As a trolling angler, you need a strong and reliable multiplier type reel.
We have models with mechanical or digital line counters, which let you know exactly how much line you have out and thus can keep track of where your bait is. In certain fishing situations, a synchronous drag, where you reel back a quarter turn and reduce the braking power, is useful. For heavy fishing after equally heavy fish, durable materials and perhaps a lever drag are what's needed. We have surveyed the market and brought in some of the most popular and practical trolling reels. If you need more tips before buying a reel, feel free to contact us.
Here, we’ve categorized the products based on which fish you want to hook. We’ve relied on what manufacturers specify, but also on experience of what usually works. The list could almost be endless, and many things work for more species than we’ve listed, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Fish species
This indicates the size class of the reel. The size is specified differently depending on the type of reel, and you can read more about how they’re classified under Frequently Asked Questions in each reel’s category.
Refers to which type of rod this product pairs with. The most common rod types are spinning rods and casting rods. Casting rods pair with trolling reels, saltwater reels, low-profile reels, and baitcasting reels. Spinning rods pair with spinning reels.
Rod type
What is gear ratio? The term gear ratio, or 'gear ratio' in English, is a value that indicates how many turns the reel’s spool makes per crank. A normal gear ratio is around 5.0:1 and up, meaning the spool rotates five times per crank. A high gear ratio, 'high speed,' is typically around 6.5:1, meaning 6.5 rotations per crank. Such a reel can be useful, for example, when fishing for sea trout on the coast, as trout often like a bit of speed on the lure.
Are you a beginner and want better control over the lure you’ve cast? Use a reel with a slightly lower gear ratio, around 5.0:1.
Gear ratio grouping
Refers to how many kilos the reel can brake. The more kilos the reel can handle, the more powerful the drag. Many spinning reels have a braking strength up to 5 kilos, and that’s sufficient for fishing with standard lures (around 10-30 grams) and fighting our most common freshwater fish. However, when casting really heavy lures, like in heavier pike fishing, you want the reel to handle at least 10 kilos of braking strength. Saltwater anglers and extreme fishermen targeting the largest species require a really powerful drag that can withstand all the stresses fishing entails. A super-strong drag with over 20 kilos of braking force is not uncommon in this genre.
