Best Lever Drag Trolling Fishing Reels of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 8, 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

PENN Squall II Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 1
PENN Squall II Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
PENN Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 2
PENN Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Okuma Solterra SLX High Speed Saltwater Trolling Reel Cover #TOP 3
Okuma Solterra SLX High Speed Saltwater Trolling Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Lever Drag Trolling Fishing Reels

PENN Squall II Fishing Reel

SQLII60LD
Black/Gold
60 - Right Handed
PENN Squall II Fishing Reel Cover
PENN Squall II Lever Drag Fishing Reel, Size 60, Graphite Body and Sideplates, Stainless Steel Main and Pinion Gears, Powerful PENN Dura-Drag

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.

What We Like
Lightweight & Durable
Smooth Operation
Powerful Drag System
#TOP 2

PENN Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel

1292938
Black
SQL50VSW
PENN Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel Cover
PENN 1292938 Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel, 890/50, black, IGFA50, SQL50VSW

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.

What We Like
Lightweight yet powerful
Quick Shift 2-speed system
Durable and strong
Can handle large catches
Affordable

Okuma Solterra SLX High Speed Saltwater Trolling Reel

SLX-10CSb
Black
Okuma Solterra SLX High Speed Saltwater Trolling Reel Cover
Okuma Solterra SLX High Speed Open Top Frame Lever Drag Saltwater Trolling Reel, SLX-10CSb, 380yds-20lb, Black

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.

What We Like
Durable and corrosion-resistant
Smooth and consistent drag pressure
Reduces handle turning force by over 50%

Okuma Solterra SLX-30IIb

SLX-30IIb
Black
Okuma Solterra SLX-30IIb Cover
Okuma Solterra SLX Two Speed Closed Frame Lever Drag Reel Saltwater Trolling Reel, SLX-30IIb, 540yds-40lb, Black

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.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel construction
Corrosion-resistant frame
Smooth drag performance
#TOP 5

Shimano Triton TLD20 Graphite Fishing Reel

TLD20
[ Gray ]
One Size
Shimano Triton TLD20 Graphite Fishing Reel Cover
Shimano Triton TLD20 Lever Drag 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.

What We Like
Durable 1-piece graphite body
Superlative ball bearing drag system
Lightweight yet strong 1-piece graphite frame
#TOP 6

Okuma Solterra SLX-20IIb Reel

SLX-20IIb
Black
Okuma Solterra SLX-20IIb Reel Cover
Okuma Solterra SLX Two Speed Closed Frame Lever Drag Reel Saltwater Trolling Reel, SLX-20IIb, 480yds-30lb, Black

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.

What We Like
Durable Stainless Steel Construction
Corrosion-Resistant
Smooth Drag Performance
#TOP 7

OKUMA Solterra SLX Saltwater Trolling Reel

SLX-15Lb
Black
OKUMA Solterra SLX Saltwater Trolling Reel Cover
Okuma Solterra SLX Single Speed Levelwind Lever Drag Saltwater Trolling Reel, SLX-15Lb, 410yds-25lb, Black, 15

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.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel gears
Corrosion-resistant frame
Smooth carbonite drag system

KATUYSHA JN08R Fishing Reel

KJN08R
Silver+blue
JN08(Right Hand)
KATUYSHA JN08R Fishing Reel Cover
Fishing Jigging Reel Conventional Reels - Lever Drag Saltwater Heavy Duty Deep Ocean Big Game Offshore Round Aluminum Trolling Reel - Saltwater Jigging Fishing Reels JN08R

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.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel construction
Powerful lever drag brake system
Increased line capacity
#TOP 9

Shimano Charter Special 2000

TR2000LD
Multi
One Size
Shimano Charter Special 2000 Cover
Shimano Charter Special 2000; Saltwater Lever Drag Reel

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.

What We Like
Lightweight and dependable
Durable and resistant to corrosion
Designed for various saltwater fishing techniques
#TOP 10

Penn Fathom 25N Lever Drag Fishing Reel

1292932
Black
Penn Fathom 25N Lever Drag Fishing Reel Cover
Penn 1292932 Fathom 25N Lever 2-Speed Lever Drag Fishing Reel, Black

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.

What We Like
Durable and powerful
Easy gear shifting
Reduced snags and hesitation
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

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.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

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.