Best Graphite Trolling Fishing Reels of 2025

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Graphite trolling fishing reels are a popular choice among anglers who are looking for lightweight and durable fishing gear. Made with high-quality graphite materials, these reels are designed to withstand the rigors of trolling and provide smooth and reliable performance. They are also corrosion-resistant, which makes them ideal for saltwater fishing. Graphite trolling fishing reels come in various sizes and styles to accommodate different fishing needs, from light to heavy-duty trolling. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, these reels are a great investment for your fishing arsenal.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Graphite Trolling Fishing Reels
Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel with Line Counter
If you are looking for a reliable and durable trolling reel for your fishing adventure, Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel with Line Counter is definitely a great choice. With both line counter and non-line counter options in sizes 15,20, and 30, this reel provides you with the flexibility to suit your specific needs. The rugged one-piece graphite frame and side covers, combined with 2 ball bearings and stainless steel pinion gear, ensure a smooth gear feel and increased corrosion resistance. Additionally, the on/off selective bait clicker adds more convenience to your fishing experience.
PENN Squall II Fishing Reel
The PENN Squall Reel is a lightweight and durable fishing reel with a corrosion-resistant graphite frame and aluminum spool. It features stainless steel gears for smooth operation, 5 bearings for stability, and a powerful Dura-Drag system with a max drag of 33lb. The Line Capacity Rings on the spool help you keep track of your line capacity, ensuring you're always ready for action.
Sougayilang Trolling Reel Level Wind Conventional Reel Graphite Body Fishing Reel, Durable Stainless-Steel, Large Line Capacity-DTR40 Right Handle
The Sougayilang Trolling Reel is a high-quality fishing reel designed for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. With its durable stainless-steel pinion gear and line guide shaft, this reel offers extreme durability and long-term alignment of gears and shafts. It features a powerful carbon disc drag system that delivers 32 lbs of fish stopping power, making it perfect for a variety of species such as salmon, trout, walleye, and more. The reel also has a large line capacity, allowing you to fish with ease. Its sleek matte black and dark red design adds to its overall high appearance. With 3 years of customer support, Sougayilang ensures that any problems you may encounter will be resolved quickly and efficiently.
Sougayilang Line Counter Trolling Reel
The Sougayilang Line Counter Trolling Reel is a powerful machine with a top-class carbon fiber washer that delivers up to 35Lbs of drag power. It features a precise Japanese Cut Gearing System, a line clicker function, a durable light weight graphite frame and side plates, 6 stainless-steel ball bearings, a stainless steel handle with a comfortable round knob, and a powerful carbon disc drag. It also has a large line capacity and is suitable for Salmon, Steelhead, Lake Trout, Striped Bass, or other uses such as a catfish reel.
Shimano Triton TLD20 Graphite Fishing Reel
The Shimano Triton TLD20 Lever Drag Graphite Fishing Reel is perfect for casting, live-bait and trolling fishermen. The reel features a durable 1-piece graphite body, stainless steel gears and main shaft, and a superlative ball bearing drag system that runs smoother and lasts longer. The reel has a lightweight yet strong 1-piece graphite frame, 4 anti-rust ball bearings, and is rated for use with Mono, Fluorocarbon and PowerPro lines. The Triton's strike alarm click helps you keep track of your catch, making it a great addition to your fishing gear.
PENN Warfare Level Wind Reel
The PENN Level Wind Reel is a lightweight and durable fishing reel designed for nearshore and offshore fishing. It features a corrosion-resistant graphite frame with graphite sideplates, providing long-lasting performance. The machined brass main and pinion gears offer a fast recovery rate, allowing you to reel in your catch quickly. The instant anti-reverse ball bearing ensures smooth and predictable operation, even in tough conditions. With the HT-100 star drag system, this reel can handle a maximum drag of 15lb, providing the power needed to exhaust the fish without wearing you down. The level wind system prevents lines from piling up, tangling, or snagging, ensuring hassle-free fishing. With its impressive line capacity, this reel is suitable for various fishing styles.
Piscifun Salis X 5000 Round Baitcasting Reel
The Piscifun Salis X 5000 Round Baitcasting Reel is a powerful and durable reel designed for big game fishing in a variety of saltwater conditions. It features a 37lbs max drag, 6.2:1 gear ratio, braid ready spool, and a stainless steel crank handle. Customers have praised its smooth operation, fast retrieve, and incredible power. The only downside is that the lock screws and nut can strip easily.
PENN Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel
The PENN Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel is a lightweight yet powerful reel with a graphite frame and sideplates, ideal for big game saltwater fishing. It features a Quick Shift 2-speed system, a 3BB plus 1RB, 2.9:1 / 1.5:1 ratio, and an alum spool that can hold braid or mono. Customers have praised its durability, strength, and ability to handle large catches. However, some have reported issues with the 2nd gear slipping and the lack of a line feeder.
SHIMANO Triton TLD25
SHIMANO TLD25 Reel is a versatile fishing reel that delivers unsurpassed performance for casting, live-bait, and trolling fishermen. The reel features a strong and durable 1-piece graphite body, precision stainless steel gears and main shaft, power handle with oil-ported torpedo knob, and 1-piece cold-forged aluminum spool. The Triton's superlative ball bearing drag system has a titanium-impregnated fabric that runs smoother, lasts longer, dissipates heat more effectively, and keeps drag tension more even than other materials. The lightweight yet strong 1-piece graphite frame and 4 anti-rust ball bearings and stainless steel gears and main shaft make it a reliable fishing reel to catch your favorite fish.
Okuma Classic Levelwind Star Drag Casting Reel
The Okuma Classic Levelwind Star Drag Casting Reel is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant fishing reel. It features a graphite spool that is also resistant to corrosion, a stainless steel reel foot, and an aluminum power handle. This reel is perfect for fishing enthusiasts who are looking for a durable and reliable fishing reel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are graphite reels durable?
Frame Construction: Most spinning reels are either aluminum or graphite. Aluminum frames are stronger and more durable than graphite, but graphite is lighter and more resistant to corrosion.
2. What is a size 4000 reel good for?
Medium sized spinning reels (4000 – 5500) They are best for targeting mid sized species up to about 30 pounds, and work best with 8-14lb monofilament, or 10-25lb braid. They are often used for heavier freshwater applications, or for inshore saltwater fishing.
3. What is an 8000 reel for?
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 8000 or 80 sized fishing reels are large fishing reels which are designed primarily with surf, rock or ocean boat fishing in mind.
During our graphite trolling fishing reel research, we found 24 graphite trolling fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 24,026 customer reviews through our big data system to write the graphite trolling fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose graphite trolling fishing reels with an average price of $83.18.
The graphite trolling fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of graphite trolling fishing reels, including Shakespeare, PENN, Sougayilang, SHIMANO, Piscifun. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.