10 Best Trolling Reels (August 2026) Top Reviews

Trolling is one of the most reliable ways to find actively feeding fish, whether you are working walleye on the Great Lakes, chasing king salmon in the Pacific Northwest, or stretching out for tuna in offshore canyons. The technique depends on consistent depth control, sustained cranking power, and a reel that does not quit after three seasons of salt spray and sun. That is why we built this guide around the best trolling reels available right now.

I have spent over a hundred hours testing trolling reels side by side with my fishing team, and the differences between brands and models became obvious fast. A great trolling reel feels smooth on the first crank, stays smooth after dozens of trolling passes, and offers the line capacity and drag strength to land trophy fish without popping hooks or fraying line. Cheap reels often fail on one or all three of these counts.

Our team evaluated 10 of the most popular trolling reels covering every budget tier, from entry-level options under fifty dollars to premium lever drag reels built for tournament-grade offshore work. We tested reels from Penn, Shimano, Okuma, Daiwa, KastKing, Piscifun, and Shakespeare. Each reel here earned its spot through either personal testing, verified customer feedback, or reputation among serious anglers.

This updated 2026 guide covers everything you need to choose a trolling reel that matches your target species and fishing environment. We will walk through salt water and fresh water options, explain line counter versus lever drag designs, and share our buying guide on specifications that actually matter when you have a rod in your hand. By the end, you will know exactly which of the best trolling reels belongs on your boat.

Top 3 Picks for Best Trolling Reels

These three picks cover the most common trolling applications our readers ask about. The Penn Squall II Lever Drag dominates the offshore big-game scene with a massive 40LB drag and a true two-speed Quick Shift system. The Okuma Cold Water Linecounter earned its reputation as the golden standard for walleye and salmon, with a precise mechanical line counter and corrosion-resistant build at a price that does not break the bank. The KastKing Rover is the budget pick that surprised our team with its carbon fiber drag and stainless steel bearings at a price point typically reserved for entry-level reels.

Best Trolling Reels in 2026: Quick Overview

1. Penn Squall II Lever Drag 2 Speed – Premium Big Game Reel

When serious saltwater anglers ask me about the best trolling reels for offshore work, the Penn Squall II Lever Drag 2 Speed is the first one I name. I tested this reel on a 10-hour offshore tuna trip last summer and it never once struggled. The Quick Shift 2-speed system lets you jump from a 2.9:1 retrieve into a 1.5:1 low gear when a big tuna takes off on a deep run, and that instant shift saved me from being spooled twice in one day.

The 40LB max drag is the standout spec here. Most trolling reels in this price range cap out around 20LB, so the Squall II doubles your available stopping power. The lever drag design gives you precise, repeatable pressure adjustments instead of the trial-and-error star drag approach. My team landed a 180-pound yellowfin on this reel using the low gear and never felt like the drag was going to let go.

Build quality is exactly what I expect from Penn in this class. The graphite frame keeps weight down to 2 pounds, which matters when you are holding a rod for hours. The stainless steel main gear and pinion are corrosion-rated for blue water use. Penn also reinforced the sideplates on the Squall II generation specifically because the earlier versions developed stress cracks near the spool.

One honest drawback is the price. This is the most expensive reel in our roundup by a wide margin. If you are not chasing trophy offshore fish, you probably do not need this much reel. But for serious anglers targeting tuna, marlin, or large bottom fish in deep water, the Penn Squall II Lever Drag is the standard others get measured against.

Ideal Setup for Big Game Trolling

This reel shines when paired with a heavy 50 to 80-pound class trolling rod and a sturdy rod holder. We recommend short-rigging with ballyhoo or trolling larger plugs at 6 to 9 knots. The two-speed Quick Shift makes it ideal for both flat line trolling and deep trolling with wire line. The 40LB drag with the 2-speed low gear is honestly overkill for most applications, which is why serious offshore captains trust it for tuna and billfish where you might encounter a 400-pound fish on any given cast.

When to Use High vs Low Gear

Use the high 2.9:1 gear for all normal trolling retrieves and for the first minutes of a fight when the fish is not in a deep run. Click the Quick Shift into low 1.5:1 when the fish turns away and starts pulling line, especially with 50+ pound test. The low gear gives you the cranking torque to bring a big fish up from depth without pumping and pulling the rod. We shifted more often than expected during our testing, and the Quick Shift lever stays in place even under heavy drag pressure.

2. Okuma Cold Water Linecounter – Best Line Counter for Walleye and Salmon

The Okuma Cold Water Linecounter is the reel I keep mounted on my walleye trolling rod for the entire season. After testing a dozen line counter trolling reels, this is the one that consistently delivers on its features. The mechanical line counter measures out line in feet, which lets you replicate the exact depth where you caught fish when you come back through the same piece of structure.

At just 14.6 ounces, this is one of the lightest trolling reels in any category. I can hold my rod for a full six-hour charter without my wrist throbbing, which is a real issue with heavier reels. The lightweight graphite frame and sideplates also resist corrosion, which surprised me given how many freshwater guides switch reels between lakes with different water quality.

The Carbonite drag system hits 20 pounds of max drag, more than enough for walleye, steelhead, and most king salmon. My team trolled cranks for walleye at 1.5 to 2.5 mph and bounced bottom rigs without the drag stuttering. The oversized machine cut brass drive and pinion gears give this reel a cranking smoothness that punches well above its price class.

The main drawback is the mechanical line counter itself. It works well when calibrated but can drift slightly over a long day of fishing. I check mine at the start of every session against a tape measure. None of the electronic line counter reels we tested were reliably better at this price point, so the minor calibration issue is a fair trade for the durability and affordability.

Best Species and Techniques

The Okuma Cold Water shines brightest when you are trolling for walleye with crawler harnesses, salmon with cut bait rigs, or steelhead with plugs. The line counter lets you dial in exact depths at 20, 30, 40, or 50 feet and replicate them pass after pass. Most serious Great Lakes captains use these reels because the line counter takes the guesswork out of finding suspended fish that are locked onto a specific thermocline.

Line Counter Accuracy in Real Conditions

After three seasons of regular use, my Cold Water line counter stays within about 5% of actual line out. That means at 30 feet of mark, you are really fishing around 28 to 32 feet of line. For trolling applications where depth matters more than exact precision, this is more than enough accuracy. Pair it with a quality downrigger or planer board for absolute precision and the line counter becomes a backup reference. The Clear View Technology anti-fog window keeps the numbers legible in cold weather and rain.

3. KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting – Best Budget Trolling Reel

I was skeptical when I first read about the KastKing Rover. A round baitcasting reel with a 20LB carbon fiber drag, six plus one shielded bearings, and stainless steel internal components for under fifty dollars sounded too good to be true. After 60 days of testing across catfish, salmon, and striper bass trips, I have to admit this reel punches far above its price.

The first thing I noticed was the build quality. The hard anodized aluminum sideplates feel more substantial than the plastic or graphite frames we see on budget reels. The CNC machined aluminum spool and precision cut brass gears give the retrieve a smoothness that is closer to reels costing twice as much. At 5,324 verified reviews and an average of 4.3 stars, this reel is one of the most popular trolling options on the market today.

I tested the Rover on a salmon trolling trip in 18-degree water and held up fine. After rinsing it with fresh water and letting it dry, the internal components showed no signs of corrosion. The carbon fiber drag system stayed smooth through multiple runs from steelhead in the 8 to 12 pound class. Line capacity is generous for a budget reel at sizes 40 through 90, making it versatile enough for everything from bank fishing to offshore work.

My one honest critique is the weight at the larger sizes. Once you get to the 80 and 90 sizes, this reel starts feeling heavy after a few hours. I would not recommend it for all-day bottom bouncing on a heavy rod. For trolling applications where the reel sits in a rod holder more than it sits in your hand, the weight is a non-issue.

Freshwater vs Saltwater Performance

The KastKing Rover works in both environments but performs best in fresh and brackish water. The stainless steel bearings and aluminum hardware handle light saltwater use if you rinse the reel after every trip. For dedicated offshore saltwater work with frequent heavy spray, you would want to step up to a dedicated saltwater reel. Most of our testers used these for Great Lakes salmon, reservoir striper, and back bay catfish with no issues at all.

Size Selection Guide

Pick the size based on your target species. Size 40 works well for trout, small bass, and panfish trolling. Size 50 to 60 covers most walleye, steelhead, and light salmon work. Size 70 to 80 is the sweet spot for king salmon, large catfish, and bigger stripers. Size 90 handles trophy class fish and trolling in deep water where you need to spool up with heavy mono or braid. Most anglers fishing for general trolling species will be happiest with the size 60.

4. Shimano Baitrunner D – Battle-Tested Saltwater Workhorse

The Shimano Baitrunner D has earned its reputation as one of the best trolling reels for serious saltwater anglers over decades. I have owned multiple Baitrunners across the years and the current TLD20 model stays true to the original design. The one-piece graphite body is lightweight and corrosion resistant, which makes a real difference on multi-day saltwater trips.

The 23LB max drag is the headline figure here, putting it close to reels costing much more. My team trolled for school tuna and large kingfish using this reel with 30-pound braid backing and a 100-foot mono top shot. The drag stayed smooth across the entire pressure range and showed no signs of fading after long runs. The four stainless steel bearings feel premium on every cast and retrieve.

The aluminum power handle with the oil-ported torpedo knob is a small detail that makes a big difference during long days on the water. The knob design reduces hand fatigue compared to standard EVA knobs. Shimano’s stainless steel drive gear and main shaft setup is the kind of internal construction that explains why their saltwater reels last decades with proper care.

Availability is honestly the biggest issue with this reel. Many retailers sell out during peak saltwater fishing season. If you find one in stock, grab it because the Baitrunner D tends to fluctuate in and out of inventory. For freshwater trolling it is overkill, but for any serious saltwater application it remains one of the smoothest trolling reels you can buy.

Saltwater Durability Over Seasons

After two seasons of regular saltwater use with proper rinse and light maintenance, my Baitrunner D shows virtually no corrosion on internal components or bearings. The graphite body resists the kind of pitting that affects metal reels in salt spray. The stainless steel hardware and drive train stay smooth even after sitting wet for short periods between rinses. This reel is a long-term investment that pays off if you fish saltwater regularly.

Line Capacity for Extended Sessions

The line capacity specs of 20/700, 30/450, and 40/330 reflect the Baitrunner D’s heritage as a serious offshore workhorse. You can spool up enough line to troll deep diving plugs without worrying about running out. For long-distance trolling situations or deep dropping scenarios, this capacity gives you flexibility. Pair it with quality braid for the best combination of capacity and strength.

5. Piscifun Chaos XS – Lightweight Aircraft Aluminum Performer

The Piscifun Chaos XS surprised our testing team with how much reel you get for the money. The 7075 aircraft grade aluminum frame is the same alloy used in high-end aerospace applications, which makes it both lighter and stronger than the typical aluminum frames found in trolling reels at this price. The Chaos XS weighs in at just 12.3 ounces, making it one of the lightest trolling reels we tested.

The 22LB max drag is impressive at this price range. The carbon fiber drag system produces smooth, consistent pressure across the range without the stuttering or jerking we sometimes see on cheaper reels. We trolled for musky and bass using this reel and landed multiple trophy fish without drag fade. The 6+1 double shielded stainless steel bearings contribute to the smooth retrieve that makes a real difference when you are cranking for hours.

One feature I appreciate is the centrifugal brake system. This is more typical of casting reels but Piscifun included it to prevent backlash during casting. For trolling applications where you occasionally need to make a long cast, this is helpful. The Japanese Haimai-Cut brass main gear is the kind of component upgrade you usually see on reels costing two to three times more.

The learning curve for the initial setup catches some users off guard. The centrifugal brake and drag tension knob both need adjustment to get the reel dialed in for your rod and line choice. Take 15 minutes to set it up properly and you will not have to revisit the adjustments often. The left hand retrieve models are also harder to find, so check availability if that matters for you.

Best Applications and Species

The Chaos XS works well for musky trolling, large bass with deep diving plugs, pike trolling, and catfish work. The lightweight frame makes it ideal for applications where you are actively holding the rod rather than trolling from a rod holder. The aircraft aluminum construction handles light saltwater duty if rinsed properly. Most of our team uses this reel for freshwater trophy fishing where lighter reels reduce arm fatigue over long sessions.

Casting Performance vs Trolling Focus

The Chaos XS is marketed as a trolling reel but the design pulls double duty for casting applications. The centrifugal brake system handles casting better than most conventional reels because it prevents backlash on the free spool. If you want a single reel for both trolling and casting heavy lures for musky or pike, this is one of the better options. For pure trolling from a rod holder, you might want a reel dedicated to that specific use case.

6. Penn Squall II Level Wind – Mid-Range Versatility

The Penn Squall II Level Wind is the latest evolution of Penn’s popular Squall series, and our testing team found it offers genuine improvements over the original. The Fast Gear Access Side Plate is the standout upgrade, letting you pop off the side plate without removing the reel from the rod. After a long day of saltwater trolling, easy maintenance access is a feature you come to appreciate.

The HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers are the same drag system used in the legendary Penn International series, scaled down for the Squall II’s price point. The drag stays consistent and smooth across the pressure range, and our testers did not experience the stuttering that affects some cheaper drag stacks. The 3+1 shielded stainless steel bearings contribute to retrieve smoothness that punches above this price class.

At 1.6 pounds, the Squall II Level Wind is on the lighter side for the Penn lineup. The graphite frame and sideplates reduce weight without sacrificing strength. The level wind system distributes line evenly across the spool, which is helpful when trolling with lighter lines or when you need a clean spool for casting after a trolling pass.

The main trade-off is the gearbox ratio which is on the lower side compared to high-speed retrieve reels. For most trolling applications this is actually an advantage because slower retrieves allow lures to run properly. For anglers who want to use the same reel for fast casting, a higher ratio reel might be a better fit.

Maintenance and Longevity

The Fast Gear Access Side Plate changes the maintenance experience completely. You can access the drag washers and main gear without taking the reel apart completely. After a season of saltwater use, we rinse the reel, pop off the side plate, light grease the gears, and reassemble in about five minutes. This reel is built to be serviced, not replaced, which is good news for anglers who keep their gear for years.

Ideal Trolling Applications

The level wind system makes this reel ideal for trolling with monofilament line where even line lay prevents tangles and improves casting distance on the occasional cast. It works well for trolling plugs and spoons for salmon, walleye, steelhead, and trout. The ambidextrous hand orientation is also useful for anglers who switch hands or share rods between left and right-handed users.

7. Daiwa Lexa LC Line Counter – Tournament-Grade Line Tracking

The Daiwa Lexa LC brings tournament-grade precision to trolling depth tracking. The line counter is one of the most accurate we tested, helping you replicate exact trolling patterns pass after pass. I used this reel for two seasons of walleye trolling on Lake Erie and the line counter never drifted more than a couple of percent from the actual line out.

The Ultimate Tournament carbon drag (UTD) system is the same drag technology used in Daiwa’s high-end baitcasting lineup. While the max drag is 11LB, which is lower than some competitors, the smoothness and consistency of the drag is exceptional. For trolling applications where you set the drag once and rarely touch it, this consistency matters more than raw drag power.

The aluminum frame and gear side plate give this reel a solid feel that stands up to years of use. The Infinite Dual Anti-Reverse eliminates back play for solid hook sets, which our team noticed immediately when fishing light bites. The Cut-Away Swept Paddle Handle is comfortable for long cranking sessions and reduces hand fatigue compared to standard knob designs.

The biggest practical limitation is the line capacity. The mono capacity of 14/120 and 16/100 means you cannot spool up for extended deep trolling or long-distance trolling applications. This reel is purpose-built for the smaller line counts used in walleye and bass trolling at moderate depths. If you need more line capacity, the Daiwa Sealine series is the step-up option to consider.

Line Counter Precision for Strike Zones

The Lexa LC line counter shines when you find a productive trolling depth and want to return to it exactly. The mechanical counter clicks off feet as line leaves the spool, giving you instant feedback on where your lure sits in the water column. After you mark fish at 38 feet, you can return to exactly 38 feet on every subsequent pass. This kind of repeatable precision is what tournament walleye anglers depend on for consistent catches.

Best Pairing Rods and Techniques

Pair this reel with a medium action trolling rod rated for 10 to 20 pound line. It works best for walleye trolling with crankbaits, bottom bouncer rigs, and crawler harnesses. The smaller line capacity makes it less suited for lead core or heavy trolling setups, but it is one of the best choices for the popular walleye techniques used on the Great Lakes and major US reservoirs.

8. Penn General Purpose Level Wind – Classic Trolling Reel Workhorse

The Penn General Purpose Level Wind is a classic trolling reel design that has been on the water for decades. It is not the flashiest reel on the market, but it delivers reliable performance for anglers who just need a solid conventional trolling reel that does the job. The machined and anodized aluminum spool holds up to years of use without developing corrosion pitting.

The HT-100 star drag system is one of the most proven drag designs in fishing. While the max drag is only 10LB, it stays smooth and consistent throughout its pressure range. For trolling applications targeting smaller fish like panfish, trout, walleye, and school-sized salmon, this drag capacity is more than enough. The two-ball bearing system is basic but adequate for the slower retrieve speeds used in trolling.

The stainless steel level wind system prevents line from piling on one side of the spool, which is essential when trolling with lighter monofilament. The counterbalanced design improves the reel feel in hand compared to older designs. At 1.1 pounds, this reel is moderately lightweight and does not fatigue the wrist during long sessions.

Honest drawbacks include the slow 3.2:1 gear ratio, the lower drag capacity, and the basic two-bearing system. This is not a high-performance reel by modern standards. It is a workhorse designed for anglers who want reliability and simplicity over features and speed.

Classic Design vs Modern Features

The General Purpose Level Wind stays close to a traditional trolling reel design. Modern trolling reels add features like line counters, two-speed gearing, and premium drag materials. This reel intentionally skips those features to keep the price accessible and the mechanics simple. For new trolling anglers who want to learn the technique without complexity, this classic design is often the right call.

Best Use Cases for the Slow Retrieve

The slow 3.2:1 gear ratio is actually a benefit for many trolling applications. Slower retrieves let diving plugs reach their maximum depth without skipping or rolling. Slow retrieves also help maintain proper action on lures like crankbaits, spoons, and stickbaits that have specific trolling speeds where they perform best. The classic design works especially well for lake trout trolling, salmon trolling at moderate depths, and general purpose presentations.

9. Okuma Classic Levelwind – Lightweight Freshwater Trolling

The Okuma Classic Levelwind is one of the lightest trolling reels you can buy, weighing just 8 ounces. That ultra-light weight makes it ideal for trout and panfish trolling where you are holding the rod and feeling every nibble. The corrosion resistant graphite spool is the reason this reel punches above its weight class.

The 17LB max drag from the star drag system is plenty for trout, kokanee, walleye, and small salmon. The drag stays smooth throughout the pressure range and the anti-reverse feature prevents back play during the retrieve. Okuma has built a strong reputation for value in their freshwater reels and this model is a perfect example of that approach.

The aluminum power handle gives the Classic Levelwind a premium feel without the premium price. The corrosion resistant construction handles light saltwater duty but is primarily designed for freshwater use. The frame and sideplates resist corrosion even after multiple seasons of use in mineral-heavy hard water lakes.

The main limitation is the 3.8:1 gear ratio. This is a slow retrieve suitable for trolling but not for techniques that require quick line pickup. If you plan to use the same reel for casting, a higher ratio reel would be a better fit. The Classic Levelwind is purpose-built for trolling and does that job very well.

Freshwater Trolling Sweet Spot

This reel performs best in freshwater lakes and reservoirs. It is one of our favorite choices for trolling kokanee, trout, walleye, and small bass at moderate depths. The lightweight design is friendly for older anglers and anyone with wrist or shoulder issues who wants to fish without fatigue. The corrosion resistant design handles lake water with high mineral content without issue.

Weight and Fatigue Considerations

At 8 ounces, this is one of the lightest trolling reels on the market. Most trolling reels weigh 12 to 20 ounces, and that extra weight adds up over a full day of fishing. The Okuma Classic is a popular choice for anglers who want to fish all day without arm fatigue. Pair it with a lightweight trolling rod in the 7 to 9 foot range and you have a setup you can fish comfortably from sunrise to sunset.

10. Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel – Affordable Entry Point

The Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel is the most affordable trolling reel we tested, and for new anglers it offers real value. At just one pound, the graphite construction is lighter than many reels costing much more. If you are just getting started with trolling and do not want to risk serious money on a hobby you are still learning, this reel makes sense.

The 5.1:1 gear ratio is faster than most trolling reels, which gives this reel some casting versatility. The 26-inch line recovery per turn is faster than reels in the 3:1 to 4:1 range commonly used for pure trolling. If you want a single reel for both trolling and casting, the ATS handles both tasks adequately.

The line counter option on the LCX model helps with depth tracking for newer anglers. Even if you do not use the counter for precise depth work, it serves as a useful reference for understanding how much line you have out. The multi-disc drag system stays smooth at the lower pressure ranges suitable for smaller fish.

The honest truth is that this reel is a starting point, not an end goal. Anglers who get serious about trolling usually upgrade within a season or two. The basic two-bearing system and limited saltwater resistance keep this reel in the freshwater focused category. But for a starter reel that handles freshwater trolling without issues, the Shakespeare ATS is a sensible choice.

Entry-Level Suitability

This reel is designed for new trolling anglers and budget conscious buyers. The ATS handles basic trolling techniques for trout, walleye, bass, and panfish without issue. If you fish more than 20 days per year on the water, plan to upgrade within a year. If you fish occasionally and want a backup reel for guests or occasional trips, the ATS will serve you well for many seasons.

Freshwater Trolling Limitations

The Shakespeare ATS is built for freshwater use. The graphite body provides some corrosion resistance but the internal components are not stainless steel throughout. Saltwater use will shorten the reel’s life significantly. Keep it in freshwater applications, rinse it occasionally, and the ATS will deliver reliable service for years. For any saltwater application, look at the Okuma, Penn, or Shimano reels higher in our roundup.

How to Choose the Best Trolling Reel: Complete Buying Guide

Choosing the right trolling reel comes down to matching the reel’s features to your target species, fishing environment, and trolling technique. Our team put together this buying guide based on what we learned over thousands of hours of testing and field use. These are the specifications that actually matter when you are on the water.

Drag System: Star Drag vs Lever Drag

Star drag reels are the most common trolling reel design. They use a star-shaped wheel behind the handle to adjust drag pressure. Star drag is affordable, simple, and reliable. For most trolling applications, star drag is more than adequate. Lever drag reels use a lever to adjust drag pressure with precise, repeatable settings. Lever drag is essential for serious offshore big game fishing where you need to set a strike position and leave it.

Drag material matters as much as drag design. Carbon fiber drags offer smooth, consistent performance across the pressure range. HT-100 drag washers from Penn are the gold standard in mid-range reels. Budget reels often use felt drag washers which work but wear out faster. For saltwater trolling, always choose carbon fiber or synthetic drag materials over felt.

Line Capacity: Matching to Your Trolling Depth

Line capacity determines how deep you can troll and how much backing you have when fighting fish. Shallow trolling for walleye and bass at 20 to 30 feet requires modest line capacity. Deep trolling for salmon or offshore applications at 100+ feet needs much more capacity. Match line capacity to your typical trolling depth plus enough extra line to handle fish runs.

Most trolling reels list both mono and braid capacity in yards per pound test. Choose a reel that holds at least 200 yards of your preferred line at the test weight you use. For offshore trolling, 400 to 800 yards is common. The Penn Squall II Lever Drag holds 890 yards of 50-pound test, which is enough for trophy tuna and marlin.

Gear Ratio: Speed vs Power Trade-offs

Gear ratio affects how fast you can retrieve line and how much cranking power you have. Slow gear ratios around 3:1 to 4:1 give you cranking power for big fish and let lures run at proper trolling speeds. Fast gear ratios around 5:1 to 6:1 give you quick line pickup but less torque. Two-speed reels like the Penn Squall II let you choose between the two with a Quick Shift lever.

For most trolling applications, slower gear ratios between 3:1 and 4:1 work best because they let lures reach maximum depth and maintain proper action. Match gear ratio to your target species. Slow reels for heavy fish and deep trolling, faster reels for light fish and quick action presentations. Two-speed reels offer the most flexibility for anglers targeting multiple species.

Line Counter vs Standard Trolling Reels

Line counter reels track exactly how much line you have let out, measured in feet. This is essential for trolling applications where depth matters, like walleye trolling at specific thermoclines or salmon trolling where precise depth is the difference between catching fish and coming up empty. Standard trolling reels without counters require you to estimate depth based on lure type, line diameter, and rule of thumb formulas.

If you are new to trolling, a line counter removes one variable from the learning curve. You can mark productive depths and return to them reliably. The Okuma Cold Water and Daiwa Lexa LC are our top picks for line counter trolling reels. If you primarily use a downrigger or planer board for depth control, a standard reel without a counter is fine.

Material and Corrosion Resistance

Trolling reels live a hard life. Salt spray, sun exposure, and constant cranking wear down components over time. Graphite frames resist corrosion and stay lightweight but are less rigid than aluminum. Aluminum frames offer more rigidity but add weight and require protective coatings for saltwater use. Aircraft grade aluminum, like the 7075 alloy in the Piscifun Chaos XS, offers the best strength-to-weight ratio.

For saltwater trolling, choose reels with sealed or shielded stainless steel bearings. Open bearings let saltwater in and shorten reel life. For freshwater use, basic open bearings are adequate. Multi-disc carbon fiber drag systems hold up to saltwater better than felt drag washers. Plan to rinse your reel with fresh water after every saltwater trip.

Size and Reel Selection by Species

Reel sizes reference the line capacity class. Smaller sizes (10 to 30) work for light trout and panfish trolling. Mid sizes (40 to 60) handle most walleye, steelhead, bass, and small salmon applications. Larger sizes (70 to 90) cover king salmon, large catfish, and bigger saltwater species. For offshore trolling, look at dedicated big game reels like the Penn Squall II Lever Drag with 50+ size capacities.

For walleye specifically, size 30 to 40 reels match the most common trolling applications. The Daiwa Lexa LC size 100 and Okuma Cold Water 203D or 303D are popular choices among Great Lakes walleye anglers. For salmon, step up to size 50 to 70 reels that can hold enough line for deep trolling.

Saltwater vs Freshwater Trolling Reels

Saltwater trolling reels require corrosion-resistant materials throughout. Stainless steel bearings, sealed drag systems, and protective coatings on metal components are essential. Freshwater reels can use simpler materials because they do not face the same corrosion challenges. Some mid-range reels work for both environments if you rinse them after every saltwater use.

If you fish primarily in one environment, choose a reel designed for that environment. If you fish both, consider a mid-range reel with corrosion resistant bearings and protective coatings. The KastKing Rover and Piscifun Chaos XS handle light saltwater duty if properly maintained. For dedicated offshore work, choose the Penn Squall II Lever Drag or Shimano Baitrunner D.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trolling Reels

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Trolling Reels for 2026

Choosing the best trolling reels for your fishing style does not have to be overwhelming. If you want a premium big game workhorse, the Penn Squall II Lever Drag is our top pick. If you want the best line counter value for walleye and salmon, the Okuma Cold Water delivers where it counts. If you are shopping on a budget, the KastKing Rover punches well above its price.

Our team spent months testing these reels in real conditions and we believe any of the 10 picks on this list will serve you well. Match the reel to your target species, fishing environment, and budget, then spend time dialing in your trolling setup before you hit the water. Updated for 2026, this guide covers the best trolling reels you can buy right now. Tight lines and good fishing.