Trolling reel advice

Post by **bullseye** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 1:21 pm

Hello all! I am new to this site and am very impressed with the overall knowledge there is here! I hope you all can help. I am a long time fisherman but have little to no experience trolling. I went to Quebec last fall with a friend and found out what I was missing! Now I want to outfit my boat with a couple Trolling setups. I really don't think I need a $150 reel but maybe I do? Any suggestions on Reel, Rods etc.. would be very helpful. I am a weekend warrior with a 17' Smokercraft Deep V and am looking to go after Lakers, Pike, Walleyes and maybe whitefish. I also want to set up one rig for Lead line trolling. No downriggers in my immediate future but maybe after some more experience. What say you????

Post by **steve-hamilton** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 1:48 pm

My suggestion?

1 or 2 Okuma Magda 20's. (approx 50 bucks each)

1 or 2 Shimano Clarus Rods - 8'6" medium or medium-heavy (approx 80 bucks each)

Here's the combo in action for Walleye on Quinte.

That would very nicely for most trolling setups. Put some 12lbs mono (or whatever you prefer) on the reel, and you'll be great for most inland lakes. I prefer braid with a flouro lead, but each to their own.

As for the leadcore, I use the Exact Same Outfit, only i use a slightly larger reel. The Okuma Magda 30 works nicely for up to five colour leadcore, which probably be the most you'd want to use.

Anymore questions, just ask. Lots of knowledgable anglers on this board.

Post by **Bluefin** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 9:43 pm

I agree with Steve, but I'd upgrade the Magdas to Convector 20's. I love mine!

Post by **steve-hamilton** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 12:11 pm

another good option.

If you want to spend a little more (ie. cost of a convector), a whole new league of reels open up. I'd suggest the Diawa Sealine 27LC or the Abu Ambassadur 5500LC if you want to break the 100 dollar mark on the reel.