The 10 Best Trolling Reels of 2021

• Line Capacity: 890/50
• Bearing Count: 4
• Max Drag: 28 lbs.
• Gear Ratio: 2.9:1, 1.5:1
• Weight: 75 oz.

Starting off the list is Penn’s 50VSW and it takes the overall best spot because of several reasons. For starters, it has a high 28-lb max drag, which ensures you get enough resistance to pull large, heavy fish. This is enhanced by a dura-drag system for eliminating snags.

The reel also has a very long line capacity because it can hold a thick 50-lb line that is up to 890 yds long. This is ideal for fishing offshore where long, thick lines are required.

Other than that, the unit is equipped with a 2-speed quick-shift system that allows you to easily switch between a 2.9:1 high gear ratio for fast retrieval and a 1.5:1 low gear ratio for high torque retrieval of heavy fish.

More features include a corrosion-resistant graphite frame, a double dog ratchet system that prevents handle reversing and 4 bearings (3BB and 1RB) for smooth running.

However, the reel is very costly and weighs a lot (75 oz.).

• Line Capacity: 290/12
• Bearing Count: 2
• Max Drag: 15 lbs.
• Gear Ratio: 5.1:1
• Weight: 12.6 oz.

For those on a tight budget, Okuma’s MA-15DX is the best trolling reel to buy because it is very affordable. Despite this, the unit is built using high-quality materials such as a corrosion-resistant graphite spool, stainless steel side plates, and a stainless steel level wind line guide.

The unit is also equipped with a self-lubricating gear system that automatically releases oil if friction increases. This ensures the gear and shaft run with minimal wear and tear for long-lasting use.

Other features are a mechanical line counter function that measures the line in feet, a fast retrieval 5.1:1 gear ratio, corrosion-resistant machine-cut brass gearing and a lightweight design that only weighs 12.6 oz.

On the downside, the reel has a relatively low max drag of 15 lbs., which is not suitable for heavy fish, and contains only 2 gears, which are very few.

• Line Capacity: 320/20
• Bearing Count: 4
• Max Drag: 24 lbs.
• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• Weight: 18.9-19.8 oz.

Shimano’s Torium is unique because it is fitted with a high-efficiency gearing system that has a 6.2:1 ratio. This makes it very quick during the retrieval process while also retaining structural strength, rigidity and better leverage from the system.

The reel also has a cross carbon drag system that is very smooth and provides a max drag of 24 lbs., which is enough to withstand powerful runs from large fish such as pelagic.

You also get 4 anti-rust bearings (3BB and 1RB) that are 10x more resistant as compared to standard stainless-steel bearings and a super stopper for anti-reverse.

The only problem is that you don’t get a 2-speed system for switching between high and low gear.

• Line Capacity: 420/20
• Bearing Count: 3
• Max Drag: 20 lbs.
• Gear Ratio: 4.2:1
• Weight: 20 oz.

The drop-down gearbox in Okuma’s CW-303D has a self-lubricating system, which ensures oil is released automatically if friction increases. This ensures smoothness and durability of the system’s 4.2:1 gear ratio when reeling in the line.

Apart from that, the unit has a multi-disc carbonite drag system that gives a maximum drag of 20 lbs. This system has a ratcheting drag star that ensures high precision on the drag settings.

More features include a mechanical stabilizing system that holds all the internal components together, a dual anti-reverse system, a clear view anti-fog line counter, a corrosion-resistant frame and side plates and 3 stainless steel bearings (2BB and 1RB).

On the downside, the reel’s handle is not counterbalanced for comfortable cranking.

• Line Capacity: 700/20
• Bearing Count: 4
• Max Drag: 23 lbs.
• Gear Ratio: 3.5:1, 1.7:1
• Weight: 23.6 oz.

If you are a beginner in trolling, Shimano’s TLD is the best reel to buy because it has an ergonomic power handle that makes cranking easy.

Additionally, the unit is equipped with 4 bearings (3BB and 1RB), which make it smooth to reel in the line or retrieve the fish. These bearings are rust-resistant for maximum durability.

Other than that, you get a 2-speed system that offers a high 3.5:1 gear ratio for quick retrieval and a low 1.7:1 ratio for high torque retrieval.

You also get a maximum drag of 23 lbs., which is quite high, a line capacity of 700 yds for a 20-lb. line and a durable graphite frame. There are larger size options of this TLD but they are costlier to buy.

Regardless of size though, you don’t get a self-lubricating gearbox that automatically oils itself for reduced friction.

• Line Capacity: 320/50
• Bearing Count: 3
• Max Drag: 20 lbs.
• Gear Ratio: 4.0:1
• Weight: 24.6 oz.

Penn’s SQL50LW has a very durable design that consists of a corrosion-resistant graphite frame and side plates, a stainless-steel pinion gear and a machined high-strength bronze alloy main gear.

You also get a machined and forged aluminum spool, two rustproof stainless-steel ball bearings, and an instant anti-reverse bearing that gets rid of back play.

Other than that, the reel is fitted with an HT 100 carbon fiber drag system that remains very smooth while delivering a maximum drag of up to 20 lbs.

The system’s performance is enhanced with HT 100 drag washers, which remain cool and smooth despite the increase in friction.

More features include a 320 yd line capacity for a 50-lb. line and line capacity markings that show if the spool is 1/3, 2/3 or full.

On the downside, the handle is not counterbalanced for smooth cranking.

• Line Capacity: 300/30
• Bearing Count: 2
• Max Drag: 15 lbs.
• Gear Ratio: 2.8:1
• Weight: 23 oz.

Penn’s 309mcp features a counterbalance on the handle that works in tandem with the oversized paddle knob to give you smooth, comfortable cranking.

Other than that, the unit is a level wind reel that distributes the line evenly during retrieval, which is ideal for fresh or saltwater trolling.

The reel also has a durable design that consists of a machined aluminum spool, stainless steel gears and bake light side plates.

However, despite having an HT-100 carbon fiber drag system, the unit’s maximum drag is quite low because it is rated at 15 lbs.

• Line Capacity: 185/16
• Bearing Count: 4
• Max Drag: 18-24 lbs.
• Gear Ratio: 4.2:1
• Weight: 13.3-31 oz.

With its crossbar forward design, Shimano’s Tekota gives you direct access to the spool. Combined with its non-disengaging level-wind system with underbrace, this design gives you better and easier line management, which is recommended when dealing with long lines.

The reel runs on specially treated anti-rust bearings that are ideal for saltwater use because they are 10x more resistant to corrosion as compared to other stainless-steel bearings.

This entire structure is held in place by a single-piece die-cast aluminum frame that is built to withstand heavy use while 4 bearings (3BB and 1RB) ensure smooth operation.

You also get a counterbalanced handle for comfortable cranking but the issue is that the unit can hold a relatively short line. This is because it has a line capacity of 185 yds for a 16-lb line. However, there are larger size options if you want a longer line capacity.

• Line Capacity: 230/18
• Bearing Count: 1
• Max Drag: 12 lbs.
• Gear Ratio: 5.1:1
• Weight: 15.2 oz.

This Okuma CLX-200La is characterized by stainless steel gearing that is highly durable and reliable. The gearing system is also self-lubricating, which makes it very smooth even with increased friction.

Considering that the reel’s gear ratio is 5.1:1, the smoothness and reliability of the system makes it easier when doing a fast retrieval.

Apart from that, you get a wide mouth level wind that allows knots to pass through easily when fishing using double lines, a sturdy aluminum power handle with T knobs, a rustproof graphite spool and a ported graphite frame that is also very durable.

However, the reel is only fitted with one bearing, which is not as smooth as having multiple bearings. It also has a max drag of 12 lbs., which not suitable for trolling large fish.

• Line Capacity: 250/16
• Bearing Count: 7
• Max Drag: 30 lbs.
• Gear Ratio: 5.3:1
• Weight: 12.6 oz.

KastKing’s Rover is fitted with 7 double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings (6BB and 1RB), which are quite many and ensure it runs super smoothly regardless of the pressure exerted on it.

Additionally, the reel features a newly redesigned cymbal washer system that offers up to 30 lbs. of smooth drag, which is ideal for retrieving heavy saltwater fish.

Apart from that, the unit has an all-metal body design that is highly durable and is rated as bulletproof. This consists of a CNC machined spool, aluminum side plates, a metal idle gear, and a stainless-steel shaft, just to name a few.

Other features include an oversized T-handle with non-slip EVA grips, a line out clicker alarm and a thumb bar release for easy spool access.

The piece is also very lightweight (12.6 oz.) but on the downside, it has a relatively small line capacity because it can hold a 250-yd max length of a 16-lb line.