| Trolling reels are typically used for | | | | durability in producing the best fishing reel |
| offshore big-game trolling in open water. | | | | capable of handling record-breaking trophies. |
| Trolling is the process of dragging both bait | | | | |
| and lures behind a moving vessel, which is a | | | | Trolling reels are typically found in the |
| productive way to locate schools of migratory | | | | lever drag system. On these types of fishing |
| fish. The reason being, when a boat trolls | | | | reels, the drag pressure adjusts with the |
| over a school of fish, the wake and commotion | | | | slide of a lever, which is located on the top |
| on the surface emulates a ball of bait. This | | | | of the reel to the right. Designated markings |
| triggers the feeding instincts of many | | | | of, or similar to freespool, strike and full |
| offshore species and immediately sends the | | | | are found on reels like the Penn(R) |
| leading edge of the school towards the | | | | International series, Shimano Tiagra(R) and |
| commotion to investigate, with the rest of | | | | the Acurrate Twin Drag(R) saltwater trolling |
| the pack following. As the most aggressive | | | | reels. Most later models come in a two- speed |
| fish in the school frantically try and chase | | | | version, with two separate gear ratios that |
| down this commotion, the trolling lures, jigs | | | | serve different purposes. The high gear is to |
| and baits are the first hint of a meal that | | | | gain as much line as possible with every turn |
| they come across. They charge at them with | | | | of the handle, sacrificing torque and power. |
| reckless abandon, inhaling what appears to | | | | Low gear, on the other hand, provides |
| the fish as vulnerable stragglers, | | | | tremendous torque and in return, sacrifices |
| desperately trying to catch up with the rest | | | | the ability to retrieve a substantial amount |
| of the pack. | | | | of line per crank. When properly utilized, |
| | | | both gears are designed to maximize the |
| As soon as one of the trolling lures or baits | | | | chances of quickly and efficiently landing |
| is inhaled, the trolling reel begins to sing, | | | | scale-busting size fish. |
| with the clicker of the reel creating a loud | | | | |
| noise that notifies the angler to get ready. | | | | The most noticeable difference in a trolling |
| This sends the anglers into a dash for their | | | | reel are the two rings that sit atop all |
| gear, yelling "hook-up", which immediately | | | | trolling fishing reels. These rings are part |
| causes the captain to throw the vessel into | | | | of the frame and hold an enormous amount of |
| neutral to stop the boat. As the momentum of | | | | strength. Trolling straps are attached |
| the vessel carries the boat forward, the crew | | | | through these rings, as well as big game |
| begins to throw live bait, either by pieces | | | | harnesses and on some occasions, a back-up |
| or in full scoops. By now, the rest of the | | | | rod and reel combo, a common practice when |
| migrating school has caught up to the | | | | fishing on long range boats out of San Diego |
| commotion and is met with the temptation of | | | | for huge bluefin and yellowfin tuna. Trolling |
| live bait, sending them into a feeding | | | | reels are so strong and powerful, I have even |
| frenzy. | | | | seen anglers cut these rings off and even go |
| | | | so far as to make custom frames to readily |
| However, a wide-open bite is not always the | | | | access the spool and use trolling reels as |
| result of a hook-up while trolling. When the | | | | live bait reels. I do not recommend this |
| fish are down, or when the conditions are far | | | | practice, as many of the latest star-drag |
| from ideal, trolling will produce the | | | | conventional reels will serve the same |
| majority of the catch, with no feeding frenzy | | | | purpose. |
| following the trolled up fish. On these days, | | | | |
| it is essential to land every troll fish and | | | | With the high prices of fuel, trolling around |
| having the right equipment is critical in | | | | in offshore waters can be very costly. That |
| accomplishing this. Trolling rod and reel | | | | is why every serious big-game angler should |
| combos are the most expensive combos on the | | | | consider having the best saltwater tackle |
| market today. Due to their importance in | | | | available when it comes to their arsenal. The |
| locating roaming schools of open water fish, | | | | properly maintained saltwater combo can mean |
| manufacturers like Shimano(R), Penn(R), | | | | the difference in coming home with a trophy |
| Daiwa(R), Okuma(R) and Accurate(R) | | | | of a lifetime, or coming home skunked, |
| incorporate the finest materials and | | | | carrying an empty sack. |
| technologies to ensure strength and | | | | |