Best Lever Drag Trolling Fishing Reels of 2025

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Lever drag trolling fishing reels are an essential item for any serious angler looking to catch big game fish. These reels are designed to offer superior strength and durability, making them perfect for handling the toughest of fish. They feature a lever drag system that allows for precise and easy adjustment of the drag setting, giving anglers more control over their catch. Additionally, these reels are typically made from high-quality materials such as aluminum or stainless steel, ensuring that they can withstand the harsh marine environment. Whether you are targeting tuna, marlin, or other large game fish, a lever drag trolling fishing reel is a must-have tool for any serious angler.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Lever Drag Trolling Fishing Reels
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.
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.
Okuma Solterra SLX High Speed Saltwater Trolling Reel
The Okuma Solterra SLX High Speed Saltwater Trolling Reel is a durable and reliable fishing reel designed for saltwater trolling. Its stainless steel main gears, pinion gears, and shafts make it corrosion-resistant, while the carbonite drag system with Cal's universal drag grease provides smooth and consistent drag pressure. Additionally, the 2 thrust bearings reduce handle turning force by over 50%, and the double dog, silent anti-reverse on all models ensures a solid hook set every time.
Okuma Solterra SLX-30IIb
Okuma Trolling Reel is equipped with stainless steel gears and shafts for durability. The corrosion-resistant frame ensures longevity in saltwater conditions. Its Carbonite drag system with Cal's universal drag grease provides smooth drag performance. The 2 thrust bearings reduce handle turning force by over 50%, making it easier for you to reel in your catch. Additionally, the double dog, silent anti-reverse feature enhances precision during fishing.
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.
Okuma Solterra SLX-20IIb Reel
The OKUMA Saltwater Trolling Reel, also known as Okuma Solterra SLX-20IIb Reel, is a top choice for fishing enthusiasts. With stainless steel gears and shafts, it ensures durability and longevity. The corrosion-resistant frame and side plates make it ideal for saltwater use. The Carbonite drag system provides smooth drag performance, and the included Cal's universal drag grease enhances its efficiency. Additionally, the 2 thrust bearings reduce handle turning force by over 50%, giving you a comfortable and effortless fishing experience with the OKUMA Saltwater Trolling Reel.
OKUMA Solterra SLX Saltwater Trolling Reel
OKUMA Trolling Reel is a top choice for anglers with its stainless steel gears, durable corrosion-resistant frame, carbonite drag system, and reduced handle turning force by 50%. The stainless steel gears ensure durability and smooth operation. The corrosion-resistant frame and side plates enhance longevity in saltwater conditions. The carbonite drag system provides consistent drag pressure, and the reduced handle turning force makes it easier to reel in your catch. With the OKUMA Trolling Reel, you can fish with confidence and ease.
KATUYSHA JN08R Fishing Reel
KATUYSHA JN08R Reel is a versatile fishing tool designed for your convenience. The reel features a strong stainless steel screw and Teflon Paste to prevent looseness, ensuring durability. With a powerful lever drag brake system and smooth gear ratio, you can easily adjust for precision and smooth operation. The reel also offers increased line capacity for deep-water fishing and a CNC machined aluminum handle for strength and ease of use. Whether you're fishing offshore or in freshwater, this reel is a perfect gift for any fishing enthusiast.
Shimano Charter Special 2000
The Shimano Charter Special 2000 is a lightweight and dependable lever-drag reel designed specifically for saltwater fishing. It is equipped with a level-wind feature that provides excellent line control, making it ideal for using downriggers and for all types of saltwater trolling and jigging techniques. The reel is built to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing, with stainless steel gears and Anti-Rust Bearings that ensure durability and resistance to corrosion. Its aluminum spool, reinforced graphite frame, and graphite side plates make it lightweight yet solid and tough. With a maximum drag of 33 lbs and a gear ratio of 4.3:1, this reel offers power and precision. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, the Shimano Charter Special 2000 is a reliable choice that will provide many years of service.
Penn Fathom 25N Lever Drag Fishing Reel
The Penn Fathom 25N Lever Drag Fishing Reel is a heavy-duty reel that promises durability and power. The die-cast aluminum construction of the body and side plates ensures rigidity and strength. The Quick Shift 2-speed system allows for easy switching between high and low gear. The Dura-Drag system reduces snags and hesitation even during extreme drag settings. The reel also boasts 5 shielded stainless steel ball bearings, switchblade harness lugs, and double dog ratchet anti-reverse for smooth and fluid cranking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between star drag and lever drag?
The lever drag washer lives on the end of the spool, the star drag's washers live inside the main gear. Bigger spool diameters give a bigger washer diameter for lever drags; a bigger main gear diameter has the same effect for star drags.
2. What reel has the strongest drag?
Fin-Nor Marquesa Pelagic 30 Fin-Nor Marquesa reels are precision-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, and features one of the strongest drag systems ever put into a reel, with a fast 6.1:1 retrieve and a powerful low-gear 3.1:1 retrieve for even greater versatility and control.
During our lever drag trolling fishing reel research, we found 24 lever drag trolling fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,648 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lever drag trolling fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose lever drag trolling fishing reels with an average price of $161.69.
The lever drag trolling fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lever drag trolling fishing reels, including PENN, OKUMA, SHIMANO, KATUYSHA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 373 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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.