I was wonder what some of your guy's opinions on what kinda of reel i should use for trolling in the salt. Right now I use an Abu garcia 6 star series and a penn 209 and i was wanting a newer reel. Thanks in advance.

I have 4 abbu garcia 6500 series that I like to use. The only problem is line capacity. Always gotta be ready to chase a fish. The shimano tritons tr100 or tr200 are great all around reels with lots of line capacity. I have one of each. Any of these reels can be found for under $100 I also have a couple of penn 109s that are a blast to fish with but I dont know if those have been discontinued. I've seen numerous ones at garage sales at very reasonable prices.

The Shimano TR 200 is a great all around levelwind salt water reel.. I have 10 or 12 of them and they hold up well and are very light.

Chaser,
You're concerned with the 6500 series not having enough line capacity? They hold 250yds of 15lb test. If you're fishing in 150' of water you have maybe 60-70yds out. You must catch some big ass salmon if 190yds isn't enough reserve.

Sullie,


I primarily use a Penn Levelwind 209 or the new 320LD with a lever drag for trolling. The new lever drag reels are pretty slick so I would suggest going to a shop and checking them out personally.
For mooching, and somtimes trolling, I also use a Shimano M-ONE Knucklebuster which is a blast; holds 500 yards of 20lb Mono. No 4 or 6:1 ratios on this reel, just pure 1:1 you and the fish...

What a battle when you get a hot headed Coho or Nook on the other end with that setup!


Nice thing about centerpin reels are thier simplicity. Very few moving parts to clean and really easy to thoroughly rinse after fishing.

Id agree with grandpa2. I have been using the Shimano TR 200's for alot of years and never had one problem with them.Great real for the price.

I have 3 abu 6500's. I load them with 50# braided TufLine. I fit 300 yards on, yet it is definately at the limit! It has a 10# diameter. If I can get a fish to the boat with 900 feet of line, I am in trouble. I fugure I can cut of 2 or 300 feet next year and have new line underneath.

Be Brave! Go Knucklebuster!

I just got a Shimano Convergance and 4000 GT for about $130.00 . The 4000 GT holds 450 yards of 25#! Combine that with a Red Hotspot and a Rhy's Davis Teaser Head and you'll be able to speak Canadian, Eh.

I'm also looking at a new trolling reel for the salt--one king I hooked last year took every last inch of 25# mono off my Penn 109 on its first run...

I like the look of the Shimanos, but they don't come in lefty models...what's up with that? Guess I'll probably go with the Penn 321 GTi.

REAL MEN USE A WINONA!!!!!!

leftys have to turn the rod upside down and reel backwards

I 2nd the winona, catch a 25# king on a winona and you will never use another again.

I like to set a real light drag on my reels so when the newbies grab the rod they aint gonna bust them off when they start cranking. I run 15# on most of mine and have a 20# setup for when I think there might be a chance at some bruisers. HBP - dont believe every thing you read. Those yardages written on the reels are based on calculations.

I agree the winona is a real man's reel.

Bri,BM5x4
When was the last time you trolled for salmon with a Winona?

HBP, just so you know I used to troll all the time with my old faithful winona, the last time I trolled for salmon with my winona I got a 32lb king at pillar point so it can be done.

Bri,
So I guess in BM5X4's eyes,you used to be a man

HBP, I just don't troll for salmon anymore I'm a moocher so I use my winona every trip out on the salt.

Quantum in the Summer.
Shimano Catala in the Winter.

For trollin the salt I think Penn's 310 or 320 GTi's are tough to beat! Nice smooth action and drag and very easy to clean and maintain.

They are good lookin, hold plenty of line, and I've never lost a fish that I could blame on the reel not doin it's job.

I used 209's and 309's for years and still think they are as good as any reel out there, just older now and wanted somethin a little fancier.

The GTi's filled the bill.


I also like the fact they are made in the U.S.A.



herm