Best reel for trolling

[Chiliando]

Great new site!

I am gearing my first rig and need some advice. I want to buy 2-4 rod reel combos for trolling mainly for dolphin.

What do you all recommend that will not break the bank. I definetly need to stay under $200/per. I have looked at the TLD 25's and have had them recommended.

What do you all think?

Thanks in adavance.............

[triumphrick]

I have been overhaulin and working on Penn reels for many a year. I like their ruggedness and simplicity. But lately I find that my Shimano TLD's are starting to go with me a little more often. They have a good drag system and are rugged themselves. Also have some Diawa SeaLines. Not too bad for the money, but the diawa label has fallen off one already..

[rchanner]

TLD'S would be my top choice in trying to stay under $200....in fact, I own six of them, all attached to $40 Shakespeare Tidewater rods and have had zero problems from any of them. Funny thing is, I bought the cheap rods thinking I'd replace them with nicer ones as they broke, but none have broken yet.

[Chiliando]

TLD'S would be my top choice in trying to stay under $200....in fact, I own six of them, all attached to $40 Shakespeare Tidewater rods and have had zero problems from any of them. Funny thing is, I bought the cheap rods thinking I'd replace them with nicer ones as they broke, but none have broken yet.

Thanks. Looks like TLD's it is.

[cablemaker]

5 - TLD 15 set ups here but I have them on 7 ft Barefoot rods.

[Fishinspot]

Same here. TLD-25's

[rchanner]

Add: FWIW, the TLD 20 & 25 are the same reel, except that the 25 is wider....if that's the size you want, I'd go w/ the 25 for the added line capacity.

[crash1371]

TLD'S would be my top choice in trying to stay under $200....in fact, I own six of them, all attached to $40 Shakespeare Tidewater rods and have had zero problems from any of them. Funny thing is, I bought the cheap rods thinking I'd replace them with nicer ones as they broke, but none have broken yet.

There is a good reason for that on rods I have been to China and almost every rod is manufactured at the same plant all the big name brands and the no name the only difference is the label !

[schoolsout]

There is a good reason for that on rods I have been to China and almost every rod is manufactured at the same plant all the big name brands and the no name the only difference is the label !

West Marine has some of their rods (Aftco Roller stripper and Tip Top) supposedly made by Star for about $50-60 each. Good rod for the money.

[Sea N Double]

Same here been fishing the TLD 25 for several years now and they have been great !!!