Best Trolling Reels For Walleye of 2025
For serious walleye anglers, the right trolling reel is a vital part of a successful day on the water. Trolling for walleye often means pulling a variety of lures at specific depths, which requires a reel with a consistent and reliable drag, a good line capacity, and the power to handle both the lure’s resistance and the fight of a fish. The ideal reel for this job is built for precision and durability, providing the control you need to keep your lure in the strike zone and the strength to land a hard-fighting walleye. In this article, we’ll dive into the essential features of a great trolling reel, helping you choose a dependable tool that will enhance your walleye fishing experience.
1. Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind
- Reel Frame: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant graphite
- Drag System: Multi-disc Carbonite drag
- Bearings: 2 stainless steel ball bearings
- Key Feature: Mechanical line counter in feet
The Okuma Magda Pro is a legendary name in the world of trolling, and for good reason. It’s a workhorse reel that’s both lightweight and compact, making it perfect for long days on the water. Built with a durable, corrosion-resistant graphite frame and side plates, this reel can withstand the rigors of freshwater use without adding unnecessary weight to your setup. Its standout feature is the mechanical line counter, which measures line in feet as you let it out. This is a game-changer for walleye trolling, as it allows you to consistently drop your lure back to the exact depth and distance where you found fish, eliminating guesswork and boosting your success rate. When a fish hits and screams line off the spool, you’ll know exactly how far it ran.
This reel is built for smooth performance under pressure. The multi-disc Carbonite drag system is a high-quality feature that provides a consistent and smooth drag, which is crucial for handling the fast, powerful runs of a walleye. You won’t have to worry about jerky drags causing line breaks or pulled hooks. The two stainless steel ball bearings, combined with a self-lubricating gear system, ensure a smooth retrieve even when you’re cranking in from a great distance. The Magda Pro is available in multiple sizes and comes in both left and right-hand retrieve, so you can find the perfect model for your specific needs, whether you’re fishing a smaller lake or heading out to the big water. It’s a durable and reliable reel that’s a staple in many anglers’ boats.
- Pros: Excellent value for a line counter reel, lightweight and corrosion-resistant, smooth Carbonite drag system, and the mechanical line counter is highly effective
- Cons: A reel with only two bearings may not be as smooth as higher-end models
2. Shakespeare ATS
- Reel Frame: Lightweight, durable graphite
- Gear Ratio: 5.1:1
- Max Drag: 15 lb Multi-disc drag system
- Bearings: 2 ball bearings
The Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel is a conventional reel that delivers reliable performance and great value for walleye trolling. Made with lightweight and durable graphite materials, this reel is built to withstand the rigors of frequent use without weighing down your setup. It’s available with both a line counter and a non-line counter option, giving you the flexibility to choose the right model for your specific needs. The stainless steel level wind system, combined with 2 ball bearings, provides a smooth gear feel and an effortless line lay, which is crucial for preventing tangles and ensuring smooth operation during a retrieve.
This reel is equipped with a dependable multi-disc drag system that provides a consistent and reliable star drag. With a max drag of 15 lbs, it has enough stopping power to tire out a hard-fighting walleye. The 5.1:1 gear ratio provides a good balance of power and a decent retrieval rate, making it a versatile choice for many trolling applications. The reel also features a selective on/off bait clicker, which is a useful feature for detecting strikes while trolling. With a generous line capacity for both monofilament and braided lines, the Shakespeare ATS is a solid, no-frills reel that is perfect for anglers who want a reliable and affordable trolling reel without a lot of unnecessary features. It is a workhorse reel that gets the job done.
- Pros: Great value, dependable drag system, level wind system for smooth line lay, and a lightweight graphite frame
- Cons: Only 2 ball bearings, which may not be as smooth as higher-end reels, and the max drag is lower than some competitors
3. KastKing ReKon Round
- Max Drag: Up to 30 lbs of carbon disc drag
- Frame: Durable graphite frame for saltwater use
- Gears: Precision-machined brass main gears
- Bearings: 3 double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings + 1 instant anti-reverse bearing
The KastKing ReKon is a powerful and reliable reel that is built to handle the intense demands of walleye trolling. Its most impressive feature is the powerful carbon disc drag system, which delivers up to 30 lbs of fish-stopping power. While you won’t need that much for a walleye, it gives you the confidence to fight any fish that comes your way and ensures the drag remains smooth and consistent even under heavy load. The reel is built with a durable graphite frame and side plates, which makes it lightweight and corrosion-resistant for saltwater use, so it will handle freshwater with ease. This reel’s performance is further enhanced by its high-quality internal components, including precision-machined brass main gears and a stainless-steel pinion gear, which ensure a smooth and powerful retrieve under heavy load.
This reel is also designed for convenience and accuracy. The exceptional and accurate mechanical line counter is a game-changer for walleye trolling, allowing you to consistently keep your bait in the exact productive zone. A line clicker function is also a great feature that makes it easy to release planer boards and can also be used as a strike detection system. The reel is available in three sizes, with two different handle options: a double paddle handle for lighter setups and a single power handle for the larger sizes, providing more leverage for fighting bigger fish. The KastKing ReKon delivers a fantastic combination of power, durability, and a feature set that is perfect for serious walleye anglers.
- Pros: Powerful 30 lbs of drag, accurate line counter, durable brass gears, and a choice of handle styles for different applications
- Cons: Graphite frame may flex under extreme pressure, and some anglers may prefer an aluminum frame for heavy-duty trolling
4. Okuma Convector Low Profile Line Counter Graphite Frame Trolling Reel
- Reel Frame: Graphite frame and side plates
- Gears: Precision machine-cut brass main and pinion gears
- Key Feature: CVT: Clear View Technology anti-fogging line counter
- Spool: A6061-T6 machined aluminum, anodized spool
The Okuma Convector Low Profile Line Counter Reel is a reliable and high-performance option for walleye trolling, offering a perfect blend of durability and accuracy. Its most notable feature is the CVT (Clear View Technology) anti-fogging line counter, which provides a crystal-clear display even in challenging weather conditions, ensuring you can always monitor your line’s depth with precision. The reel’s precision machine-cut brass main and pinion gears are incredibly durable and provide a smooth, powerful retrieve, which is crucial for pulling deep-diving lures and fighting a hard-running walleye. The reel is built with a graphite frame and side plates, making it lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
This reel is designed for efficiency and ease of use. The automatic trip, spool engagement mechanism is a convenient feature that makes it easy to get back into gear after a strike. The A6061-T6 machined aluminum, anodized spool is a fantastic component that is strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. This reel’s line counter is a game-changer for walleye trolling, allowing you to consistently place your lure at the exact depth and distance that is producing fish. The Okuma Convector is a testament to quality engineering, offering a dependable and high-performance reel that is trusted by serious anglers. It is a fantastic choice for those who demand precision, durability, and a reliable line counter in their trolling setup.
- Pros: Highly accurate and anti-fogging line counter, durable machined brass gears, a strong aluminum spool, and a convenient automatic trip mechanism
- Cons: The graphite frame may not be as rigid as an aluminum frame, and the specific drag power is not listed
5. Okuma Cold Water Linecounter
- Reel Frame: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant frame and side plates
- Drag System: Multi-disc Carbonite drag
- Key Feature: Ratcheting drag star for precise settings
- Gearing: XL gearing with a self-lubricating system
The Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel is a testament to quality and reliability, built to meet the demands of serious walleye anglers. This reel is designed with a lightweight, corrosion-resistant frame and side plates, making it perfect for long hours of trolling. Its standout feature is the ratcheting drag star, which provides precise drag settings and prevents it from loosening during a fight. A dependable drag system is crucial for walleye trolling, and the multi-disc Carbonite drag in this reel delivers a consistently smooth performance that helps prevent line breaks and pulled hooks, especially on long, fast runs by big fish.
This reel is also designed for powerful and smooth performance. It features a drop-down gear box with XL gearing, which provides a self-lubricating gear system that is incredibly durable and built to handle the constant load of trolling. The XL gearing also gives you a lot of cranking power, making it easier to retrieve heavy lures or a big walleye from a distance. The line counter is a critical feature that helps you keep your lure in the strike zone, and this reel is trusted by professionals worldwide for its accuracy and reliability. The Okuma Cold Water is a serious trolling reel that provides a perfect combination of durability, precision, and power, making it a fantastic investment for any angler who chases walleye.
- Pros: High-quality, precise drag system, durable XL gearing for power, reliable line counter, and a tough, corrosion-resistant frame
- Cons: Generally more expensive than the Magda series, and the specific number of bearings is not mentioned
6. Sougayilang Line Counter Fishing Wind Trolling Reel
- Drag System: Full Carbonite drag with 20 lbs of drag power
- Gears: Heavy-duty brass gears
- Warranty: Three-year Worry-Free Service
- Handle: Ergonomic, comfortable grip
The Sougayilang TRA 30R is a surprisingly powerful and feature-rich reel that offers incredible value for walleye trolling. Built on a powerful star drag foundation, this reel boasts heavy-duty brass gears and a full Carbonite drag system that can output up to 20 lbs of drag power. This is more than enough to handle the powerful runs of a big walleye and gives you the confidence to fight any fish that comes your way. The aluminum ratcheting drag star allows you to set precise drag settings that won’t slip during a fight. The reel’s overall build is exceptionally solid and durable, making it a great choice for anglers who need a reliable reel that can withstand frequent use.
One of the best things about this reel is its ease of use. It’s designed to fit comfortably in your hand, which is a huge plus for anglers who spend a lot of time on the water. The smooth drag and anti-reverse roller bearings work very well, providing a great fishing experience. The line counter is a key feature that makes it fast and easy to get your lure back into the strike zone after checking it or reeling in a fish. You can simply let the line out until the counter hits the desired number, which is far more accurate than counting pulls by hand. Backed by a three-year Worry-Free Service, this reel is a fantastic investment for anglers who want a durable, powerful, and affordable trolling reel.
- Pros: Powerful 20 lbs of drag, durable brass gears, comfortable ergonomic design, and a three-year warranty is a huge bonus
- Cons: May not have the brand reputation of some competitors, and the specific number of bearings is not mentioned
7. Sougayilang Line Counter Trolling Reel
- Drag System: Full Carbonite drag with 40 lbs of drag power
- Gears: Heavy-duty brass gears
- Warranty: Three-year limited warranty
- Key Feature: Anti-reverse roller bearings
The Sougayilang Tuhnder LS II is a powerful and feature-rich trolling reel that is built to handle the demands of big walleye and other large fish. This reel is a true power machine, with a full Carbonite drag system that delivers an incredible 40 lbs of drag power. While you may not need that much for walleye, it provides a huge margin of safety and ensures the drag remains smooth and consistent even under the heaviest loads. The reel is built with heavy-duty brass gears, which are incredibly durable and provide a powerful retrieve that you can rely on. The reel’s overall build is exceptionally solid and built for the long haul, making it a great choice for anglers who need a reel that can withstand frequent and heavy-duty use.
This reel is also designed for convenience and accuracy. The line counter is a critical feature that makes it fast and easy to get your lure back into the strike zone after checking it or reeling in a fish. You can simply let the line out until the counter hits the desired number, which is far more accurate than counting pulls by hand. The anti-reverse roller bearings work very well, providing a great fishing experience. The Tuhnder LS II is a dependable reel that provides great value for its price. Backed by a three-year limited warranty, this reel is a fantastic investment for anglers who want a durable, powerful, and affordable trolling reel for walleye.
- Pros: Incredible 40 lbs of drag power, durable brass gears, reliable line counter, and a three-year warranty
- Cons: Lacks specific information on the number of bearings and gear ratio
How to Choose the Best Trolling Reels for Walleye?
For serious walleye anglers, the right trolling reel is a vital part of a successful day on the water. Trolling for walleye often means pulling a variety of lures at specific depths, which requires a reel with a consistent and reliable drag, a good line capacity, and the power to handle both the lure’s resistance and the fight of a fish. The ideal reel for this job is built for precision and durability, providing the control you need to keep your lure in the strike zone and the strength to land a hard-fighting walleye. In this article, we’ll dive into the essential features of a great trolling reel, helping you choose a dependable tool that will enhance your walleye fishing experience.
The Critical Role of a Trolling Reel
Walleye trolling is a technique that demands precision and consistency. Whether you’re running deep-diving crankbaits, spinner rigs, or planer boards, your reel is the core of the operation. It must be able to hold a sufficient amount of line, provide a reliable and smooth drag, and withstand the constant pressure of a moving boat and a running lure. A reel that is not up to the task can lead to frustrating gear malfunctions, poor lure presentations, and lost fish. The right reel will not only improve your fishing efficiency but also provide the confidence you need to land a trophy walleye when it bites. Choosing a reel with the right features is an investment in your success on the water.
Key Features of a Trolling Reel
When selecting a trolling reel for walleye, it is crucial to focus on a few key characteristics that will directly impact your success. The right combination of these features will provide the precision, durability, and control you need to land more fish.
Reel Type and Size
The type and size of the reel are the most important considerations. They will determine how the reel functions and what kind of line it can handle.
Reel Type: Conventional is Preferred
For walleye trolling, a conventional (or baitcasting) reel is the most popular and effective choice. These reels are designed for power and line capacity, making them perfectly suited for the demands of this technique. They have a more direct connection to the line, which provides a better feel for the lure’s action and for detecting subtle bites. Conventional reels are also built with more robust drag systems and gearing, which are crucial for handling the constant load of trolling. While spinning reels can be used, they are generally less efficient for trolling due to line twist and smaller drag systems.
Reel Size and Line Capacity
The size of your reel is directly tied to the amount of line it can hold. For walleye trolling, a reel with a line capacity that can hold at least 150-200 yards of line is a great starting point. The reason is simple: you need enough line to handle a long run from a big walleye and to accommodate the depths you’ll be fishing. A great general size for walleye trolling reels is in the 15 to 20 size class A reel in this range offers a good balance of line capacity, cranking power, and a manageable size that won’t feel overly bulky on your rod.
Drag System and Gearing
The drag system and gearing are the heart of a trolling reel’s performance. They will determine how you fight a fish and how efficiently you can retrieve your line.
Drag System
A smooth and consistent drag system is arguably the most critical feature of a walleye trolling reel. When a walleye strikes, it often takes off on a powerful run. A jerky or inconsistent drag will put too much pressure on the line, leading to a break-off, or on the hook, causing it to tear out of the fish’s mouth. Look for a reel with a high-quality, multi-washer drag system made of materials like carbon fiber or sealed graphite. These materials dissipate heat effectively and provide a buttery-smooth drag, even under heavy load. The drag should also be easy to adjust, allowing you to quickly respond to a fish’s run.
Gearing and Gear Ratio
The gear ratio tells you how many times the spool turns with one full rotation of the handle. For walleye trolling, a low to medium gear ratio is generally preferred. A gear ratio in the 4.0:1 to 5.0:1 range is ideal. A lower ratio provides more torque, or cranking power, which is essential for pulling deep-diving crankbaits and fighting a powerful fish. A high gear ratio, which is common on bass reels, is designed for fast retrieves and is not well-suited for the constant pressure of trolling. A low gear ratio reel does the heavy lifting for you, making your time on the water more comfortable and less fatiguing.
Line Counter and Components
For walleye trolling, a line counter is an incredibly useful tool. Combined with quality components, it will give you the precision and durability you need to succeed.
Line Counter
A line counter is a feature that has revolutionized walleye trolling. It allows you to precisely measure how much line you have out, which is essential for consistently placing your lure at a specific depth and distance behind the boat. This is crucial for replicating successful patterns and for getting your lure back into the strike zone after a fish or after checking your bait. A good line counter reel will have a clear, easy-to-read display and an accurate mechanism that won’t fail you on the water. A line counter is a non-negotiable feature for many serious walleye trollers.
Frame, Bearings, and Handle
The frame and spool material will determine a reel’s durability. A graphite frame is a popular and affordable choice for freshwater use, as it is lightweight and corrosion-resistant. A more robust and rigid option is an aluminum frame, which provides a more stable platform for the gears and is better for heavy-duty use. The number and quality of bearings will affect the smoothness of the reel. For a good trolling reel, look for at least 3 to 5 corrosion-resistant bearings. More bearings don’t always mean a better reel; the quality is more important than the quantity. The handle should be comfortable and provide good leverage. A single power handle or a large double handle is great for cranking in line and fighting a fish with ease.
Choosing the Best Reel for Your Needs
When you’re ready to make a purchase, consider the type of walleye you’ll be targeting and the trolling methods you’ll use. For most walleye trolling, a size 15 or 20 conventional reel with a line counter, a reliable carbon drag system, and a low to medium gear ratio (around 4.5:1) is a fantastic starting point. This type of reel will give you the line capacity, power, and smooth drag you need to handle everything from a small spinner to a deep-diving crankbait. By focusing on these core features, you can find a high-quality, durable reel that will serve you well on the water and help you land more walleye for many seasons to come. What kind of walleye are you hoping to catch?
