Best Budget Trolling Reel

Peter | 05-01-2026

With so many Best Budget Trolling Reel brands on the market – from prominent names like OKUMA,Shakespeare,Sougayilang,KastKing to smaller manufacturers – making the right choice can feel overwhelming. But we’re here to help simplify your search for the best product.

We extensively tested and evaluated dozens of top-rated Best Budget Trolling Reel across various price points, spending over 100 hours comparing the contenders side-by-side. Based on our in-depth first-hand research, we compiled this list of stand-out Best Budget Trolling Reel to consider. Our top recommendation is OKUMA Best Budget Trolling Reel for its uncompromising quality and performance.

Below you’ll discover more of our favorite Best Budget Trolling Reel picks. And be sure to consult our buying guide for expert insights on selecting the ideal product for your individual needs and budget. With us guiding your decision, you can shop confidently knowing you’ve chosen an exceptional Best Budget Trolling Reel you’ll truly love.

Editor's Choice
Sougayilang Trolling Reel & Conventional Fishing Reel - Saltwater Level Wind Reel with Smooth Drag,
Sougayilang Trolling Reel & Conventional Fishing Reel - Saltwater Level Wind Reel with Smooth Drag,
Premium Pick
Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-453D
Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-453D
Budget Pick
KastKing ReKon Line Counter Trolling Fishing Reel, Round Baitcasting Reels, Left Handed, Size 20
KastKing ReKon Line Counter Trolling Fishing Reel, Round Baitcasting Reels, Left Handed, Size 20

Top 10 Best Budget Trolling Reel

We researched and compared the top products in the Best Budget Trolling Reel category to provide you with these recommendations.

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

  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT The Magda Pro line counter reels are both light weight, and compact making them perfect for all day use. Staring at just 12.6 ounces, these graphite line counters are both light yet durable, and corrosion resistant.
  • COUNTING DOWN The Magda Pro features a mechanical line counter function that measures in feet. You can drop back with confidence as you flip open the spool and let you line back, knowing exactly how much line you have out. Then the automatic trip spool
  • SMOOTH DRAG SYSTEM There is nothing like the scream of the drag when a fish makes that initial run. A multi-disc Carbonite drag system keeps your line running smooth on long, fast runs by big fish.
  • A TURN OF THE HANDLE - The two stainless steel ball bearings make for a smooth retrieve when cranking in from way back, or down deep. The self-lubricating gear system comes standard in all models. Speaking of gearing, the Magda Pro is packed with durabl
  • MAGDA PRO FAMILY The Magda Pro is available in four sizes and comes in both left and right hand retrieve. Whether you are chasing Kokanee on a small mountain lake, or heading out to the big water for some excitement, the Magda Pro has you covered.
  • Line Counter
  • Lightweight corrosion resistant frame and side plates
  • Holds 420 yds 20 lb test
  • 2 stainless steel ball bearings
  • Stainless steel levelwind line guide

2. Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel, Small, Black/Silver, MA-20DXT

  • Magda Pro Size 20 - 5.1:1 Gear Ratio
  • Multi-Disc Carbonite Drag System
  • 2 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
  • Lightweight Corrosion Resistant Frame And Side Plates

3. Shakespeare ATS Size 15 Conventional Trolling Fishing Reel, Right Handle Position

Shakespeare ATS Size 15 Conventional Trolling Fishing Reel, Right Handle Position
7.9

Shakespeare

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  • SHAKESPEARE ATS CONVENTIONAL TROLLING REEL: Made with lightweight, durable graphite materials, ATS conventional trolling reels deliver performance and reliability.
  • RECOVERY RATE: Recover 26" | 66cm of line with every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 5.1:1. Right handle position. Line counter and non-line counter options available for each reel size.
  • 2 BALL BEARINGS: Enjoy an effortless casting experience with a stainless steel level wind system and 2 ball bearings for smooth gear feel. Built for freshwater applications.
  • MULTI-DISC DRAG SYSTEM: Our dependable multi-disc drag system provides a consistent and reliable star drag. Featuring a max drag of 15lb | 6.8kg to help tire out the fish.
  • SINCE 1897, Shakespeare has been the leader in quality, affordable fishing tackle. With 115 years of passion and experience, we offer something for the whole family and to all levels of experience.

4. Sougayilang Trolling Reel & Conventional Fishing Reel - Saltwater Level Wind Reel with Smooth Drag,

Sougayilang Trolling Reel & Conventional Fishing Reel - Saltwater Level Wind Reel with Smooth Drag,
9.5

Sougayilang

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  • Premium Lightweight & Durable Build: The Sougayilang Trolling Reel features an aircraft-grade aluminum frame combined with graphite side panels, offering exceptional strength without adding bulk. Its stainless steel handle and oval knobs ensure a comfortable grip, making it perfect for long trolling sessions.
  • Dominates Big Game Fishing: Engineered for heavy-duty trolling, this Sougayilang fishing reel delivers a powerful 3.8:1 gear ratio and 22 lbs of max drag. Whether you're targeting marlin or tuna, its high-torque brass gears and stainless steel spool provide relentless power to reel in giants.
  • Ultra-Smooth Performance: Equipped with 3 stainless steel ball bearings + instant anti-reverse, the Sougayilang Trolling Reel operates seamlessly even under pressure. Precision-machined brass main gears reduce friction for buttery retrieves, while the waterproof design resists saltwater corrosion.
  • High-Capacity & Versatile Spool: Compact yet mighty, this trolling reel holds ample line for leadcore, braid, or monofilament. Its deep-anodized spool prevents line slippage, and the striking color options (black/blue/silver) add a professional touch to your gear.
  • Perfect Gift for Anglers: Packaged in a sleek box, the Sougayilang Trolling Reel makes an ideal gift for holidays or birthdays. Backed by 24/7 customer support, its a worry-free choice to share the thrill of fishing with friends and family.

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

  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT The Magda Pro line counter reels are both light weight, and compact making them perfect for all day use. Staring at just 12.6 ounces, these graphite line counters are both light yet durable, and corrosion resistant.
  • COUNTING DOWN The Magda Pro features a mechanical line counter function that measures in feet. You can drop back with confidence as you flip open the spool and let you line back, knowing exactly how much line you have out. Then the automatic trip spool
  • SMOOTH DRAG SYSTEM There is nothing like the scream of the drag when a fish makes that initial run. A multi-disc Carbonite drag system keeps your line running smooth on long, fast runs by big fish.
  • A TURN OF THE HANDLE - The two stainless steel ball bearings make for a smooth retrieve when cranking in from way back, or down deep. The self-lubricating gear system comes standard in all models. Speaking of gearing, the Magda Pro is packed with durabl
  • MAGDA PRO FAMILY The Magda Pro is available in four sizes and comes in both left and right hand retrieve. Whether you are chasing Kokanee on a small mountain lake, or heading out to the big water for some excitement, the Magda Pro has you covered.
  • Line Counter
  • Lightweight corrosion resistant frame and side plates
  • Holds 210 yds 20 lb test
  • 2 stainless steel ball bearings
  • Stainless steel levelwind line guide

6. KastKing ReKon Line Counter Trolling Fishing Reel, Round Baitcasting Reels, Left Handed, Size 20

KastKing ReKon Line Counter Trolling Fishing Reel, Round Baitcasting Reels, Left Handed, Size 20
9.1

Kastking

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  • LINE COUNTER TROLLING REEL New from KastKing is the ReKon Line Counter Trolling Reel. Available in 3 sizes, ReKon conventional reels will be perfect for Salmon, Steelhead, Trout, Kokanee, Walleye, Lake Trout, saltwater species, and so much more. Both feature an exceptional, accurate mechanical line counter so that you can consistently keep your bait in the exact zone that is producing fish over and over.
  • HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPONENTS The KastKing ReKon baitcasting reels are designed for tough trolling conditions and uses the best components. For smooth and trouble-free operation KastKing uses 3 double shielded, stainless-steel ball bearings in high stress points plus the Instant anti-reverse bearing. KastKing ReKon main gears and worm shafts are made of precision machined brass. Its pinion gear and line guide shaft are high quality stainless-steel.
  • AMAZING DRAG POWER & FEATURES The ReKon Line Counter round casting reels use a smooth, carbon disc drag that delivers 30 lbs of fish stopping power (25lb for size 10). Both size reels have a line clicker function that makes releasing planer boards simple and easy. You can use that feature as a strike detection system while trolling. Gear ratio is 5.1:1 on the size 10, 5.3:1 on the size 20 and 4.5:1 on the size 30.
  • GREAT LINE CAPACITY KastKing kept these fishing reels as compact as possible while still providing tons of line capacity to anglers using leadcore, heavy braid, or strong monofilament fishing line. The size 10, size 20 and size 30 ReKon cast reel will hold over 250 yards of 20 lb. mono or about 10 colors of Micro Leadcore line and over 320 yards of 25 lb. mono or equivalent braided line respectively.
  • TWO HANDLE OPTIONS KastKing designed the handles to be different on the two models for a reason. The size 10 ReKon is mostly for Kokanee, Walleye and Trout so KastKing included a comfortable, double paddle handle with EVA grips. The larger size 20 and 30 reel has a single Power Handle with a comfortable round knob that gives more leverage for larger fish and longer retrieves for Salmon, Steelhead, Lake Trout, Striped Bass, or other uses such as a catfish reel that require more fishing line.

7. Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-453D

  • Lightweight, corrosion-resistant frame & sideplates
  • Multi-disc, carbonite drag System
  • Aluminum handle arm with Ergo grip handle knobs
  • Sport type: Outdoor Lifestyle

8. Sougayilang Conventional Level Wind Fishing Reel,Inshore Surf Trolling Reel for Catfish, Musky, Bass

Sougayilang Conventional Level Wind Fishing Reel,Inshore Surf Trolling Reel for Catfish, Musky, Bass
8.9

Sougayilang

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  • STURDY COMPONENTS - Traditional reels have sturdy components for tough trolling conditions. Use 3 double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings and an instant anti-reverse bearing for smooth, trouble-free saltwater fishing.
  • POWERFUL - The Sougayilang Round Bait Reel offers great resistance, with a precision-machined brass main gear and stainless steel pinion gear, along with a machined brass worm gear and stainless steel guide shaft, making this traditional fishing reel powerful, durable and reliable.
  • Tackles all kinds of fish - this new level wind round baicasting reel is the perfect reel for fishing for salmon, steelhead trout, brook trout, walleye, lake trout, catfish, striped bass, sockeye, and other large saltwater species.
  • FEELS COMFORTABLE IN HAND - This reel comes with an EVA handle that increases cranking power and helps eliminate hand fatigue. The fishing reel features a one-piece, high-ratio fiberglass infused material frame, making this reel strong, stable, and corrosion-free.
  • This trolling reel contains a lightweight power, durability, sensitivity .The Regardless whether youre a beginning angler or a seasoned pro, having the right fishing gear can make the difference in having a successful fishing expedition.

9. Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-303D, Silver

  • Made using the highest quality materials
  • Tested for reliability and quality
  • Used by professionals worldwide
  • Lightweight corrosion resistant frame and side plates
  • Multi disc Carbonite drag system
  • Ratcheting drag star for precise drag settings
  • XL gearing: Drop down gear box with self lubricating gear wystem
  • 1 year warranty
  • Sport type: Fishing
  • Lightweight corrosion resistant frame and side plates
  • Multi disc Carbonite drag system
  • Ratcheting drag star for precise drag settings
  • XL gearing: Drop down gear box with self lubricating gear wystem
  • 1 year warranty

10. Burning Shark Trolling Reel Saltwater Level Wind Reels, Drag Reels Boat Fishing Ocean Fishing for

Burning Shark Trolling Reel Saltwater Level Wind Reels, Drag Reels Boat Fishing Ocean Fishing for
7.7

Burning Shark

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  • Heavy-Duty Saltwater PerformanceEngineered for big game fishing, the Burning Shark SHA40 conventional reel boasts a solid metal body with 6+1 stainless steel ball bearings, delivering ultra-smooth retrieves even under 40 lbs of max drag. Its corrosion-resistant construction and Carbonite drag system ensure relentless performance in saltwater conditions.
  • Precision Trolling & Level Wind Control Designed for trolling enthusiasts, this level wind reel features a 4.1:1 gear ratio for optimal speed-to-power balance. The built-in line guide evenly distributes braid or monofilament, eliminating tangles during long-distance dropsperfect for targeting pelagic species.
  • Ergonomic & Fatigue-Free Handling Weighing just 23 oz (640g), the SHA40 reduces wrist strain during extended battles. The anti-reverse roller bearing locks instantly on hooksets, while the star drags aluminum alloy knob provides micro-adjustments for fighting trophy fish.
  • Pro-Grade Value Dont overpay for performance. The SHA40 packs tournament-ready specslike a forged aluminum spool and double-dog anti-reverseat a fraction of the cost. Whether youre trolling for kings or bottom fishing for grouper, this reel earns its keep.
  • 3-Year Worry Free Backed by Burning Sharks 3-year limited service, this reel is a long-term investment for anglers who demand reliability. Packed with pro-grade features at a mid-range price, its a saltwater workhorse that wont quit.

Peter

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