Best Lightweight Trolling Fishing Reels of 2026

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 29, 2026

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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
Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel with Line Counter Cover #TOP 2
Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel with Line Counter
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel Cover #TOP 3
Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling 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

Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel with Line Counter

Shakespeare
ATS15LCX
Black
Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel with Line Counter Cover
Shakespeare ATS Size 15 Conventional Trolling Fishing Reel, Right Handle Position

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
High drag capacity
Affordable price
Durable construction
Easy to cast
Good for beginners
#TOP 3

Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel

CW-453D
Multi
CW-453D
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
Outstanding performance
Durable and sturdy construction
Smooth drag system
Reliable line counter
Great value for money

Okuma Magda Pro MA-20DX

MA-20DX
Black/Silver
Small
Okuma Magda Pro MA-20DX Cover
Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel, Small, Black/Silver, MA-20DX

The Okuma Magda Pro MA-20DX is a top-quality fishing reel that has been tested and trusted by professionals worldwide. With its lightweight corrosion resistant frame and side plates, this reel is built to last. The line counter feature allows you to easily keep track of your line, ensuring that you always know how much line you have left. The 2 stainless steel ball bearings provide smooth operation, while the stainless steel levelwind line guide ensures even line lay. Whether you're a professional angler or just starting out, the Okuma Magda Pro MA-20DX is a reliable and convenient choice for all your fishing needs.

What We Like
High quality
Lightweight and corrosion resistant
Line counter feature
#TOP 5

Sougayilang Trolling Reel Level Wind Conventional Reel

DTR40-R
DTR30 Left handle
DTR30
Sougayilang Trolling Reel Level Wind Conventional Reel Cover
Sougayilang Trolling Reel Level Wind Conventional Reel Graphite Body Fishing Reel, Durable Stainless-Steel, Large Line Capacity-DTR30 Left Handle

The Sougayilang Trolling Reel is a durable and powerful fishing reel suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. It features high-quality stainless steel components, a smooth carbon disc drag that delivers 28 lbs of fish stopping power, and has a great line capacity. The reel also has an attractive design with a matte black and dark red performance. Sougayilang provides excellent customer support, offering 3 years of support to customers.

What We Like
Durable and corrosion-resistant graphite body
Smooth carbon disc drag that delivers 28 lbs of fish stopping power
Attractive design with a matte black and dark red performance
#TOP 6

PENN Rival Level Wind Fishing Reel

RIV20LWLC
Multi
20 - Line Counter
PENN Rival Level Wind Fishing Reel Cover
PENN Rival Level Wind Conventional Nearshore/Lake Fishing Reel, HT-100 Star Drag, Max of 15lb | 6.8kg, Forged and Machined Aluminum Spool

The PENN Rival Fishing Reel offers a lightweight graphite frame and sideplates with sturdy aluminum frame rings, making it easy for you to handle and durable for long-term use. Its forged and machined aluminum spool helps you manage your fishing line smoothly, while the line capacity rings take the guesswork out of how much line you have left during a catch. The reel features auto-engaging gears made from marine-grade bronze and brass, allowing you to reel in your catch efficiently with each crank. Plus, it has a reliable 2-ball bearing system that gives you better control when the action heats up on the water.

What We Like
Lightweight graphite frame
Forged aluminum spool
Auto-engaging marine-grade gears
2-ball bearing system
Line capacity rings

Sougayilang Level Wind Fishing Reel

YZ-GCTA30R
Red-Right Hand
Sougayilang Level Wind Fishing Reel Cover
Sougayilang Conventional Level Wind Fishing Reel,Inshore Surf Trolling Reel for Catfish, Musky, Bass for Freshwater Saltwater Right Hand-Red

The Sougayilang Fishing Reel is designed for anglers who seek a reliable and powerful fishing experience. Its sturdy construction features three double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings, ensuring smooth operation even in tough saltwater conditions. With a precision-machined brass main gear, this reel delivers impressive resistance and durability, making it suitable for various fish species, including salmon and catfish. The EVA handle enhances your grip and reduces hand fatigue, allowing for longer fishing sessions. Plus, its high-quality fiberglass-infused frame ensures stability and corrosion resistance, making it a great choice for any fishing adventure.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Smooth operation
Comfortable grip
Durable materials
#TOP 8

Sougayilang LDT30 Saltwater Trolling Reel

LDT30BR
LDT30- Right Handed
Sougayilang LDT30 Saltwater Trolling Reel Cover
Sougayilang Trolling Reel & Conventional Fishing Reel - Saltwater Level Wind Reel with Smooth Drag, Heavy Duty Boat & Ocean Fishing Reel for Sea Bass, Grouper, Salmon- LDT30-Right Handed

The Sougayilang Trolling Reel is built with a strong yet lightweight aluminum frame and graphite sides, so you can fish comfortably for hours without feeling weighed down. Its stainless steel handle with oval knobs gives you a secure grip, making long trolling trips easier. With a powerful 3.8:1 gear ratio and 22 lbs max drag, this reel is ready to handle big fish like marlin or tuna, giving you the strength you need to reel them in. Plus, it runs smoothly thanks to stainless steel ball bearings and anti-reverse features, while its waterproof design keeps it safe from saltwater damage. The reel also holds plenty of line and prevents slipping, so you can focus on your catch.

What We Like
Lightweight durable build
Strong 22 lbs max drag
Smooth operation with ball bearings
Waterproof and corrosion-resistant
High line capacity spool
#TOP 9

Shakespeare ATS Size 20 Trolling Reel

Shakespeare
ATS20LCX
Black
Shakespeare ATS Size 20 Trolling Reel Cover
Shakespeare ATS Size 20 Conventional Trolling Fishing Reel, Right Handle Position

The Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel is designed for anglers seeking a lightweight and durable option for their fishing adventures. With a recovery rate of 26 inches per crank, you can quickly reel in your catch. The stainless steel level wind system and two ball bearings ensure smooth casting, enhancing your overall fishing experience. Plus, the multi-disc drag system provides consistent control, allowing you to tire out fish effectively. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, this reel offers reliability and performance for your freshwater fishing needs.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Smooth casting experience
Quick line recovery rate
Reliable drag system
#TOP 10

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
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 30,637 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 $48.62.

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, Shakespeare, Sougayilang, PENN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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.