weight, and resistance to corrosion. Common materials include aluminum, graphite, and stainless steel. Aluminum reels are strong and lightweight, making them a good choice for most trolling applications. Graphite reels are lighter but may not be as durable. Stainless steel components are highly resistant to corrosion, which is important for saltwater fishing. Choose a reel made from materials that match your fishing environment and the level of durability you need.
Line CounterA line counter is a feature that measures and displays the amount of line that has been let out. This is particularly useful for trolling, as it allows you to precisely control the depth and distance of your bait or lure. If you need to consistently fish at specific depths or distances, a reel with a built-in line counter can be very helpful. For casual trolling or when depth precision is less critical, a line counter may not be necessary.
Handle DesignThe design of the handle on a trolling reel can impact comfort and ease of use. Handles come in various shapes and sizes, and some may have ergonomic features or additional grips. A comfortable handle is important for long trolling sessions, as it reduces fatigue and allows for better control. Consider trying out different handle designs to find one that feels comfortable and suits your fishing style.

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