Skip to main content
Fishing Magazine

Your Fishing Magazine
TOPsSee our product TOPs
🏆 Comparison

The 4 best trolling reels (April 2026)

4
Products tested
8.4/10
Best rating
See comparison
🏆 Best choice
Squall II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel Squall Ii Level Wind 30LWLC
💰 Best price
Squall II Level Wind Multiplier Fishing Reel - Boat, Kayak or Shore - Strong, Powerful Multiplier for Big Fish 20RH Squall Ii Level Wind Black Gold
🔥 Most popular
Warfare™ II Level Wind Reel - Saltwater Predator Fishing Reel - Trolling, Casting & Bottom Fishing - Graphite Body - HT-100 Carbon Drag - Level Wind Spool - 5.1:1 Gear Ratio - Multiple Sizes Left Handed 2000

Your Fishing Magazine, made for real days on the water

Fishing Magazine is your friendly guide to better trips, calmer mornings, and the simple joy of casting a line. We share practical ideas that fit your weekend plans, whether you fish from shore, boat, or dock.

Our goal is to help you feel confident, choose gear wisely, and discover new places without the overwhelm. Every article is written with care, tested advice, and a deep respect for the waters we love.

Come for the tips, stay for the stories and the community that makes fishing more fun.

What you will find here

  • Simple, step-by-step advice you can use on your next outing
  • Honest gear notes for everyday budgets
  • Spot inspiration and trip planning ideas for all seasons
  • Conservation-minded fishing that keeps waters healthy
  • Community stories that remind you why you started
Start with our latest stories

Current trends

Maryland Brings Back April Striped Bass Catch-and-Release for the First Time Since 2019
CATCH & RELEASE

Maryland Brings Back April Striped Bass Catch-and-Release for the First Time Since 2019

27 Apr 2026
The Only Three Knots You Need on Any Water
The Only Three Knots You Need on Any Water
28 Apr 2026 · Fishing Lines
Where Trout Actually Hold: Reading Spring Streams Like a Guide
Where Trout Actually Hold: Reading Spring Streams Like a Guide
24 Apr 2026 · Fly Fishing
Shimano and G. Loomis Rethink Their Freshwater Lineup for 2026
Shimano and G. Loomis Rethink Their Freshwater Lineup for 2026
22 Apr 2026 · Rods & Reels
Your First Spring Trout Weekend: Gear, Stream, and Game Plan
Your First Spring Trout Weekend: Gear, Stream, and Game Plan
21 Apr 2026 · Beginner Tips

Our latest product reviews

Independent and detailed analyses by our team

Rigged & Ready X Series™ Travel Fishing Rods - 6 Super Compact Combos and Rods, Multi-Functional, Spinning Poles - 5 to 25 Techniques from one Rod - Spin, Bass, Carp, Fly - Fresh & Saltwater Angling - X5 Combination 4.0
Telescopic rods
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Rigged & Ready X5 Review: a compact travel rod that does (almost) everything
  • Very compact pack size with multiple tips and two lengths in one rod
  • Covers spinning, float, light feeder and basic fly in a single travel kit
  • Spinning performance is solid and fun for perch, trout and small pike
See all reviews →
Redington Fly Fishing Field Kit, Fly Rod and Reel Combo, Fly Line, Carrying Case Trout 4.0
Fly rods
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Redington Fly Fishing Field Kit Review: a straightforward trout combo that actually feels decent out of the tube
  • Rod and RIO Gold line combo casts smoothly and is easy to handle for most trout fishing
  • Ready-to-fish kit with backing, line, leader, and a durable Cordura travel case included
  • Medium-fast 9' 5wt rod is versatile enough for dries, nymphs, and light streamers
See all reviews →
Rigged & Ready X Series™ Travel Fishing Rods - 6 Super Compact Combos and Rods, Multi-Functional, Spinning Poles - 5 to 25 Techniques from one Rod - Spin, Bass, Carp, Fly - Fresh & Saltwater Angling - X Ultimate 4.0
Casting rods
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Rigged & Ready X Series X Ultimate Review: one rod to throw in the car and forget about (in a good way… mostly)
  • Very compact case and sections – easy to travel with or keep in the car
  • One kit covers spinning, baitcast, float, feeder and basic fly fishing
  • Blank and guides feel solid enough for real fishing, not just occasional use
See all reviews →
Overseas II Inshore and Offshore Spinning Rod, 4 piece Spinning Rod for Sea Fishing Inshore 2.40m - 15-40g 4.0
Spinning rods
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Penn Overseas II Inshore Spinning Rod Review: a compact travel rod that actually feels like a real setup
  • Packs down small into a sturdy Cordura tube, easy to fit in luggage or a backpack
  • Fast action and medium power work well for bass and light inshore spinning with 15–35 g lures
  • Lightweight 24T carbon blank and EVA grip make it comfortable for long sessions
See all reviews →
See all reviews →

Our latest product comparisons

Top products selected and ranked by our experts

Comparison

Comparison of the 6 best baitcasting reels (April 2026)

#1
Ambassadeur C4 Round Multiplier Round Fishing Reel 6600 - Left Hand

Abu Garcia

Ambassadeur C4 6600 Left-Hand Round Multiplier Reel

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.0/10
+ Smooth and strong Carbon Matrix drag that handles bigger fish without jerking
+ 6-pin centrifugal brake is easy to set and gives consistent casting with medium-heavy lures
#2
Revo Beast Low Profile Baitcast Reel - Freshwater Predator Reel For Big Pike, Zander 40LP - Right Hand - 7.3:1 4 BEAST 40 HS

Abu Garcia

Revo Beast 40LP Baitcast Reel (Right Hand, 7.3:1)

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.0/10
#3
Hunter Pro Complete Beginners Coarse Fishing Kit – 10ft Carbon Match Rod & HP40R Reel with 6lb Line – Includes Roddarch Seat Box, Tackle Box, Landing Net, Keep Net, Floats, Hooks & Weights

Hunter Pro Beginner Coarse Fishing Kit – 10ft Rod & Reel

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.0/10
See full comparison →
Comparison

Comparison of the 7 best fly combos (April 2026)

#1
122 Premium Hand Tied Fly Fishing Flies Assortment - Two Fly Boxes Included - Dry, Wet, Nymphs, Streamers, Wooly Buggers, Terrestrials - Trout, Bass Lure Set, Kit, Gift

VENTURES FLY CO

122 Premium Fly Fishing Flies Assortment

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.0/10
+ Large variety of proven patterns that cover most beginner and casual fishing situations
+ Flies are generally well tied with decent hooks that hold up to normal trout and bass fishing
#2
Encounter Fly Rod Outfit - Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Starter Kit 5-Weight, 9'

Orvis

Encounter Fly Rod Outfit

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.0/10
#3
Redington CROSSWATER Combo - Fly Rod, Reel & Line Outfit 5WT 9\'0" 4PC

Redington Crosswater 5WT 9ft 4pc Fly Combo

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.0/10
See full comparison →
Comparison

The 4 best trolling reels (April 2026)

#1
Squall II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel Squall Ii Level Wind 30LWLC

PENN

Squall II Level Wind Fishing Reel

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.0/10
+ Strong, smooth HT-100 drag and plenty of line capacity for serious bottom fishing and trolling
+ Level wind and line counter make it very beginner-friendly and great for consistent depth/distance fishing
#2
Fathom II Star Drag Multiplier Reel - Saltwater Fishing Reel for Boat, Shore Casting and Kayak Fishing, Black/Gold Black Gold 12 - Right Hand

Penn

Fathom II Star Drag Multiplier Saltwater Reel — Right Hand (Black/Gold, 12)

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.0/10
#3
Squall II Level Wind Multiplier Fishing Reel - Boat, Kayak or Shore - Strong, Powerful Multiplier for Big Fish 20RH Squall Ii Level Wind Black Gold

Penn

Squall II Level Wind 20RH Multiplier Reel - Black/Gold

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.0/10
See full comparison →
Comparison

Guide: the 5 best spinning rods (April 2026)

#1
Wrath II Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo Wrath Ii - New Model 5000 Size Reel - 7' - Medium Heavy - 2pc

PENN

Wrath II Spinning Reel and Rod Combo

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.0/10
+ Strong 7’ medium-heavy rod with good backbone for bigger fish and heavier lures
+ Dura-Guides without inserts avoid the common problem of ceramic inserts popping out
#2
St - Croix Rods Triumph Spinning Rod, TSR, Durably Sensitive with Impressive Power, High Performing Spinning Rod 7'0" Medium/Fast 1 Pc.

St Croix Rods

St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod 7'0"

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.0/10
#3
St - Croix Rods Triumph Spinning Rod, TSR, Durably Sensitive with Impressive Power, High Performing Spinning Rod 7'0" Medium-light/Fast 2 Pc.

St Croix Rods

St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod 7'0"

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.0/10
See full comparison →
See all comparisons →

Spotlight

Comparison of the 6 best baitcasting reels (April 2026)
RODS & REELS

Comparison of the 6 best baitcasting reels (April 2026)

By Charlotte Ng · 24 Apr 2026

California Salmon Fishing Reopens After Three Dark Years
River Banks
California Salmon Fishing Reopens After Three Dark Years
20 Apr 2026 · Liam O'Doherty
Fly Fishing for Beginners: From First Cast to First Catch
Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing for Beginners: From First Cast to First Catch
23 Apr 2026 · Ethan Mackenzie
Fishing Magazine
Comparison of the 8 best fly combos (April 2026)
Rods & Reels
Comparison of the 8 best fly combos (April 2026)
16 Apr 2026 · Marcus Edwards
Refined snook fishing gear choices for serious inshore anglers
Beginner Tips
Refined snook fishing gear choices for serious inshore anglers
14 Apr 2026 · Charlotte Ng
Refined wahoo lures for high speed offshore trolling success
Beginner Tips
Refined wahoo lures for high speed offshore trolling success
11 Apr 2026 · Marcus Edwards
Refined tactics with live bait for striped bass success
Beginner Tips
Refined tactics with live bait for striped bass success
11 Apr 2026 · Liam O'Doherty
Refined fishing lures for striped bass that turn follows into strikes
Beginner Tips
Refined fishing lures for striped bass that turn follows into strikes
10 Apr 2026 · Melissa Beaumont
How to choose wahoo fishing lures for high speed trolling success
Beginner Tips
How to choose wahoo fishing lures for high speed trolling success
10 Apr 2026 · Charlotte Ng
Refined strategies for using poppers lures on demanding surface fishing days
Beginner Tips
Refined strategies for using poppers lures on demanding surface fishing days
10 Apr 2026 · Angel Delgado
Refined redfish lure strategies for demanding inshore anglers
Beginner Tips
Refined redfish lure strategies for demanding inshore anglers
10 Apr 2026 · Sophia Connelly
The 4 best trolling reels (April 2026)
Rods & Reels
The 4 best trolling reels (April 2026)
09 Apr 2026 · Angel Delgado
Penn Squall II Level Wind 20RH Review: a solid workhorse reel for big fish, with a few quirks
Rods & Reels
Penn Squall II Level Wind 20RH Review: a solid workhorse reel for big fish, with a few quirks
08 Apr 2026 · Melissa Beaumont
8Fans Fly Rod Combo Review: a budget 9ft setup that’s better than it looks
Rods & Reels
8Fans Fly Rod Combo Review: a budget 9ft setup that’s better than it looks
08 Apr 2026 · Ethan Mackenzie
MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Premier Combo Review: a budget-friendly way to start fly fishing without getting ripped off
Rods & Reels
MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Premier Combo Review: a budget-friendly way to start fly fishing without getting ripped off
08 Apr 2026 · Ethan Mackenzie
Refined strategies for choosing the right squid fishing lure for demanding anglers
Lures & Baits
Refined strategies for choosing the right squid fishing lure for demanding anglers
21 Mar 2026 · Raphael Duval
Why diamond jigs remain essential tools for serious sea anglers
Lures & Baits
Why diamond jigs remain essential tools for serious sea anglers
15 Mar 2026 · Marcus Edwards
Refined sea bass rigs for demanding coastal anglers
Lures & Baits
Refined sea bass rigs for demanding coastal anglers
13 Mar 2026 · Laura Fletcher
Refining snook fishing equipment for serious inshore anglers
Rods & Reels
Refining snook fishing equipment for serious inshore anglers
09 Mar 2026 · Marcus Edwards
Refined strategies for the best cobia lures in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay
Lures & Baits
Refined strategies for the best cobia lures in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay
08 Mar 2026 · Sophia Connelly

Most popular

Our readers' favorite articles this month

#1 Fishing reel gear ratio chart: understanding the best ratios for your fishing success
Fishing reel gear ratio chart: understanding the best ratios for your fishing success
Rods & Reels · 12 Jun 2025
#2 The biggest bluefin tuna ever caught: a deep dive into the record-breaking catch
The biggest bluefin tuna ever caught: a deep dive into the record-breaking catch
Biggest Catches · 12 Jun 2025
#3 Fishing calendar 2024: your ultimate guide to the best fishing days
Fishing calendar 2024: your ultimate guide to the best fishing days
Freshwater Lakes · 12 Jun 2025
#4 Common striped saltwater fish in florida
Common striped saltwater fish in florida
Saltwater Beaches · 12 Jun 2025
#5 Understanding fish sex: a deep dive into reproductive behaviors and changes
Understanding fish sex: a deep dive into reproductive behaviors and changes
Endangered Species · 12 Jun 2025
Fishing Techniques
Gear & Equipment
Locations & Spots
Fishing Techniques
View all posts →
Mastering bottom bounce for walleye: refined rigs, rods, and real control
Mastering bottom bounce for walleye: refined rigs, rods, and real cont...
19 Feb 2026
How to choose the right fishing flasher for smarter trolling success
How to choose the right fishing flasher for smarter trolling success
18 Feb 2026
Top 7: best fly rods (April 2026)
Top 7: best fly rods (April 2026)
08 Apr 2026
Choosing the right big game fishing rods for your next adventure
Choosing the right big game fishing rods for your next adventure
21 Jan 2026
Gear & Equipment
View all posts →
Rigged & Ready X5 Review: a compact travel rod that does (almost) everything
Rigged & Ready X5 Review: a compact travel rod that does (almost) ever...
08 Apr 2026
Redington Fly Fishing Field Kit Review: a straightforward trout combo that actually feels decent out of the tube
Redington Fly Fishing Field Kit Review: a straightforward trout combo...
08 Apr 2026
PENN Warfare II Level Wind 2000 Review: a no-nonsense left-hand reel for saltwater predators
PENN Warfare II Level Wind 2000 Review: a no-nonsense left-hand reel f...
08 Apr 2026
Rigged & Ready X Series X Ultimate Review: one rod to throw in the car and forget about (in a good way… mostly)
Rigged & Ready X Series X Ultimate Review: one rod to throw in the car...
08 Apr 2026
Locations & Spots
View all posts →
Refining vertical jigging for lake trout in deep clear water
Refining vertical jigging for lake trout in deep clear water
20 Feb 2026
Exploring the diverse species of fish in Alaska for recreational anglers
Exploring the diverse species of fish in Alaska for recreational angle...
29 Dec 2025
Unforgettable fishing vacations in Costa Rica: gear, tips, and local insights
Unforgettable fishing vacations in Costa Rica: gear, tips, and local i...
28 Dec 2025
Top fish species to catch on Kodiak Island for recreational anglers
Top fish species to catch on Kodiak Island for recreational anglers
28 Dec 2025
Conservation & Ethics
View all posts →
Choosing the right lobster gauge for responsible recreational fishing
Choosing the right lobster gauge for responsible recreational fishing
23 Nov 2025
The Essential Guide to Insulated Fishing Gear
The Essential Guide to Insulated Fishing Gear
18 Oct 2025
Mastering the Art of Hook Removal
Mastering the Art of Hook Removal
04 Oct 2025
The Benefits of Using Circle Hooks in Recreational Fishing
The Benefits of Using Circle Hooks in Recreational Fishing
20 Sep 2025
Community & Stories
View all posts →
How to choose the ideal troll fishing rod for serious trolling
How to choose the ideal troll fishing rod for serious trolling
07 Mar 2026
Refined snook fishing lures that turn follows into solid hook ups
Refined snook fishing lures that turn follows into solid hook ups
05 Mar 2026
How to choose swimbait hooks that turn follows into solid hookups
How to choose swimbait hooks that turn follows into solid hookups
04 Mar 2026
Refined strategies for choosing tuna fishing lures that consistently raise big game
Refined strategies for choosing tuna fishing lures that consistently r...
28 Feb 2026