Best Lightweight Trolling Fishing Reels of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Lightweight trolling fishing reels are a must-have for any angler who wants to enjoy a comfortable and fatigue-free fishing experience. These reels are designed to be light in weight, making them easy to handle and maneuver on the water. They are also highly durable, with top-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing. Lightweight trolling fishing reels come in a range of sizes and styles to suit different fishing needs, from deep sea trolling to inshore fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, these reels are an essential tool for any fishing adventure.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel Cover #TOP 1
Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel Cover #TOP 2
Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Piscifun Salis X 5000 Round Baitcasting Reel Cover #TOP 3
Piscifun Salis X 5000 Round Baitcasting Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Lightweight Trolling Fishing Reels

Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel

MA-30DX
Black/Silver
Small
Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel Cover
Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel, Small, Black/Silver, MA-30DX

The Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant reel made with the highest quality materials and tested for reliability and quality. It features a line counter, two stainless steel ball bearings, and a stainless steel levelwind line guide. It holds 420 yds of 20 lb test and is perfect for trolling for walleye, trout, and other fish. Customers have praised its great price, drag sensitivity, and ease of use, though some have noted issues with the line counter and plastic parts.

What We Like
Great price
Good drag system
Durable plastic parts
#TOP 2

Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel

Okuma Fishing Tackle
CW-453D
Multi
One Size
Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel Cover
Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-453D

This fishing reel features a lightweight and corrosion-resistant frame and sideplates, making it perfect for outdoor use. The multi-disc, carbonite drag system helps you to easily reel in your catch, while the aluminum handle arm and ergo grip handle knobs provide a comfortable grip. This reel is perfect for trolling and linecounting, and is sure to improve your fishing experience.

What We Like
Lightweight and corrosion-resistant frame
Multi-disc, carbonite drag system for easy reeling
Aluminum handle arm with ergo grip handle knobs for comfortable grip

Piscifun Salis X 5000 Round Baitcasting Reel

Piscifun-RL173-R
5000
Piscifun Salis X 5000 Round Baitcasting Reel Cover
Piscifun Salis X 5000 Baitcasting Fishing Reel, Round Level Wind Trolling Reel with 6.2:1 Gear Ratio, 37Lbs Max Drag, Stainless-Steel Bearing for Inshore Saltwater Fishing, Right Hand Retrieve

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.

What We Like
Durable and reliable
Smooth and efficient retrieval rate
Max drag of 37lbs
Suitable for inshore saltwater fishing
Designed for right-handed users

Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel with Line Counter

Shakespeare
ATS15LCX
Black
15 w. Line counter
Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel with Line Counter Cover
Shakespeare ATS Size 15 Conventional Trolling Fishing Reel, Right Handle Position, Graphite Spool, Multi-Disc Drag System with Smooth Ball Bearing Drive

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.

What We Like
Reliable and affordable
Durable with a drag rating of 20lbs
Smooth drag performance
Comes with a big power-handle
Suitable for inshore grouper fishing

Burning Shark Trolling Reel

4347353344
SHA40
Burning Shark Trolling Reel Cover
Burning Shark Trolling Reel Saltwater Level Wind Reels, Drag Reels Boat Fishing Ocean Fishing for Sea Bass Grouper Salmon-SHA40

The Burning Shark Trolling Reel is a high-performance saltwater level wind reel designed for boat fishing in the ocean. It features a double dog ratchet system to prevent handle reversing, a machined aluminum spool, bakelight sideplates, stainless steel gears for long-lasting durability, a smooth fishing reel seat, and a spherical handle. It has a max drag of 40 lbs and a gear ratio of 4.1:1. Customers have praised its durability, smoothness, and performance, though some have noted that the drag can be difficult to adjust.

What We Like
Compact and durable
Smooth operation
Good for offshore fishing
Great value for the price
#TOP 6

Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Trolling Reel

MA-15DXT-T
Black
Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Trolling Reel Cover
Okuma Magda Star Drag Levelwind Line Counter Reel Size 15 Black

The Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Trolling Reel is a staple for walleye, lake trout, musky, steelhead, and salmon trollers. Made of lightweight graphite with stainless steel reinforcements, it features a mechanical line counter function that measures in feet for accuracy and repeatability. Its lightweight frame, sideplates, and graphite spools are corrosion-resistant. The reel also has a multi-disc carbonite drag system, durable machine-cut brass gearing, and a self-lubricating gear system. Additionally, the 2 stainless steel ball bearings, 16-point anti-reverse, and stainless steel levelwind line guide system provide improved hookups and casting.

What We Like
Accurate and repeatable mechanical line counter function
Lightweight and corrosion-resistant design
Multi-disc carbonite drag system for optimal performance
Stainless steel ball bearings and levelwind line guide system improve hookups and casting

Okuma Classic Levelwind Star Drag Casting Reel

CLX-300La
Black
Okuma Classic Levelwind Star Drag Casting Reel Cover
Okuma CLX-300La Classic Levelwind Star Drag Casting Reel, 300 Reel Size, 3.8: 1 Gear Ratio, 24" Retrieve Rate, 17 lb Max Drag, Right Hand,Black

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.

What We Like
Lightweight and corrosion-resistant frame and side plates
Corrosion-resistant graphite spools
Stainless steel reel foot
#TOP 8

Okuma Convector CV-30L Trolling Reel

CV-30L
Black
Okuma Convector CV-30L Trolling Reel Cover
Okuma Convector Star Drag CV-30L Levelwind Trolling Reel (420 Yards- 20LB), Black

The OKUMA Trolling Reel is a versatile fishing reel designed for trolling. With its lightweight and corrosion-resistant frame and sideplates, this reel ensures durability and easy handling. The machined aluminum spool with smoke anodized finish adds strength and style to your fishing gear. Equipped with stainless steel reinforcing sideplate rings, this reel offers added protection and stability during your fishing adventures. The multi-disc Carbonite drag system provides smooth and reliable drag performance, giving you control when reeling in your catch.

What We Like
Lightweight & Corrosion Resistant
Smooth Carbonite Drag System
Durable Stainless Steel Gearing
#TOP 9

Sougayilang Trolling Reel Level Wind Conventional Reel Graphite Body Fishing Reel, Durable Stainless-Steel, Large Line Capacity-DTR40 Right Handle

DTR40-R
Sougayilang Trolling Reel Level Wind Conventional Reel Graphite Body Fishing Reel, Durable Stainless-Steel, Large Line Capacity-DTR40 Right Handle Cover
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.

What We Like
High-quality components
Powerful drag system
Large line capacity

Sougayilang Trolling Reel for Saltwater Fishing

Black
SHA40-Golden
Sougayilang Trolling Reel for Saltwater Fishing Cover
Sougayilang Trolling Reel Saltwater Level Wind Reels, Drag Reels Boat Fishing Ocean Fishing for Sea Bass Grouper Salmon-SHA40-Golden

The Sougayilang Trolling Reel is a high-performance fishing reel suitable for deep sea fishing. It has a double dog ratchet system that prevents the handle from reversing, making it durable and long-lasting. The reel is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and has a smooth fishing reel seat and a spherical handle. It produces minimal noise and has a comfortable cranking system. The reel weighs approximately 22.5 oz and has a maximum drag of 40 lb with a gear ratio of 4.1:1.

What We Like
Excellent casting abilities
Durable construction
Strong 40lbs drag
Comfortable handle
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What size trolling reel do I need?

Walleye fishermen for example favor the smaller 15 or 20 size reels, while salmon anglers are going to select the 30 size. Musky trollers who use 40 or even 50 pound test line often favor the larger 45 size reels for their trolling needs.

2. Can you troll with a spinning reel?

Today's spinners can stand up to heated runs and drag pressure more than they were capable of a few decades ago. So yes, you can use a spinning reel for trolling!

3. Is Baitcaster good for trolling?

Bait casters are far superior for letting out line, hook-sets, running drag without line twist, many have clickers for running the line down on a downrigger. Overall drags are far superior on bait casters. Easier to measure line out even without a line-counter.

Editor's Notes

During our lightweight trolling fishing reel research, we found 24 lightweight trolling fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 34,822 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lightweight trolling fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose lightweight trolling fishing reels with an average price of $55.18.

The lightweight trolling fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lightweight trolling fishing reels, including OKUMA, Okuma Fishing Tackle, Piscifun, Shakespeare, Burning Shark. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.