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Shimano TLD-2 Speed A Lever Drag Reels Review

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Shimano TLD-2 Speed A Lever Drag Reels
Shimano TLD-2 Speed A Lever Drag Reels

You dont need a big boat to catch big fish. In fact theres absolutely no reason why you couldnt catch a 250-pound thresher shark from your 20-foot center console boat - unless you left your Shimano TLD saltwater reel at home. If you own a small fishing boat or you often find yourself elbow-to-elbow ...with your angling compatriots on the large party boats you need a reel thats both nimble and versatile. Our TLD 2-speed lever drag reels are light in hand and so easy to shift theyre almost mindless. This makes them adaptable to any number of bluewater species from tuna to striped marlin. And because theyre built by Shimano durability is an inevitable part of the package.TackleDirect carries several models of TLD conventional reels for trolling or casting in the middle of the ocean. The Shimano TLD20IIA is an impressive real for mid-sized striper and salmon while the TLD30IIA has increased line capacity. For the biggest hardest fighting fish the Shimano TLD 50 produces the ultimate power and retrieve. Each model has a graphite frame and side plates aluminum spool rod clamp and specially treated anti-rust bearings for the durability that is a hallmark of Shimano reels. A large private ocean-going vessel may be neat but its not necessary for big game fishing. Just match the tackle to the situation and let the fish fall where they may. Visit our Q&A section or call us seven days a week to learn more about this premium reel series from our expert anglers.

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Fishing Critic Score

Hockey Review Rating 97%
15 Reviews
Popularity: 1839
MSRP:
$319.99
Used Price:
$223.99
Sale Price:
$287.99

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Specifications
Brand Shimano
Category Reels
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Popularity #19359
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Shimano TLD-2 Speed A Lever Drag Reels Reviews

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Smooth reel

Ron
2 years ago

This is a very nice and smooth reel which is why I purchased this product especially for the purchase price. Shimano has done it again and making this product affordable for the average anglers.

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So far so good

Jonathan
2 years ago

Have been using this reel for black drum and trolling for stripers and it’s been awesome. I’m about to start using it for tuna so we’ll see how it does

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Bullet proof

Captain B.
2 years ago

Best 50 for the buck!

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Shimano Reel

Tom
2 years ago

Excellent piece of fishing equipment.

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Best 50W for the price.

Brian F.
3 years ago

I have several of these reels. They are the best 50W 2-speed reel you can buy for this price.

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Great service & product

Nathan
3 years ago

Really impressed with these reels so far. Customer service was super helpful with getting them spooled with the mono I wanted.

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Great reels!

Harry N.
3 years ago

Really pleased with these reals. Shimano builds a great product.

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Nice smooth reel

Mike
3 years ago

Can't beat this reel at this price

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Great reel

Nathan
3 years ago

Great reel at a great price.

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Great Reel!

Brian
4 years ago

Used this reel on a trip in Florida so had to get my own. Great reel!

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Typical Shimano...

Chip H.
4 years ago

Reel has very smooth operation and appears well-built. Drag is excellent. Changing speeds is simple. Love this reel!
TY TDirect for the super fast shipping.

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ROCKSTAR REELS

MEMO
4 years ago

Happy with my purchase of a pair of TLD30s. I have already used them before and are the best for rude battles. I hope to unleash them on a good marlin or tuna.

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Solid

Cam
5 years ago

Will hold enough line for most fish you'd come across. Good drag and loud clicker. 2 Speed comes in handy with Tuna and other large fish.

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The ultimate budget reel

Kenny
5 years ago

This reel is a bigger step up from it's other variant the TLD, this upgrade handle really makes it more comfortable for when you need to kick it into high gear and burn that line in

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Awesome service with a great product!!!!

John
5 years ago

Heading out for a 3 day trip, needed additional tackle, these folks had what I needed, put everything together for me, great pricing, great delivery, made the trip in time, results fish in the boat!!!!

I have never written a review before but these folks really deserve it, 7 out of 5 stars!!!!!!

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Shimano TLD-2 Speed A Lever Drag Reels Questions and Answers

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Asked by Flo 3 years ago

Could this reel be used for planer fishing, Number 6 or 8?<p><br></p>

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Austin Kearney 3 years ago

For heavy planers I would go with a minimum size 50W reel. 

Asked by CJ 11 years ago

If I'm going to use 60 lb test should I use the 50 or the 50RLSA?

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Customer Service 11 years ago

The LRSA has a greater line capacity, where as the standard 50A has less line capacity. With the weight and price the same I would recommend just going with the LRSA because of the increased drag and more line capacity.

Asked by Sean 10 years ago

Hello, I am looking for the smallest 2 speed reel that can handle at least 500 yards of 80 lb braid? Do any of the 2 speed TLD-2 fit that bill? Thank you for your time.

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Customer Service 10 years ago

The Avet LX is a smaller reel than the TLD-2 and has a grater line capacity,

Asked by Tomas 10 years ago

I am looking for a reel to use with 80# for a long range trip that won't break the bank. Would the 30 work for this? I need something to fish deep dropper loop on a 6 day trip.

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Customer Service 10 years ago

The 30 will work for your application. It should hold about 300 yards of 80# braid.

Asked by saleh 9 years ago

do you recommend this reel for trolling/bottom fishing? and what is the best rod ( medium/heavy) that would match the reel

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Asked by Rob 6 years ago

Are the line capacity number given for mono or braid? I am assuming these are mono numbers?

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Donald 6 years ago

The line capacities for the Shimano TLD-2 Speed A Lever Drag Reels are for mono line.

Asked by Mike 6 years ago

When you spool these reels are they straight mono or do you back them with Dacron then mono?

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John 6 years ago

Usually straight mono. IF not that then it's usually spectra for backing with a mono topshot.. Not much dacron used on TLD's.

Asked by Mike 4 years ago

Which Shimano rod would recommend pairing the TLD50LRSA with for trolling for tuna? 

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Tyler Bennett 4 years ago

<p>Hello Mike, We recommend the shimano Tallus </p><p>https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-tlc59xhsbbla-tallus-trolling-slick-butt-ring-guided-rod.html<br /></p><p><a href="https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-tallus-trolling-slick-butt-ring-guide-rods.ht

Asked by franco carlo 4 years ago

Can the Shimano tld30  2 spd. be used  as a  surf  casting rig?

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Alex T 4 years ago

I would not recommend this reel as a casting reel, unless you are kayaking or transporting your baits to the strike zone then this reel would work great. for wenching in fish, just not a very casting friendly reel

Asked by JP 5 years ago

Witch Fishing Rod would you recommend with the Shimano TLD50IIA, I will b e using on a sailboat in the Exumas (Bahamas)

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Bernie 5 years ago

A 6 foot stand up or bent butt trolling rod would pair up well with this

Asked by john 3 years ago

would this reel be a good choice for commercial striped bass

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Austin Kearney 3 years ago

I would go with the standard Shimano TLD Triton Lever Drag Reels such as a TLD25. The 2 speeds won't really be necessary for stripers and will supply more than enough drag and line capacity at a lower price point as well.<p><br /></p><p>https://www.tackle

Asked by Reese Matthews 3 years ago

Which model is available in left hand and would this be a good choice for bottom grouper fishing? thank you

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Austin Kearney 3 years ago

The TLDs do not come in a left hand option and aren't designed as a bottom fishing reel. They are a trolling reel suitable for offshore pelagic fishing. If you're looking for a LH bottom fishing reel for grouper, I would take a look at the Shimano Torium

Asked by Skip 3 years ago

What is the best rod and reel for catching 9' sturgeon with using 100 lb test line.<p><br></p>

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Billy - TackleDirect Customer Service 3 years ago

I would recommend a Shimano Talavera Xtra Heavy rod linked below<p><br /></p><p>https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-tec66xhc-talavera-boat-casting-rod.html<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>

Asked by Doug 3 years ago

Could you use the 30 size to run a #3 or 4 planer ? What rod would be a good choice ? 

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Paul Olah 3 years ago

You will be fine to run either one of those planers with this reel.<p>I would recommend either <a href="https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-tebc66hsba-talavera-bluewater-ring-guide-slick-butt-rod.html">Shimano TEBC66HSBA Talavera Bluewater Ring Guide Sli

Asked by Gary 3 years ago

Do you have (or does it come with) the screw mounts for attaching to the rod for extra security?<br>

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Rick - TackleDirect Customer Service 3 years ago

Gary,<p>The TLD-2 reels come with the clamp and necessary hardware to secure the reel to the rod.   Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with.</p>

Asked by Roger 3 years ago

Which rod would you pair with the TLD20II.  Something versatile that could be used for trolling, chunking, etc... 

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Rick - TackleDirect Customer Service 3 years ago

Roger,<p>A good versatile rod that can be used for both trolling and chunking and paired with a Shimano TLD20II would be TackleDirect Silver Hook rod TDSSUT601MHSB (TDA-0265).  Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with.</p>

Asked by Joe 6 years ago

What weight hollow core options are available for free spooling and capacities?

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Bernie 6 years ago

Hello Joe, we would need to know which reel you were interested in because each has it own capacity also the hollow core wouldn't be spooled for free however we can spool with mono for free if you would like.