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Discover our ranking of the 4 best trolling reels based on our tests.

Ranking

#1 🏆 Best choice
Warfare™ II Level Wind Reel - Saltwater Predator Fishing Reel - Trolling, Casting & Bottom Fishing - Graphite Body - HT-100 Carbon Drag - Level Wind Spool - 5.1:1 Gear Ratio - Multiple Sizes Left Handed 2000

Penn

Warfare™ II Level Wind Reel - Saltwater Predator Fishing Reel - Trolling, Casting & Bottom Fishing - Graphite Body - HT-100 Carbon Drag - Level Wind Spool - 5.1:1 Gear Ratio - Multiple Sizes Left Handed 2000

  • HT-100 carbon drag is smooth and strong enough for typical saltwater predators
  • Level wind and line capacity rings make line management easy for deep water and trolling
  • Good value for a left-hand conventional reel that can handle real saltwater use
The PENN Warfare II Level Wind 2000 (left-hand) is a solid, no-nonsense saltwater reel for anglers who want to get into wreck fishing, bottom fishing, or light trolling without dropping a huge amount of cash. It’s not fancy, but the important parts are there: a smooth enough HT-100 carbon drag, a practical level wind, decent gearing, and a body that doesn’t feel like it’s going to twist apart under load. In actual use, it just quietly does its job, which is what you want from a workhorse reel.It suits anglers who mainly fish from boats for species like cod, pollock, bass, and similar predators, and who prefer a left-hand retrieve like on a spinning reel. If you’re budget-conscious, or you want a backup reel that can still handle real saltwater work, it makes sense. It’s also a decent option if you’re experimenting with deeper water or slightly bigger fish and don’t want to commit to high-end gear yet.If you’re chasing huge fish regularly, want ultra-smooth performance, or expect full metal construction and sealed internals, you’ll probably be happier spending more on a higher-tier model. The graphite frame and basic bearing setup remind you of the price point. But for most weekend boat anglers and people upgrading from cheaper no-name reels, the Warfare II offers good value, reliable performance, and straightforward operation without pretending to be something it’s not.
9 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🏆 Exceptional See full review →
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#2
Fathom II Star Drag Multiplier Reel - Saltwater Fishing Reel for Boat, Shore Casting and Kayak Fishing, Black/Gold Black Gold 12 - Right Hand

Penn

Fathom II Star Drag Multiplier Reel - Saltwater Fishing Reel for Boat, Shore Casting and Kayak Fishing, Black/Gold Black Gold 12 - Right Hand

  • Very solid full metal construction that feels built for rough saltwater use
  • Good casting performance with magnetic brake on the 12 size once properly set
  • Easy maintenance thanks to the fast gear access side plate and HT-100 drag system
The Penn Fathom II Star Drag 12 is a solid, no-nonsense saltwater multiplier for people who actually fish in rough conditions. It’s compact but heavy-duty, casts well once you set the magnetic brake, and feels like it can handle being knocked around on rocks, boats, and piers. The full metal frame, HT-100 drag and bronze/stainless gearing give it a tough, reliable feel that cheaper plastic-sided reels just don’t have. For shore casting with 4–6 oz leads, mixed ground and rough ground, it does the job very well.It’s not perfect though. It’s on the heavy side for its size, not particularly smooth or quiet, and it’s not the easiest reel for complete beginners. If you only fish occasionally on clean beaches or you want a super light, refined setup, there are cheaper and more forgiving options. But if you already know how to handle multipliers and you want a reel you can service easily and trust in bad weather, the Fathom II 12 is a pretty solid choice.So, who is it for? Anglers who fish saltwater regularly, don’t mind a slightly chunky reel, and care more about strength and longevity than fancy looks. Who should skip it? Casual holiday anglers, people who hate weight in their setup, and anyone completely new to multipliers who just wants something simple. For the right user, it’s a tough little workhorse that feels built to last.
8.5 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#3 🔥 Most popular
Squall II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel Squall Ii Level Wind 30LWLC

‎PENN

Squall II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel Squall Ii Level Wind 30LWLC

🔥 Populaire
  • Strong, smooth HT-100 drag and plenty of line capacity for serious bottom fishing and trolling
  • Level wind and line counter make it very beginner-friendly and great for consistent depth/distance fishing
  • Durable build that holds up well in real saltwater use if you do basic maintenance
The PENN Squall II Level Wind 30LWLC is a no-nonsense, boat-focused reel that does what it’s supposed to do: hold a lot of line, crank hard, keep the drag smooth, and make life easier for people who aren’t pros with conventional reels. The level wind and line counter are genuinely useful features, not gimmicks, especially if you’re fishing deep or trolling and want everyone on the boat to be able to repeat the same depth or distance. It’s not the lightest or smoothest reel out there, but it feels honest: a work tool that’s meant to get wet and beat up.It’s best suited for bottom fishing, trolling, and live bait in saltwater, for species like halibut, lings, salmon, kings, and general reef fish. If you often fish with kids, beginners, or clients, this reel makes your life easier. If you’re a more advanced angler who cares about long-distance casting or ultra-light setups, you might prefer a non-level-wind conventional or a higher-end spinner. The graphite frame is a compromise, but not a deal-breaker, as long as you do basic rinse-and-grease maintenance.In short, if you want a reliable, fairly priced workhorse that can handle serious saltwater use and is friendly to less experienced anglers, the Squall II 30LWLC is a solid pick. If you’re chasing premium feel, ultra-light weight, or surf-style casting performance, you should probably look higher up the price ladder or at different reel types.
8.4 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#4
Squall II Level Wind Multiplier Fishing Reel - Boat, Kayak or Shore - Strong, Powerful Multiplier for Big Fish 20RH Squall Ii Level Wind Black Gold

Penn

Squall II Level Wind Multiplier Fishing Reel - Boat, Kayak or Shore - Strong, Powerful Multiplier for Big Fish 20RH Squall Ii Level Wind Black Gold

  • Strong HT-100 drag (up to 33 lb) that feels smooth enough under real fishing conditions
  • Level wind lays line evenly and makes the reel easier to use for newer multiplier users
  • Reasonable weight and price for a reel that can handle bigger fish and heavier rigs
Overall, the Penn Squall II Level Wind 20RH is a solid, no-nonsense reel for boat, kayak and heavy shore fishing if you want a level wind and don’t want to blow your budget. The drag is strong and reasonably smooth, the 6.2:1 ratio makes it quick enough for normal wreck and bottom work, and the aluminium spool plus HT-100 drag washers give it enough muscle for bigger fish. It’s not the smoothest or quietest reel I’ve used, but it gets the job done without feeling cheap.The downsides are mostly tied to the graphite frame and the level wind mechanism. The frame doesn’t feel as rigid as a full metal reel under heavy load, and the level wind can get noisy over time, which matches some of the negative reviews. If you’re rough on gear or fish very frequently in harsh salt conditions, you might want to spend more on a fully metal-bodied reel with fewer moving parts. But if you’re a regular angler who rinses their gear and wants a practical, right-hand conventional reel for bigger fish, this is a decent option that offers fair value.I’d recommend it to anglers who fish boats or kayaks a few times a month, want the convenience of a level wind, and are okay with a mid-range workhorse rather than a top-tier reel. I’d skip it if you hate mechanical noise, plan to use it commercially, or are obsessed with super-rigid metal frames. For most weekend and holiday anglers targeting cod, conger, rays and similar, it’s a pretty solid, honest piece of kit.
8.2 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon

Comparison table : Trolling reels

Overall score Value for money Design Materials Durability Performance Presentation
Warfare™ II Level Wind Reel - Saltwater Predator Fishing Reel - Trolling, Casting & Bottom Fishing - Graphite Body - HT-100 Carbon Drag - Level Wind Spool - 5.1:1 Gear Ratio - Multiple Sizes Left Handed 2000
#1 Penn
Warfare™ II Level Wind Reel - Saltwater...
See offer Amazon
9/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Fathom II Star Drag Multiplier Reel - Saltwater Fishing Reel for Boat, Shore Casting and Kayak Fishing, Black/Gold Black Gold 12 - Right Hand
#2 Penn
Fathom II Star Drag Multiplier Reel - Sa...
See offer Amazon
8.5/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ - ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Squall II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel Squall Ii Level Wind 30LWLC
#3 ‎PENN
Squall II Level Wind Conventional Fishin...
See offer Amazon
8.4/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Squall II Level Wind Multiplier Fishing Reel - Boat, Kayak or Shore - Strong, Powerful Multiplier for Big Fish 20RH Squall Ii Level Wind Black Gold
#4 Penn
Squall II Level Wind Multiplier Fishing...
See offer Amazon
8.2/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

According to our tests, the best trolling reels is the Warfare™ II Level Wind Reel - Saltwater Predator Fishing Reel - Trolling, Casting & Bottom Fishing - Graphite Body - HT-100 Carbon Drag - Level Wind Spool - 5.1:1 Gear Ratio - Multiple Sizes Left Handed 2000 with a score of 9/10.

The cheapest trolling reels in our comparison is the Warfare™ II Level Wind Reel - Saltwater Predator Fishing Reel - Trolling, Casting & Bottom Fishing - Graphite Body - HT-100 Carbon Drag - Level Wind Spool - 5.1:1 Gear Ratio - Multiple Sizes Left Handed 2000.

The most popular trolling reels is the Squall II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel Squall Ii Level Wind 30LWLC with 1 946 customer reviews.

To choose a trolling reels, we recommend comparing performance, build quality, value for money and user reviews. Our comparison table above helps you make the right choice.

We have tested 4 Trolling reels to establish this ranking.
#1 Warfare™ II Level Wind Reel - Saltwater Predator Fishing Reel - Trolling, Casting & Bottom Fishing - Graphite Body - HT-100 Carbon Drag - Level Wind Spool - 5.1:1 Gear Ratio - Multiple Sizes Left Handed 2000
Penn
Warfare II Level Wind Saltwater Reel - Left Hand 2000
9/10 Best choice
See offer Amazon
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