Inexpensive Trolling Reel

[patuxantpat]

Wal-Mart carries a 40 dollar real made by Shakespeare called the Tidewater. I was looking to increase my spread and wondered if anyone has any feedback on them.

I'm well aware that most high quality reels run at least 80 dollars but as a student i just cant afford them...yet.

Here are some of the specs i found online http://www.shakespeare-fishing.com/products/reels/tidewater.shtml

For the most part we troll spoons and tandems so i'm not too worried about the heavy umbrella rigs.

Thanks for any insight.

[Stonewall]

I have used them for summer trolling and fishing the reefs offshore. They seem to hold up well.

[obxnative]

I've used these reels when starting out. They are very good reel for the dollar. The line counter reels were not the best. They had problems with the counters,but I think they did an upgrade.

[Seahunter]

Go on E-Bay and buy yourself a used Penn 330 or Penn 320. I bought 3- 320's for under $35 in the past 6 months. Better reels, for the same, if not less, money

[yftuna213]

Pat,
I would also suggest searching the many upcoming fisherman’s flea-markets, I have found many super deals at these events. Just get what you can afford don’t let the cost of a reel cost you a day of fishing!

[Waynesboro]

I've had really good luck with some used Penn 309 reels from ebay. I look for sellers from the great lakes - fresh water - no corrosion. Normal price is $30 plus ~$10 shipping. I take the time to break them down and regrease/oil them. If you're buying used, it's a good thing to know how to service them. I learned the hard way - lost a fish due to a cheap Okuma that I bought new - first reels I bought - neither one lasted a full season - drags on both went quick, as well as the worm gear on one. I've seen this adivce posted here 100 times - make sure you use quality gear - when you hook that fish of a lifetime, you at least want a fair chance at bringing it in. All reels will let you catch a 28" fish - but it takes a decent reel to catch a 40" plus fish. Good Luck!

[Gotta Gaff 'Em]

ON our boat at home we run a lot of Penn 320 and 330 LD's got one star drag 320 as well. All of them are spooled with braid and on custom rods, got one we call the dragonslayer its a 330 LD ona custom 6ft and it is downright mean. The other option i would go for is the Penn senators, the 114H Special senators are heavy duty rugged reels, great for troolling umbrellas around and work well offshore too. The 113 senators are also pretty good if you can get the special as well.you can find all of them on ebay or craigslist if you dont wanna buy a brand new one at the tackle shop

[ReelSmith]

I recommend, just as the other s have, put those $40 towards a better reel.The shakespeare has been hit and miss as far as quality and durability. And when it comes to repairs, well, toss it and go out and buy yourself something that will last. I always recommend buying quality tackle and equipment. As the old sayng goes, "You get what you pay for!"

[hippie]

I would and have bought Penn Long Beach 68's. Used they sell for $10-$20 dollars if in decent condition. Then you have a solid reel and can get parts for it if needed.

[john from md]

Ebay for Penn 209, 210, 310, 320. They are all good trolling reels and you can get them for a song. Some may need new drag washers but that's simple to fix.

[Fishman]

You would be better of buyig a used Penn 320 or a 330 GT2

[BUDC]

Penn 309 for big Bluefish etc. 209 is a great Flounder and small fish reel. Personally I like a 5' boat rod(my favorite is a Western Auto special) medium/light action for the 209 and a 6' medium for the 309s. All with mono line
Most of my 309s are retired in favor of 320s and braid.
4 of my 320s are rigged with 80# wire on roller tips for Striper trolling -- tough enough to do the job.
budc

[tolmaz]

Try looking at the Okuma 55L or 45L