Imagine this: you’re out on the water, the sun is shining, and you’re ready to catch some big walleye. But then, your reel jams, or it just isn’t smooth enough. That’s a frustrating feeling! Choosing the right trolling reel for walleye can be tough. There are so many different kinds, and it’s hard to know which one will work best for you.
Many anglers worry about spending money on a reel that won’t perform well, or one that’s too complicated to use. You want a reel that’s reliable, easy to handle, and helps you land those prized walleye without a fight. We get it – it’s a big decision!
In this post, we’re going to break down exactly what you need to look for in a trolling reel. You’ll learn about the features that matter most, how to avoid common mistakes, and discover the best options for your walleye fishing adventures. Get ready to upgrade your fishing game and reel in more success!
Our Top 5 Trolling Reels For Walleye Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Trolling Reels For Walleye Detailed Reviews
1. Shakespeare ATS Size 15 Conventional Trolling Fishing Reel
Rating: 9.4/10
The Shakespeare ATS Size 15 Conventional Trolling Fishing Reel with a right handle position is a solid choice for anglers looking for dependable performance on the water. Built with lightweight and tough graphite, this reel is designed to handle a variety of freshwater fishing situations. Its user-friendly design and reliable features make it a great option for both beginners and experienced fishermen.
What We Like:
- The reel is made from lightweight and durable graphite, making it easy to carry and use for long periods.
- You get 26 inches of line back with every crank, and the 5.1:1 gear ratio helps you reel in your catch efficiently.
- It has a stainless steel level wind system and 2 ball bearings, which make casting smooth and the reel feel good in your hand.
- The multi-disc drag system provides a strong and steady drag up to 15lb, helping you fight bigger fish.
- Shakespeare has a long history of making quality fishing gear since 1897, so you know you’re getting a trusted brand.
- Line counter and non-line counter options are available, letting you pick the version that best suits your fishing style.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, the graphite construction might not feel as premium as some higher-end metal reels.
- The reel is primarily built for freshwater applications, so it might not be the best choice for saltwater fishing.
This Shakespeare ATS reel offers a good balance of performance and affordability. It’s a reliable tool that helps you enjoy your time fishing.
2. Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-453D
Rating: 9.1/10
The Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-453D is built for serious anglers who demand reliability and performance on the water. Its lightweight design makes long fishing trips more comfortable. The reel’s corrosion-resistant frame and sideplates mean it can handle harsh, salty conditions. You can trust this reel to perform season after season.
What We Like:
- It’s super light, so you won’t get tired holding it all day.
- The frame and sideplates resist rust and wear, even in saltwater.
- The carbonite drag system smoothly controls your line when a big fish bites.
- The aluminum handle with comfy grips makes reeling in easy.
- It’s designed for outdoor adventures and fishing.
What Could Be Improved:
- A slightly wider range of color options would be nice.
- While durable, some anglers might prefer a slightly heavier feel for extra stability.
This reel is a solid choice for anyone serious about trolling. It offers great features for its price.
3. Ugly Stik 7’6” Walleye Round Fishing Rod and Reel Walleye Combo
Rating: 8.7/10
Ready to land some impressive walleye? This Ugly Stik 7’6” Walleye Round Fishing Rod and Reel Walleye Combo is built tough for serious anglers. It combines a strong, sensitive rod with a smooth-casting reel, making it a fantastic choice for chasing those prized fish.
What We Like:
- Super strong and durable Ugly Tech construction means this rod can handle a beating.
- The Clear Tip design lets you feel even the slightest nibble, so you won’t miss a bite.
- The EVA handle feels good in your hand and won’t get slippery, even when wet.
- The Size 20 reel spins smoothly thanks to its 2 ball bearings.
- Stainless steel guides are tough and prevent inserts from popping out.
- The rubber rod butt makes it comfy to brace the rod.
- The Star Drag system gives you control when a big fish is fighting.
- It comes with a 7-year warranty on the rod – that’s a long time!
What Could Be Improved:
- The reel is a conventional style, which might take a little getting used to if you’re new to fishing.
- The line capacity might be a bit limited if you’re planning on targeting very deep water with heavy line.
This combo offers a great balance of strength and sensitivity for walleye fishing. You’ll be ready to tackle your next fishing adventure with confidence.
4. Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel
Rating: 8.6/10
The Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel is a fantastic tool for anglers who love to troll. This reel, specifically the MA-20DXT model in black and silver, is designed to make your fishing trips more successful and enjoyable. Its compact size makes it easy to handle, and the built-in line counter helps you keep track of how much line you’ve let out, which is super helpful when you’re targeting specific depths. This reel is built tough and ready for action on the water.
What We Like:
- The line counter is a big help. It accurately shows you how much line is out, so you can fish at the perfect depth.
- It has a smooth 5.1:1 gear ratio. This means it retrieves line at a good speed, making it easy to bring in your catch.
- The multi-disc Carbonite drag system works really well. It gives you strong and consistent control when fighting fish.
- The reel is made with a lightweight, corrosion-resistant frame and side plates. This makes it tough and able to handle saltwater or freshwater conditions without rusting easily.
- It has 2 stainless steel ball bearings. These help make the reel cast and retrieve smoothly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the reel is generally durable, some users might prefer even more ball bearings for ultra-smooth operation.
- The “small” size might be too small for extremely large game fish.
For its price and features, the Okuma Magda Pro MA-20DXT is a solid choice for many trolling applications. It’s a reel that helps you fish smarter and enjoy the process more.
5. KastKing ReKon Line Counter Trolling Fishing Reel
Rating: 8.8/10
The KastKing ReKon Line Counter Trolling Fishing Reel, Size 20 in left-handed is a powerhouse for anglers targeting a variety of fish, from salmon and steelhead to walleye and even saltwater species. Its accurate line counter helps you precisely place your bait where the fish are biting, ensuring more successful outings. Built with tough conditions in mind, this reel boasts high-performance components for smooth and reliable operation.
What We Like:
- The built-in mechanical line counter is super accurate, letting you put your lure in the perfect spot every time.
- It has strong brass main gears and worm shafts, plus stainless steel pinion gears and line guide shafts for durability.
- The carbon disc drag offers an impressive 30 lbs of stopping power, great for big fish.
- A handy line clicker makes releasing planer boards easy and also works as a strike indicator.
- It holds a lot of line, so you can use heavy monofilament, braid, or leadcore for long-distance trolling.
- The size 20 comes with a comfortable single power handle, giving you extra leverage when fighting larger fish.
What Could Be Improved:
- The gear ratio of 5.3:1 on the size 20 might be a bit slow for some faster-paced fishing techniques.
- While the components are good, some anglers might prefer sealed ball bearings for extreme saltwater use.
Overall, the KastKing ReKon Line Counter Trolling Reel is a solid choice for serious trollers. It offers the precision and power needed to land your next big catch.
Choosing the Best Trolling Reels for Walleye
Catching walleye with a trolling setup can be incredibly rewarding. A good trolling reel makes all the difference. This guide will help you find the perfect one. We will look at what makes a reel great for trolling and answer your common questions.
Key Features to Look For
1. Gear Ratio
The gear ratio tells you how many times the spool turns for one crank of the handle. For walleye trolling, a gear ratio between 5.1:1 and 6.4:1 is usually best. This range gives you good control. You can reel in slowly to keep your lure in the strike zone. You can also reel in faster when needed.
2. Drag System
The drag system helps control the fish when it pulls line out. A smooth and strong drag is important. It prevents fish from breaking your line. Look for reels with multi-disc drag systems. These offer the best performance.
3. Line Capacity
You need enough line for long casts and for when a big walleye makes a run. Most trolling reels hold plenty of line. Check the reel’s specifications to make sure it fits your needs.
4. Level Wind
A level wind guides the line evenly onto the spool. This prevents tangles and makes casting smoother. It’s a very helpful feature for trolling.
Important Materials
The materials used in a reel affect its strength and how long it lasts.
- Frame: Aluminum or graphite are common. Aluminum is strong and durable. Graphite is lighter.
- Spool: Aluminum spools are standard. They are strong and resist corrosion.
- Gears: Brass or stainless steel gears offer good durability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Reel Better:
- Smooth Bearings: More bearings often mean a smoother reel.
- Corrosion Resistance: If you fish in saltwater sometimes, or just want your reel to last, good corrosion protection is key.
- Build Quality: A well-built reel feels solid and operates without play.
What Can Make a Reel Less Ideal:
- Cheap Plastic Parts: These can break easily.
- Stiff Drag: A drag that is hard to adjust or feels jerky is a problem.
- Tangles: Constant line tangles ruin a fishing trip.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good trolling reel makes fishing easier and more enjoyable. It should feel comfortable in your hand. You should be able to cast and retrieve without fighting the reel. Trolling reels are great for covering a lot of water. You can drag lures behind your boat at a steady speed. This is perfect for finding active walleye.
You can also use these reels for other types of fishing. They work well for bottom fishing or casting larger lures. Their strength and line capacity make them versatile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of reel for walleye trolling?
A: A level wind trolling reel is generally the best choice for walleye trolling. They offer good line control and durability.
Q: Should I get a baitcasting or spinning reel for walleye trolling?
A: For trolling, baitcasting reels (often called trolling reels with level winds) are preferred. They offer more power and better line management for this technique.
Q: What size trolling reel is good for walleye?
A: A medium-sized reel, often around the 300 to 400 size range for many brands, is usually a good fit for walleye.
Q: How much line should I put on my trolling reel?
A: Fill the spool almost to the top, leaving a little space to prevent the line from spilling off. Check the reel’s capacity for recommendations.
Q: Do I need a reel with a clicker?
A: A clicker, or line out alarm, is very useful for trolling. It signals when a fish is taking line.
Q: What is a good drag setting for walleye trolling?
A: Start with a drag setting that is about one-third of your line’s breaking strength. You can adjust it based on the fish and your line.
Q: Can I use a trolling reel for other types of fishing?
A: Yes, trolling reels are versatile. They can be used for bottom fishing, casting heavier lures, or even for some saltwater fishing.
Q: How do I maintain my trolling reel?
A: Rinse your reel with fresh water after each use, especially if you fished in saltwater. Lubricate it periodically according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: What does “free spool” mean on a trolling reel?
A: Free spool means the spool can spin freely when you disengage the reel’s gears. This is useful for casting and letting out line.
Q: Are expensive trolling reels always better?
A: Not necessarily. While higher-end reels often have better features and materials, you can find excellent quality trolling reels at various price points.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.