Best Trolling Fishing Reels of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Trolling fishing reels are an essential tool for anglers who enjoy deep-sea fishing. These reels are designed to handle heavy lines and lures, making them ideal for catching large fish such as tuna, marlin, and swordfish. Trolling reels are typically larger and more durable than other types of reels, with a higher gear ratio that allows for quicker retrieval of the line. They also feature a drag system that helps to stabilise the line and prevent it from breaking under the weight of a large fish. Trolling fishing reels are a must-have for any serious angler looking to catch big fish in offshore waters.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

LS3000 Boat Fishing Multiplier Reel with Line Cover #TOP 1
LS3000 Boat Fishing Multiplier Reel with Line
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Shakespeare ATS Size 20 Trolling Reel Cover #TOP 2
Shakespeare ATS Size 20 Trolling Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Okuma Solterra SLX Single Speed Trolling Reel Cover #TOP 3
Okuma Solterra SLX Single Speed Trolling Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Trolling Fishing Reels

#TOP 1

LS3000 Boat Fishing Multiplier Reel with Line

Silver
3000
LS3000 Boat Fishing Multiplier Reel with Line Cover
LS3000 Boat Troll Sea Fishing Multiplier Reel Loaded With 20lb Blue Line NGT

The LS3000 Fishing Reel is an excellent choice for both boat and beach fishing, making it a versatile addition to your angling gear. It comes pre-spooled with a robust 20lb blue line, ensuring you are ready to fish right away. The graphite spool adds durability, making it perfect for various fishing conditions. Its adaptability makes it particularly popular among pier anglers, allowing you to easily switch between different fishing environments with confidence.

What We Like
Versatile for different fishing styles
Pre-spooled for immediate use
Durable graphite spool
Great visibility with blue line
Convenient for on-the-go anglers
#TOP 2

Shakespeare ATS Size 20 Trolling Reel

ATS20LCX
Black
20 w. Line counter
Shakespeare ATS Size 20 Trolling Reel Cover
Shakespeare ATS Size 20 Conventional Trolling Fishing Reel, Right Handle Position, Graphite Spool, Multi-Disc Drag System with Smooth Ball Bearing Drive

The Shakespeare ATS Reel is designed for anglers seeking performance and reliability. Made from lightweight graphite, this trolling reel is easy to handle, allowing you to enjoy longer fishing sessions without fatigue. With a recovery rate of 26 inches per crank and a gear ratio of 5.1:1, you can quickly reel in your catch. The two ball bearings provide a smooth casting experience, making it easier to manage your line. Additionally, the multi-disc drag system ensures consistent control, helping you tire out fish effectively.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable material
Smooth casting experience
Fast recovery rate
Reliable drag system
#TOP 3

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 4

Penn WAR20LW Right Handle Trolling Reel

PENN Warfare Level Wind
Black/Red/Smoke
20LW (Righthand)
Penn WAR20LW Right Handle Trolling Reel Cover
Penn Fishing Reel Warfare WAR20LW Right Handle Trolling Sea Boat Big Game

The Penn WAR20LW Reel is a robust fishing reel designed for serious anglers. With a gear ratio of 5.1:1, you can retrieve 74 centimetres of line with each crank, making it efficient for quick catches. Its mono line capacity of 434 metres with a diameter of 0.38 mm ensures ample line for big game fishing. Weighing only 527 grams, it remains lightweight for easy handling during long fishing trips. The maximum drag of 6.8 kg provides the strength needed to tackle larger fish effectively.

What We Like
Lightweight design
High line retrieval rate
Large mono line capacity
Strong drag capability
Durable construction

Sougayilang RZC20 Powerful Trolling Reel

SG-ICAC-L
Left Hand
Sougayilang RZC20 Powerful Trolling Reel Cover
Sougayilang Line Counter Trolling Fishing Reel,Conventional Level Wind Trolling Reel, Graphite Body, Durable Stainless-Steel and Brass Gears, Large Line Capacity, Powerful Carbon Disc Drag-RZC20L

The Sougayilang RZC20 Reel is a powerhouse designed for serious fishing. With its impressive drag power of up to 35lbs, you can tackle even the largest fish with confidence. The precision Japanese cut gearing system ensures smooth performance, making your fishing experience enjoyable. The line clicker function provides convenience by simplifying the release of planer boards and helping with strike detection while trolling. Additionally, the lightweight graphite frame offers durability without compromising on strength, making this reel ideal for various fishing conditions.

What We Like
High drag power for big fish
Smooth operation with stainless-steel bearings
Lightweight and durable construction
Convenient line clicker function
Great line capacity
#TOP 6

Sougayilang TS50 Gold Trolling Fishing Reel

10047
Gold-15
Sougayilang TS50 Gold Trolling Fishing Reel Cover
Sougayilang Conventional Reel Trolling Fishing Reel Powerful Drag Fishing Reel for Saltwater Big Game (TS50-gold)

The Sougayilang TS50 Reel is an exceptional choice for avid sea anglers. It features a high-tensile aluminium spool that is both robust and lightweight, making it easy to handle during long fishing sessions. With 3 ball bearings and a 6.0:1 gear ratio, you can enjoy smooth operation and efficient cranking power. The heavy-duty lever drag ensures phenomenal durability, allowing you to tackle big game with confidence. Designed with a full metal body, this reel offers the rigidity needed for demanding saltwater conditions.

What We Like
Lightweight yet durable
Smooth operation
Strong cranking power
High drag capacity
#TOP 7

Sougayilang TSSD Level Wind Fishing Reel

Metal Spool
4000
Sougayilang TSSD Level Wind Fishing Reel Cover
Sougayilang Trolling Reel, Level Wind Fishing Reel, Conventional Reel for Salmon and Catfish,Carp-YJ4000

The Sougayilang TSSD Reel is designed for serious anglers targeting big game fish, providing a durable yet lightweight graphite frame and solid stainless-steel handle. With 3 stainless-steel ball bearings and precision machined brass gears, it delivers impressive power, boasting a maximum drag of 27 lbs. Its compact design ensures excellent line capacity for various fishing lines, making it suitable for leadcore, heavy braid, or strong monofilament. The tough components of this reel ensure smooth and reliable performance in challenging saltwater conditions.

What We Like
Durable graphite frame
High maximum drag
Excellent line capacity
Powerful, reliable components
#TOP 8

Sougayilang Level Wind Fishing Reel for Catfish and Bass

YZ-GCTA30R
Sougayilang Level Wind Fishing Reel for Catfish and Bass Cover
Sougayilang Conventional Level Wind Fishing Reel,Inshore Surf Trolling Reel for Catfish and Bass,Round Baitcasting Reel for Freshwater Saltwater Right Hand

The Sougayilang Fishing Reel is designed for anglers seeking a reliable and robust fishing experience. With its sturdy components, including double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings, you can enjoy smooth and trouble-free saltwater fishing. The powerful build, featuring a precision-machined brass main gear, ensures durability and strength, allowing you to tackle various fish species with ease. Additionally, the EVA handle provides increased cranking power and reduces hand fatigue, making your fishing trips more enjoyable and comfortable.

What We Like
Sturdy components for durability
Smooth operation with ball bearings
Powerful gear for tough conditions
Comfortable EVA handle
Versatile for various fish species

One Bass TA5000 Trolling Reel for Saltwater Fishing

One Bass
43237-2
A-Silver-Gold
TA5000
One Bass TA5000 Trolling Reel for Saltwater Fishing Cover
One Bass Fishing Reels Level Wind Trolling Reel Conventional Jigging Reel for Saltwater Big Game Fishing(TA5000)

The One Bass TA5000 Reel boasts a powerful carbon fibre drag system, providing you with up to 30 LB of smooth drag. This means you can tackle even the toughest saltwater fish with ease. Its multi-disc carbonite drag system ensures consistent stopping power while maintaining smoothness and durability during your fishing adventures. With 14 stainless steel bearings, you will experience a remarkably smooth retrieve, even in harsh saltwater conditions. The quick disassemble handle design allows for effortless handling, making it a convenient choice for both inshore and offshore fishing.

What We Like
Powerful drag system
Smooth retrieval
Durable in saltwater
Ergonomic handle design
#TOP 10

Sougayilang TSSD Trolling Reel for Salmon

YJTSSDL3000-R-US
3000 Right Handle
Sougayilang TSSD Trolling Reel for Salmon Cover
Sougayilang Trolling Reel, Level Wind Fishing Reel, Conventional Reel for Salmon-3000 Right Handle

The Sougayilang TSSD Reel is designed for anglers targeting big game fish in saltwater environments. Its lightweight graphite frame and powerful stainless steel handle ensure durability while keeping the overall weight at just 16.7oz. With three stainless-steel ball bearings and precision brass gears, you'll experience incredible power and a maximum drag of 27 lbs, perfect for tackling tough catches. The reel also offers excellent line capacity, allowing you to hold over 280 yards of 25 lb monofilament, so you can fish with confidence without worrying about running out of line.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
High drag power
Excellent line capacity
Smooth operation
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a trolling reel?

Trolling reels, commonly known as "conventional reels," are similar to baitcasting reels in function, but are designed for use in offshore trolling. Trolling reels have much greater line capacities and typically have a stronger drag system than their smaller cousins.

2. What type of reel is best for trolling?

27 Best Offshore Conventional Trolling Fishing Reels 2021. Avet Lever Drag Jigging Reel.Daiwa Seagate Jigging Reel.Okuma Cold Water Line Counter Trolling Reel.Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Trolling Reel.Kastking Rover Round Conventional Reel.Piscifun Salis X Conventional Trolling Reel.

3. Can you use a spinning reel for trolling?

Equipment You Need When Trolling for Fish. Today's spinners can stand up to heated runs and drag pressure more than they were capable of a few decades ago. So yes, you can use a spinning reel for trolling!

Editor's Notes

During our trolling fishing reel research, we found 160 trolling fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,541 customer reviews through our big data system to write the trolling fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose trolling fishing reels with an average price of £42.83.

The trolling fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of trolling fishing reels, including Shakespeare, Okuma Fishing, Penn, Sougayilang, One Bass. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 890 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.