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Trolling Reel
A high-capacity conventional (usually lever-drag) reel built to pull baits and lures behind a moving boat and hold hundreds of yards of line for long runs.
When to use it
- Offshore trolling spreads
- Pulling planers and skirts
- King/tuna/mahi runs
Strengths
- Huge line capacity
- Handles constant pulling load and heat
- Smooth lever drag at speed
Weaknesses
- Specialized — trolling only
- Heavy and expensive
Key facts
Best species: Mahi, kingfish, tuna, wahoo, sailfish
Drag: Lever drag preset to strike; ease up on the initial run
Common mistakes
- Strike drag set too high
- Letting line overheat with a locked drag