Best Trolling Reels: 6 Picks for Walleye, Salmon, and Offshore
Trolling puts a reel in a rod holder for hours, then asks it to handle a fish that hits at...
By James
Updated November 10, 2026
Trolling puts a reel in a rod holder for hours, then asks it to handle a fish that hits at boat speed. A good trolling reel holds plenty of line, has a smooth drag that does not jerk, and, for most freshwater and nearshore trolling, a line counter that tells you exactly how much line is out. Repeating the same line length is how you put lures back at the depth that caught the last fish.
This guide compares six trolling reels from Okuma, Daiwa, Shimano, Penn, and Shakespeare, from budget line counters for walleye to a two-speed lever drag for saltwater. We compared each maker’s published drag, gear ratio, line capacity, line counter design, and construction. For more reels, see our fishing reels section and our walleye rod and reel guide.
Our Top Picks
| Best for | Product | FH Score About FH ScoreThe FH Score is our editorial rating from 0 to 10, based on published specs, materials, warranty and value. It is not based on Amazon ratings and is never influenced by commissions. Learn more › | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall |
Okuma Cold Water Line Counter Reel
|
8.2/10 | Check Price |
| Best value line counter |
Daiwa Sealine SG-3B Line Counter Reel
|
7.7/10 | Check Price |
| Best premium |
Shimano Tekota A 500/600
|
8.1/10 | Check Price |
| Best for saltwater |
Penn Fathom 30 Lever Drag 2-Speed
|
8.0/10 | Check Price |
| Best lightweight |
Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Reel
|
7.2/10 | Check Price |
| Best budget |
Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel (Size 20)
|
6.5/10 | Check Price |
The Picks in Detail
Okuma Cold Water Line Counter Reel
Why it made the list: The Cold Water is a popular line counter for walleye, salmon, and steelhead trolling. It has a mechanical line counter in feet with an anti-fog window, oversized machine-cut brass gears, a multi-disc Carbonite drag with up to 20 lb of drag, and an aluminum handle arm. Okuma makes it in four sizes with right- or left-hand retrieve, so you can set up port and starboard rods.
Key specs: mechanical line counter (feet) with anti-fog Clear View window; multi-disc Carbonite drag, up to 20 lb; brass drive and pinion gears; aluminum handle arm; from 14.6 oz; four sizes; right or left hand.
Skip it if: you troll small lakes for kokanee and panfish. The lighter Okuma Magda Pro is enough.
Pros
- Strong drag for salmon and big walleye
- Left- and right-hand models
- Brass gears for cranking heavy gear
Cons
- Heavier than the Magda Pro
- Line capacity varies by size; check before ordering
Daiwa Sealine SG-3B Line Counter Reel
Why it made the list: The Sealine SG-3B is Daiwa’s affordable line counter. It uses a direct-drive line counter in feet, Daiwa’s UTD tournament drag, a one-piece composite frame, and a machined aluminum spool. The clutch engages automatically when you turn the handle, and a spool clicker alerts you to a strike.
Key specs: direct-drive line counter (feet); UTD tournament drag; one-piece composite frame; machined aluminum spool; 3 ball bearings; automatic clutch; spool clicker; power or double-paddle handle.
Skip it if: you troll heavy weights or downriggers for big salmon all season. A metal-frame reel handles that better.
Pros
- Machined aluminum spool
- Smooth UTD drag
- Clicker for strike alerts
Cons
- Max drag and capacity not stated on the listing
- Composite frame flexes more than metal
Shimano Tekota A 500/600
Why it made the list: The Tekota A is a premium trolling reel with a HAGANE metal body, Cross Carbon drag, and CoreProtect water resistance. Shimano rates the line counter versions at 24 lb max drag and a 6.3:1 gear ratio, which picks up about 38 inches per crank, fast for clearing lines when a fish hits. Check that you select a line counter (LC) version on the listing.
Key specs: HAGANE body; Cross Carbon drag; CoreProtect. Line counter models (TEK500HGLCA, TEK600HGLCA) per Shimano: 6.3:1; about 38 in per crank; 24 lb max drag; 3+1 bearings; 16.4 oz (500) and 17.1 oz (600). Mono capacity: 500 holds 340 yd of 14 lb; 600 holds 300 yd of 20 lb.
Skip it if: you troll a few times a year for walleye. The Okuma Cold Water costs much less.
Pros
- Highest drag of the line counters here
- Fast retrieve
- Rigid metal body
Cons
- Most expensive line counter here
- Listing includes non-counter versions; check the model
Penn Fathom 30 Lever Drag 2-Speed
Why it made the list: For offshore trolling for tuna, wahoo, and mahi, a lever drag and a low gear matter more than a line counter. The Fathom 30 has a die-cast aluminum body and side plates, Penn’s Dura-Drag, and a Quick Shift two-speed system: high gear to gain line, low gear to winch a big fish up. Harness lugs let you clip into a fighting harness.
Key specs: size 30; lever drag; die-cast aluminum body and side plates; Quick Shift 2-speed; Dura-Drag; 5 shielded stainless ball bearings; harness lugs; double dog ratchet anti-reverse.
Skip it if: you troll for walleye or trout. A line counter reel is the better tool.
Pros
- Lever drag for precise settings during a fight
- Two speeds for big fish
- Metal body for heavy saltwater use
Cons
- No line counter
- Overkill for freshwater trolling
Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Reel
Why it made the list: The Magda Pro is a light graphite line counter for kokanee, trout, and walleye. It starts at 12.6 oz, has a multi-disc Carbonite drag, a stainless level wind, and an automatic trip spool, and comes in four sizes with left or right retrieve. The listed size holds 210 yards of 20 lb line.
Key specs: graphite frame and side plates; mechanical line counter (feet); multi-disc Carbonite drag; 2 stainless ball bearings; stainless level wind; from 12.6 oz; listed size holds 210 yd of 20 lb; four sizes; right or left hand.
Skip it if: you troll for salmon with heavy weights. The Cold Water or Tekota is stronger.
Pros
- Light for all-day use
- Affordable for multi-rod spreads
- Left- and right-hand versions
Cons
- Graphite frame and only two bearings
- Lighter drag than the Cold Water
Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel (Size 20)
Why it made the list: The ATS is a low-cost graphite trolling reel for freshwater. It has a stainless level wind, a multi-disc star drag with 15 lb max, and a 5.1:1 gear ratio that picks up 26 inches per crank. Shakespeare offers each size with or without a line counter.
Key specs: size 20; graphite; 5.1:1; 26 in per turn; 2 ball bearings; stainless level wind; multi-disc star drag, 15 lb max; line counter and non-counter versions; freshwater use.
Skip it if: you troll in salt water. Choose a reel rated for it.
Pros
- Lowest cost here
- Line counter option
- Reasonable drag for walleye
Cons
- Freshwater only
- Basic components
Trolling Reels Compared
| Reel | Line counter | Max drag | Frame | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Okuma Cold Water | Yes | Up to 20 lb | Not stated on listing | Walleye, salmon, steelhead |
| Daiwa Sealine SG-3B | Yes | Not stated | Composite | Walleye, trout |
| Shimano Tekota A LC | Yes (LC models) | 24 lb | HAGANE metal | Salmon, Great Lakes, nearshore |
| Penn Fathom 30 LD2 | No | Not stated on listing | Die-cast aluminum | Offshore saltwater |
| Okuma Magda Pro | Yes | Not stated | Graphite | Kokanee, trout, walleye |
| Shakespeare ATS 20 | Optional | 15 lb | Graphite | Freshwater on a budget |
How We Picked
We did not fish these reels for this guide. We researched each one and compared the specifications published by the makers. Our criteria:
- Line counter accuracy and design for repeatable depth.
- Drag: smoothness and maximum setting.
- Line capacity for long leads and downriggers.
- Frame and gears for long-term durability.
- Coverage of different trolling, from small lakes to offshore.
The FH Score in each product box is our editorial rating, built from five weighted criteria: performance for the job, build quality, versatility, warranty and value. It is not based on Amazon ratings. See how it works on our How We Review page.
How to Choose a Trolling Reel
Line counter or not
For walleye, trout, salmon, and most freshwater trolling, a line counter is worth it. It lets you repeat the exact lead length that caught fish. Offshore anglers trolling skirted lures or ballyhoo near the surface often skip the counter.
Size and capacity
Small line counters (size 15 to 20 range) suit walleye and trout with 10 to 14 lb line. Larger sizes suit salmon, lead core, and wire. Match the reel to the line you plan to spool.
Drag
A smooth drag matters more than a high number. Fish often hit hard when the boat is moving, and a sticky drag pulls hooks.
Left- and right-hand models
When trolling several rods, many anglers set up left-hand reels on one side and right-hand reels on the other so they can reach handles easily.
Star drag vs. lever drag
Star drags are simple and common on freshwater trolling reels. Lever drags let you change and return to a preset drag quickly, which helps with big saltwater fish.
Related Guides
See more in our Conventional & Trolling Reels section.
FAQ
What size line counter reel for walleye?
A small to mid-size reel holding at least 200 yards of 10 to 14 lb line works for most walleye trolling.
Can I use a baitcaster for trolling?
You can, but trolling reels hold more line, have level winds sized for trolling, and often include line counters and clickers.
Do line counters work with braid?
Yes, but counts can differ from mono because of line diameter. Many anglers calibrate their counts with the line they use.
Final Thoughts
The Okuma Cold Water is our top pick for its strong drag, brass gears, and left- and right-hand options. Choose the Daiwa Sealine SG-3B for value, the Shimano Tekota A for a premium line counter, the Penn Fathom 30 for offshore trolling, the Okuma Magda Pro for a light reel, and the Shakespeare ATS for a budget walleye setup.
About the author
James writes reviews and buying guides for Fishing Hacking, covering rods, reels, line, lures, and the gear anglers rely on. His work focuses on clear criteria, balanced pros and cons, and practical advice to help readers choose equipment that fits how and where they fish.