Trolling
UNDER $100 A PENN GENERAL PURPOSE LEVEL WIND
At just under $100 CDN, Penn’s General Purpose Level Wind reel won’t break the bank while still offering great value with easy handling and the ability to land your catch quickly and smoothly. A closer look at its classic design will reveal a machined, anodized aluminum spool with a maximum line capacity of 350/20, allowing plenty of strength on the spool to handle active, relentless fights. Further durability is provided by the machine-cut brass main gear, a precision- machined stainless steel pinion gear and HT-100 drag washers. It also has a stainless steel level wind system as well as a counter-balanced handle with oversized paddle knobs. Five models are available that weigh from 13, 19 and 23 oz. and have gear ratios from 2.8:1 to 3.4:1. Additionally, line retrieve ranges from 16 to 20 IPT and the maximum drag pressure is 15 lbs. Price: $59.99 to 69.99 USD www.pennfishing.com
UNDER $200 B OKUMA COLD WATER LOW PRO LINE COUNTER REEL
With its ability to an array of large species, this counter reel combines many features to handle the big fish – and the inevitable big fights. It’s constructed of a diecast, aluminum frame and handle side plate for maximum durability while the machined aluminum, two-tone anodized, high-capacity spool means further toughness and the fact that you can really load up your spool. Two other ideal features include the hefty multi-disc, carbonite drag system that has been dialed in to deliver up to an impressive 25-pounds of pressure, as well oversized, machined-cut XL drive and pinion gears. Four models are available in right- and left-hand retrieves and have gear ratios of 5.4:1. The reels also have 3+1 bearing systems and a line retrieve ranging from 26.1 to 46 IPT. Price: $159.00 to $189.00 USD www.okumafishingusa.com
C ABU GARCIA AMBASSADEUR LINE COUNTER
A true trolling reel that’ll keep you up to speed, the long-standing Ambassadeur comes equipped with an aluminum spool, two stainless steel ball bearings plus a corrosion resistant-instant anti-reverse bearing to ensure solid hook sets. Abu Garcia even included its proven Carbon Matrix drag system for reliable stopping power with its maximum drag of 15 pounds. Two models are available and there’s a choice of line capacities ranging from 205/12 and 245/14 with an impressive braid capacity of 630/30. You’ll also like the mechanical line counter that even alerts you when your line is being stripped. Two models are offered in right-hand retrieve and have 5.3:1 gear ratios. Line retrieve of 25.5 IPT. Price: $119.99 USD www.abugarcia.com
UNDER $300 D FIN-NOR PRIMAL LEVER DRAG REEL
Saltwater- and braid-friendly, the ergonomically-designed Primal is one tough reel built with the company’s Megashield machined-aluminum frame as well as stainless steel gears that combine to handle heavy loads. Another benefit you’ll like is the sealed Megadrag system that can handle up to 15 pounds of pressure at the time of the strike, and up to 30 pounds of drag (depending on the model) when the fish runs. Fin Nor’s durable Megalock anti-reverse is also featured to give you that extra stopping power. A total of four models are available (including a size 10 and 12), they are offered in gear ratios from 5.8 to 7.3:1 and have 6+1 bearing systems. Maximum line capacity is 450/14 (mono) and 440/50 (braid). Right-hand retrieve only. Price: $199.00 USD www.finnorfishing.com
UNDER $300 E PENN FATHOM II LEVEL WIND REEL
Penn delivers the goods for 2019 with many new upgrades and appointments to its the Fathom II. With a range of model choices, all feature several key highlights including an upgraded 4+1 bearing system, the company’s proven HD 100 drag system, braid-ready spools (without the need for backing) plus a new Fast Gear Access Side Plate, which allows you the ability to easily grease and maintain components by just removing four screws, thus eliminating a long disassembly process (or even accidental assembly) compared to previous models. The Fathom series also includes line counter versions complete with a unique spring-action wiper design to clear the counter face. Models are available in sizes including 15, 20, 30 and 50, in right-and left-hand retrieve (except for the 50), and range in weight from 19.8 to 27.4 oz. MSRP: $199.99 - 249.95 USD www.pennfishing.com
F SHIMANO TEKOTA 500/600 LEVEL REEL
Winner of the Best of Category – Saltwater Reel at 2018 ICAST, the 500/600 Tekota reels are true, proven workhorses for anglers on the Pacific Northwest or Great Lakes. Completely redesigned for 2019, these reels are more compact, ergonomic, lighter and even stronger thanks to the company’s S-compact body design and bullet-proof HAGANE Body, which is designed to prevent frame distortion and flexing. Further durability is provided by its Coreprotect technology (for water resistance) and the waterproof anti-reverse stopper. All models also boast cross carbon drags, shielded anti-rust bearings, and up to 24-pounds of max drag pressure. Line-counter versions are also available. All 500/600 models now come in right- and left-hand retrieve, have 6.3:1 gear ratios, 3+1 bearing systems and weight ranging from 15.5 to 17.1 oz. Suggested Retail: TEK500/500LC: $209.99 USD/TEK600/TEK600LC: $219.99 USD http://fish.shimano.com
UNDER $400 G DAIWA SALTIST STAR DRAG
If you commonly live by the adage of “go big or go home” then perhaps put the new Saltist Star Drag on your fishing gear shopping list next season. There are 11 reels in this series that can hold line classes between 12- to 50-pound test (mono) and are strong enough for braid sizes up to 100-pounds, while its drag system can offer up to 25 lbs. of maximum pressure. The reels are also tough thanks to the machined aluminum, anodized construction that ensure corrosion resistance. Another highlight is the true free spool, which combines with its centrifugal breaking system that allows longer, more controlled casts in a variety of conditions. Gear ratios are 5.1:1 and 6.4:1 and all reels have a 4+1 bearing system. Weight ranges from 14.3 to 22.4 oz. Price: $239.99 USD www.daiwa.com
UNDER $800 H SHIMANO TALICA II
One of the higher-end reels in the Shimano family, the 2019 lever-drag Talica II has a bevy of solid, reliable features with striking, good looks to match. Among the many popular features that the Talica is known for is its impressive cranking power. It offers an impressive 38 to 41 IPT, which means you’ll have the upper hand during fights, while the tough-as-nails Hagane Body is designed with optimal stiffness to resist flexing. If that’s not tough enough, Shimano also included its CF Aluminum Cold-forged Spool as well as its S A-RB technology, which protects the Talica’s 6+1 bearing system from damaging saltwater or sand. There’s a choice of 11 models that range in weight from 16 to 56 oz., offer gear ratios from 3.8:1, 5.2:1, and 5.7:1 to 6.2:1 and have a maximum drag of 60 lbs. Price: $739.99 CDN fish.shimano.com