Fishing is all about catching your favorite species by using multiple old or advanced methods. No matter which method you use results only matter. When you have a bucket full of walleyes, muskies, or other species you forget all the pain.
Sticking to the technique that works for you is good but not a wise decision. Because if one technique works during certain circumstances it doesn’t mean that it would work always. You would need to explore different fishing methods to tackle every situation.
In order to try and test different techniques, you must keep modern fishing tools in your arsenal. A fishing reel is one of the modern tools you must have in your arsenal.
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5 Best Trolling Fishing Reels
Nowadays you would find plenty of options available in the market out there. It gets hard to choose one when you have such kind of variety of reels.
That’s why I am here to suggest to you some of the best brands and models you must try. These items are selected on the basis of multiple factors such as weight, size, performance, and durability.
Shimano Tekota Reels
If you have to battle with both salt water and fresh water conditions then you must have Shimano Tekota Reels because they are constructed for both purposes.
The Shimano Tekota Reel is designed with enough power to handle big fishes. Moreover, its fineness helps to handle smaller species such as walleyes.
You don’t need to put extra effort to pull the fish out of the water because your Shimano Tekota Reel has a smooth drag system better than all of the reels. Moreover, its feel it on another level that gives you a smooth fishing experience.
Everything about Shimano Tekota Reels is awesome but the price tag is something that may leave you speechless. But you know very well that your investment in fishing tools is always returned in the form of results.
You know the rule of thumb that means you get what you pay for. So you shouldn’t hesitate to pay for Shimano Tekota Reels because they are worth each penny.
Buying one reel per five years is better than buying five reels per year. That’s the difference. An apparent high price is actually saving your budget.
Pros
- The Shimano Tekota Reels have a great reputation
- The Shimano Tekota Reels are equipped with the most smooth drag system
- It is durable and can last for several years
Cons
- High price tag
Okuma Cold Water Trolling Fishing Reels
When you have to battle the cold water conditions you must have Okuma Cold Water Trolling Fishing Reels in your arsenal. These reels are some of the best cold water reels I have ever found.
Before you buy, you must be careful because there is the same series of Okuma cold water trolling reels made by Scheels.
They are made with different color combinations. People would tell you that all of the Okuma Cold Water Trolling Fishing Reels are the same and the color difference doesn’t matter at all. But it matters.
That’s why whenever you buy Okuma Cold Water Trolling Fishing Reels make sure it’s orange. The orange Okuma Cold Water Trolling Fishing Reel works best and lasts longer than others.
If they are so good why didn’t I kept on the top of the list? You would be asking this question. Well, they are a really good and fine deal but the drag system often fails. The line counters also stick a bit which can lead you to trouble. But overall it’s a great deal indeed.
Here is why…
You get your order delivered for under a hundred bucks at your doorstep that’s pretty good. It’s a great deal when you have a limited budget to get started with.
The second thing that makes the Okuma Cold Water Trolling Fishing Reels my favorite is their smooth operation. They help to make your fishing experience smooth and comfortable.
The third thing I found best and unique about Okuma Cold Water Trolling Fishing Reels is their drag system.
Almost all of the reels have quite a touchy drag system that makes you adjust it just right to achieve the required tension. But the Okuma Cold Water Trolling Fishing Reel has better drag with a “click” that makes you adjust quite smoothly and quickly.
Since they are affordable so you can keep various sizes for different water conditions such as shallow, deeper, or leadcore. When you become an advanced troller you can keep as many of them as you want.
Regardless of the water condition, you must have these reels for better results.
The Okuma Cold Water Trolling Fishing Reel is not pricy but their usage will determine their age.
Pros
- The Okuma Cold Water Trolling Fishing Reels are equipped with a great drag system
- The Okuma Cold Water Trolling Fishing Reel is affordable
- You can keep multiple sizes according to your water condition requirements
Cons
- The line counters can stick a bit but overall its performance is great
Daiwa Sealine Trolling Fishing Reels
The reel I found very close to Shimano or Okuma fishing reels is the Daiwa Sealine Trolling Fishing Reel. But there are guys who prefer the Daiwa Sealine Trolling Fishing Reels over Shimano or Okuma. Well, everyone has their own choice.
There are multiple quality factors that make the Daiwa Sealine Trolling Fishing Reels the best choice. But the older ones. The new versions of Daiwa Sealine Trolling Fishing Reels are not as durable as the older ones were.
There could be many reasons behind the dropping of quality in new versions may be factory changes or materials.
The Daiwa Sealine Trolling Fishing Reels are equipped with great components that don’t let you down. The drag system is pretty smooth which means a smooth operation is guaranteed.
In case your line counters don’t work, you can use your Daiwa Sealine Trolling Fishing Reels in 3-ways and snap weights. When using snap weights the line counters don’t matter.
Most of the reels are constructed with tons of parts making them clumsy. That’s not with Daiwa Sealine Trolling Fishing Reel because they are only one mold that makes them outstanding reels.
Pros
- The Daiwa Sealine Trolling Fishing Reels are not too expensive
- The Daiwa Sealine Trolling Fishing Reels are reliable
- They offer smooth operation for a convenient trolling experience
Cons
- The drag system is a little touchy
Penn Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Reels
The Penn Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Reels are particularly engineered to counter saltwater conditions. So whenever you get a chance for saltwater fishing make sure you have a Penn Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Reel in your arsenal.
When you have to catch big saltwater species just take out your Penn Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Reel and set it for work.
The sturdy construction of the Penn Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Reel makes it strong and reliable. Moreover, it comes with multiple speed options that allow you to control the speed at which you are reeling in a fish. That’s a great benefit.
If you are a professional angler or troller who has to fish in both saltwater and freshwater for great species like muskies then you must have this reel.
It looks a little bit expensive as compared to the other options on this list but I know that professional and passionate trollers leave no stone to getting the best tool. If you invest in this powerful and smooth reel you would be getting benefits for years.
Pros
- Offers you multiple speed settings
- Excellent construction makes it durable and reliable
- It has achieved a great reputation among high-end fishing reels
Cons
- A little bit expensive as compared to other reels in this list
Daiwa Accudepth Plus-B Line Walleye Special Levelwind Fishing Reel
If you don’t want to invest in high-end costly reels then Daiwa Accudepth is a cheaper option for you. You get what you pay for that’s why Daiwa Accudepth would be missing some top-notch features you enjoy in other reels.
It is not built strong that’s means you get a cheaper fishing reel that has no guarantee of its durability. But still, its smooth drag system allows you to get your work done conveniently.
Beginners who just want to get started without breaking their budget limits can try this Daiwa Accudepth reel. It works out flat if you use it with care.
The cheaper fishing reel doesn’t mean that would break in the first month. It last longer than your expectations. If you want a smooth reel under 70 bucks then go ahead.
Pros
- Cheap price tag
- Lasts long enough
- Smooth drag system
Cons
- The drag system is not solid as compared to others because it has only one bearing.
Final Thoughts
When you buy a fishing reel you have to consider multiple factors. For example, the water conditions whether it’s saltwater or freshwater. Moreover, you need to consider the depth of water you are going for fishing. The size and material of the construction of reels also matter.
Make sure to get a durable, reliable, and smooth reel with a strong drag system.
I have listed above the 5 best fishing reels according to my opinion. You can go and try these fishing reels for the best results. If you have any suggestions then let me know in the comment section.