Gear Guide: Trolling Reels Over $300

by

By Perry Mack

Abu Garcia Diplomat Mooching Reel

This large arbor spool design has a fully machined frame and spool with a hard anodized finish to beat back the corrosive elements in the environment. It has an On/Off anti-reverse switch for quick depth adjustments and a Power Disk™ drag system for smooth drag performance without line creep.

One model weighing 17.6 oz, with 2 bearings, 1:1 gear ratio, 350/30 mono line capacity.

MSRP: $349 - Abugarcia.com

Penn International VISX

The sixth generation of a reel that’s been around for 50 years is now lighter and quieter and offered in both gold and silver colours. These are machined aircraft grade aluminum creating incredibly strong light reels. VISX models are open at the top so you can get your finger on the line, built for braided lines, with a stronger drag. Changes for 2018 include beefier reel lugs, the two-speed gearing is now switchable with a button push and there is an adjustable strike position.

Five models of bombproof, five bearing, right hand retrieve reels, cover a huge range - weigh 32-63 oz, 1510/10 mono – 575/60 mono or 985/40 - 815/200 braid, 40-60 lb max drag, gear ratios of 5.1:1-3.5:1 and retrieval rates of 40 or 41 IPT

MSRP: $550-$700 USD - Pennfishing.com

Islander TR3

The heart of the TR3 is the all-new drag system made from ultra-high performance fluoropolymer disks, which are sandwiched between alternating layers of stainless steel. The result is silky smooth performance, zero start-up inertia and more than enough power to stop the hardest fighting chinook.

Add a fully sealed disk drag, corrosion-free ceramic bearings, ported paddle handles, attached to a CNC machined aluminum reel and you have a silky, smooth, durable reel that you can be proud of, and enjoy for years. Each is polished to a mirrored finish, made in Canada, and comes with an ‘unlimited - no questions asked’ lifetime warranty.

MSRP: $900 CAD - Islander.com

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