trolling reels

[leadcore troller642]

Hello folks, I was wondering what reels other people are using for trolling leadcore in the NYC Reservoirs. I currently use Daiwa Saltist 30HA reels, and before that used Abu 7000's. I want to get a couple pairs for my boys,  but Daiwa changed the saltist and i'm afraid the snap swivel would fall through the level wind. I use the smallest coastlock snap swivel and don't want it falling through the level wind because there's a chance of the line getting screwed up and tangled and after re-threading it back through the spool becomes un synced with the line paying out.

[Mallon]

I'm currently running Abu Ambassadeur 6600 C4 for my leadcore. Smaller reel but I can still fit 10 colors of 15lb lead plus a little backing. They're kinda pricey but are as smooth as butter. Put your spoons in the water, click the button and row, and the line feeds right out with ease. I'm a little confused with why you would have a snap swivel going through your level wind though?? or what you exactly mean by it "falling through"? Are you attaching your leadcore to your leader with a swivel? If that's the case I highly recommend switching to an Alberto knot to connect your two lines to avoid having any hardware passing through the reel and guides.

[Rickhem]

I have a rod/reel that my dad used to use for trolling on Lake Wallenpaupak, and a couple other lakes around there.  Not sure what the rod is, but the reel is a Diawa 47LC.  He has leadcore on it.  I don't think they make that model any more, but there are updated versions.  It's a nice line counter reel, and worked well for my dad when he was using it.  That rod/reel is on ladder hooks in my garage, along with a bunch of surf fishing combos that I really need to use all that stuff again.

To avoid reeling your terminal tackle down onto the reel, which also has the chance to damage ceramic guides on your rod, thread on a bead that is bigger than your tip top guide, right before the swivel or snap on the end of the leadcore.  Set the drag to slip when that bead hits the guide. 

[leadcore troller642]

As per the snap swivel, I don't want it falling through the level wind. I've been doing this 45 plus years, I tie the leader directly to the leadcore.  Been using the Willis knot and never had an issue. I like the Daiwa saltists 30HA's , I'll use 18 lb performance for lakers and when fishing deeper or I have another pair when fishing Browns with 15 lb micro lead. The 30HA's are nice because they are 6.2 to 1 retrieve. And I always use a 30 ft leader. I always reel the snap swivel the the level wind when i'm done, avoids nicking your leaders in transit.

[brushwolf]

Im running the exact same reel/line as Maollon. As he stated the reels are smooth. Ive used others but wouldnt go back to them after running theses. Also use Alberto knot for tying leader to line.

[JayBay]

Believe it or not, I run Okuma 6500 spinning reels - just put it on baitrunner mode to feed out the lead line - works good.  You need the biggest reel to hold 10 colors.  Match the rod to your lb. test leader. 

[leadcore troller642]

I used the Abu 7000 for about 35  yrs till I tried the Diawa saltist 30ha, there's not a faster retrieve or smoother drag on the market.
Very pricey but worth every penny.

[Pointer]

I use Diawa gold 47LC line counter reels. They are an excellent reel & will hold 10 colors of lead.