Best Lever Drag Fishing Reels of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Lever drag fishing reels are high-quality fishing reels designed for serious anglers. These reels have a lever that controls the amount of drag applied to the fishing line, allowing for greater precision and control when reeling in a catch. They are typically made with durable materials and designed to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing. Lever drag fishing reels come in a variety of sizes and styles to accommodate different types of fishing, from light tackle inshore fishing to heavy-duty offshore game fishing. If you're looking for a reliable and efficient fishing reel, a lever drag fishing reel is a great option to consider.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Okuma Solterra SLX High Speed Trolling Reel Cover #TOP 1
Okuma Solterra SLX High Speed Trolling Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.9
PENN Squall II Lever Drag Fishing Reel 60 Cover #TOP 2
PENN Squall II Lever Drag Fishing Reel 60
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SHIMANO Triton Lever Drag 25BX Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 3
SHIMANO Triton Lever Drag 25BX Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Lever Drag Fishing Reels

#TOP 1

Okuma Solterra SLX High Speed Trolling Reel

SLX-10CSb
Black
8 UK
Okuma Solterra SLX High Speed Trolling Reel Cover
Okuma Solterra SLX High Speed Open Top Frame Lever Drag Saltwater Trolling Reel, SLX-10CSb, 380yds-20lb, Black

The Okuma Solterra SLX Reel is designed for saltwater trolling with impressive features that enhance your fishing experience. Its stainless steel main gears and pinion gears ensure durability and reliability, so you can tackle tough conditions with confidence. The corrosion-resistant frame and side plates offer protection against the harsh saltwater environment, making it a long-lasting choice for anglers. Additionally, the carbonite drag system, enhanced with Cal's universal drag grease, provides smooth and consistent performance, allowing you to manage your catch effectively.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel components
Corrosion-resistant design
Smooth carbonite drag system
Reduces handle turning force
Silent anti-reverse feature
#TOP 2

PENN Squall II Lever Drag Fishing Reel 60

SQLII60LD
Black / Gold
60 - Right Handed
PENN Squall II Lever Drag Fishing Reel 60 Cover
PENN Squall II Lever Drag Fishing Reel, Size 60, Graphite Body and Sideplates, Stainless Steel Main and Pinion Gears, Powerful PENN Dura-Drag

The PENN Squall II Reel is designed for anglers seeking a lightweight yet durable option. Its corrosion-resistant graphite frame and palm sideplates ensure longevity while being easy to handle. You will appreciate the smooth operation provided by the five stainless steel bearings, allowing you to focus on your fishing experience. With the powerful PENN Dura-Drag system, you can tackle high-pressure situations with confidence, as it offers a maximum drag of 33lb. This reel is ideal for those who want reliability and performance on the water.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Smooth operation with stainless steel bearings
Powerful drag system for tough fights
Corrosion-resistant materials
#TOP 3

SHIMANO Triton Lever Drag 25BX Fishing Reel

TLD25
Black
SHIMANO Triton Lever Drag 25BX Fishing Reel Cover
SHIMANO Triton Lever Drag 25BX Reel, Black

The SHIMANO Triton 25BX Reel offers an impressive graphite frame and side plates, making it both lightweight and durable for your fishing adventures. Its 2-speed versatility allows you to switch gears easily, providing better control when reeling in fish. The barrel handle grip ensures a comfortable hold, reducing fatigue during long fishing sessions. Additionally, the A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings) help maintain the reel's performance in various conditions, giving you peace of mind while fishing.

What We Like
Lightweight graphite construction
2-speed gear versatility
Comfortable barrel handle grip
Anti-rust bearings for durability
#TOP 4

Okuma Solterra SLX Lever Drag Trolling Reel

SLX-10Lb
Black
8 UK
Okuma Solterra SLX Lever Drag Trolling Reel Cover
Okuma Solterra SLX Single Speed Levelwind Lever Drag Saltwater Trolling Reel, SLX-10Lb, 380yds-20lb, Black

The Okuma SLX Trolling Reel is designed for saltwater fishing enthusiasts. Its stainless steel main gears, pinion gears, and shafts ensure durability and reliability, allowing you to fish with confidence. The corrosion-resistant frame and side plates provide extra protection against the harsh marine environment, extending the life of your reel. With a carbonite drag system featuring Cal's universal drag grease, you will experience smooth and consistent performance when battling big catches. Additionally, the two thrust bearings significantly reduce handle turning force, making it more comfortable for you to reel in your line.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel components
Corrosion-resistant design
Smooth carbonite drag system
Less effort to turn handle
#TOP 5

PENN Squall Lever Drag Fishing Reel 30

SQL30VSW
Black Gold
30 | Right Hand
PENN Squall Lever Drag Fishing Reel 30 Cover
PENN Squall® Lever Drag 2 Speed, Fishing Reel, Conventional Reels, Sea - Offshore Fishing, Saltwater Boat or Kayak Fishing,Unisex, Black Gold, 30 | Right Hand

The PENN Squall Fishing Reel is designed for serious anglers seeking a reliable companion for saltwater fishing. It features a lightweight graphite frame and side plates, providing both durability and ease of use during big game fishing. The quick shift 2-speed system allows you to effortlessly switch between high and low gear, catering to different fishing conditions. With 4 stainless steel bearings and a Dura-Drag system, you can expect smooth performance with minimal snags, ensuring a seamless fishing experience.

What We Like
Lightweight yet powerful design
Quick gear shifting system
Smooth drag performance
Durable construction

Okuma Solterra SLX Single Speed Trolling Reel

SLX-15Lb
Black
Okuma Solterra SLX Single Speed Trolling Reel Cover
Okuma Solterra SLX Single Speed Levelwind Lever Drag Saltwater Trolling Reel, SLX-15Lb, 410yds-25lb

The Okuma Solterra SLX Reel is designed for serious saltwater fishing. Its stainless steel main gears and pinion gears provide strength and durability, ensuring a reliable performance. The corrosion-resistant frame and side plates protect against harsh marine environments, giving you peace of mind on the water. With a carbonite drag system featuring Cal's universal drag grease, you can achieve smooth and consistent drag pressure, making your fishing experience more enjoyable. Additionally, the 2 thrust bearings significantly reduce handle turning force, allowing you to reel in your catch with ease.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel components
Corrosion-resistant design
Smooth carbonite drag system
Easy handle operation
#TOP 7

PENN Squall II Lever Drag Fishing Reel 40

1594616
Black / Gold
40 - Right Handed
PENN Squall II Lever Drag Fishing Reel 40 Cover
PENN Squall II Lever Drag Fishing Reel, Size 40, Graphite Body and Sideplates, Stainless Steel Main and Pinion Gears, Powerful PENN Dura-Drag

The PENN Squall II Reel is designed for anglers seeking a lightweight yet durable fishing experience. Its corrosion-resistant graphite frame ensures longevity while the forged aluminium spool with Line Capacity Rings enhances usability. With stainless steel main and pinion gears, you can expect an impressive recovery rate of 36 inches per crank, making it effortless to reel in your catch. The Dura-Drag system provides a powerful maximum drag of 20lb, allowing you to tackle high-pressure fights with confidence.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Smooth operation with stainless steel bearings
Powerful Dura-Drag system
High recovery rate
Corrosion-resistant materials
#TOP 8

Okuma Solterra SLX High Speed Trolling Reel

SLX-15CSb
Black
Okuma Solterra SLX High Speed Trolling Reel Cover
Okuma Solterra SLX High Speed Open Top Frame Lever Drag Saltwater Trolling Reel, SLX-15CSb, 410yds-25lb, Black

The Okuma SLX Trolling Reel is designed for avid anglers seeking durability and efficiency. Its stainless steel main gears, pinion gears, and shafts ensure longevity, making it reliable for saltwater fishing. The corrosion-resistant frame and side plates help protect your investment against harsh marine environments. Additionally, the carbonite drag system with Cal's universal drag grease provides smooth and consistent drag performance, allowing you to handle tough catches with ease. The 2 thrust bearings significantly reduce handle turning force, making it easier for you to reel in fish without straining your wrist.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel construction
Corrosion-resistant materials
Smooth drag system
Reduced handle turning force
#TOP 9

Okuma Solterra SLX-20b Lever Drag Trolling Reel

SLX-20b
Black
Okuma Solterra SLX-20b Lever Drag Trolling Reel Cover
Okuma Solterra SLX Single Speed Closed Frame Lever Drag Saltwater Trolling Reel, SLX-20b, 480yds-30lb,Black

The Okuma SLX-20b Reel is expertly designed for saltwater fishing. Its stainless steel main gears, pinion gears, and shafts ensure durability and strength, giving you confidence while reeling in big catches. The corrosion-resistant frame and side plates make it ideal for tough marine environments, while the carbonite drag system, paired with Cal's universal drag grease, provides smooth and reliable drag adjustments. With 2 thrust bearings, you will experience over a 50% reduction in handle turning force, making your fishing experience more enjoyable and less strenuous.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel components
Corrosion-resistant design
Smooth drag adjustments
Reduced handle turning force

PENN Fathom 2 Speed Saltwater Fishing Reel

FTH15LD2
Black
15| Right
PENN Fathom 2 Speed Saltwater Fishing Reel Cover
PENN Fathom Lever Drag 2 Speed Multiplier - Full metal Body, Strong Saltwater Power Reel For Jigging, Live Bait and Offshore Fishing

The PENN Fathom Reel is a robust saltwater fishing tool, designed for jigging, live bait, and offshore fishing. With its full metal body, it ensures durability and strength, giving you confidence while battling tough fish. Originating from the United States, this reel features a multicolour design that stands out. The electric fishing reel category is well-represented by the PENN Fathom, making it a reliable choice for your fishing adventures.

What We Like
Durable metal construction
Designed for saltwater fishing
Suitable for various fishing techniques
Multicolour design
Reliable brand reputation
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Whats better star drag or lever drag?

The star drag is used to progressively tighten the drag, some will have a ratchet system and some will not, they will just tighten the drag quietly....In Conclusion.

2. What is star drag?

Conventional reels and baitcasting reels traditionally use what is called a star drag system. It is aptly named for the star shaped drag adjustment wheel that is used to tighten and loosen the drag system.

3. What is quick drag on reels?

QUICK DRAG (QD®) QD drag is available on the many of our top reels as standard. The abbreviated drag function allows you to apply a controlled level of "Free Spool" but still engage the drag back to your chosen level with less than one turn. The "free" drag position allows fish run like other set ups.

Editor's Notes

During our lever drag fishing reel research, we found 127 lever drag fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,372 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lever drag fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose lever drag fishing reels with an average price of £193.46.

The lever drag fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lever drag fishing reels, including Okuma Fishing, Penn, SHIMANO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 402 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.