Shimano Tekota Levelwind Conventional Reels

Shimano Tekota Levelwind Conventional Reels

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$219.99 - $309.99
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Model
TD Code
RetrieveGear RatioLine Retrieve Per CrankMono Line Capacity
(lb test/yds)
PowerPro Line Capacity
(lb test/yds)
Max DragBearingsWeightPrice
TEK300HGLCA
(Line Counter)

SHM-4043
Right Hand6.6:135in12/230
14/180
17/150
30/290
40/230
50/190
20lb3+112oz$219.99 USD
TEK301HGLCA
(Line Counter)

SHM-4044
Left Hand6.6:135in12/230
14/180
17/150
30/290
40/230
50/190
20lb3+112oz$219.99 USD
TEK400HGLCA
(Line Counter)

SHM-4045
Right Hand6.6:135in12/330
14/260
20/160
40/320
50/270
65/195
20lb3+113.6oz$219.99 USD
TEK401HGLCA
(Line Counter)

SHM-4046
Left Hand6.6:135in12/330
14/260
20/160
40/320
50/270
65/195
20lb3+113.6oz$219.99 USD
TEK500HGA
SHM-3536
Right Hand6.3:138in12/440
14/340
16/285
40/390
50/330
65/240
24lb3+115.5oz$229.99 USD
TEK501HGA
SHM-3537
Left Hand6.3:138in12/440
14/340
16/285
40/390
50/330
65/240
24lb3+115.5oz$229.99 USD
TEK500HGLCA
(Line Counter)

SHM-3538
Right Hand6.3:138in12/440
14/340
16/285
40/390
50/330
65/240
24lb3+116.4oz$229.99 USD
TEK501HGLCA
(Line Counter)

SHM-3539
Left Hand6.3:138in12/440
14/340
16/285
40/390
50/330
65/240
24lb3+116.4oz$229.99 USD
TEK600HGA
SHM-3540
Right Hand6.3:138in16/390
20/300
25/240
40/540
50/460
65/330
24lb3+116.4oz$239.99 USD
TEK601HGA
SHM-3541
Left Hand6.3:138in16/390
20/300
25/240
40/540
50/460
65/330
24lb3+116.4oz$239.99 USD
TEK600HGLCA
(Line Counter)

SHM-3542
Right Hand6.3:138in16/390
20/300
25/240
40/540
50/460
65/330
24lb3+117.1oz$239.99 USD
TEK601HGLCA
(Line Counter)

SHM-3543
Left Hand6.3:138in16/390
20/300
25/240
40/540
50/460
65/330
24lb3+117.1oz$239.99 USD
TEK800PGA
SHM-4578
Right Hand3.9:135in30/525
40/385
50/315
50/1250
65/920
80/750
35lb4+129.6oz$299.99 USD
TEK800PGLCA
(Line Counter)

SHM-4579
Right Hand3.9:135in30/525
40/385
50/315
50/1250
65/920
80/750
35lb4+130.76oz$309.99 USD
Shimano Tekota Levelwind Reels have been designed with Coreprotect water resistance for the ultimate increase in corrosion resistance. These reels are a trollers dream and the perfect cross-over reel for both freshwater and saltwater species, from walleye to tuna.

  • Easy to replace anti-fogging lens on LC models
  • Loud clicker
  • Ergonomic S-compact body design
5 Stars based on 50 reviews
By Larry
Spring Hill, FL
Smooth
August 18, 2022
Great reel for the price well built
Plenty of crank power
By Kevin
San Francisco
Best line counter reel
August 17, 2022
Best line counter
By Frank
Santa Rosa, CA
Quality reel
May 24, 2022
I have the 401 with line counter.
Great for trolling salmon or bottom fishing.
Strong smooth drag.
Casts well even with the line counter.
Its been a year with no problems.
By Justin
Mass
Love it
April 20, 2022
Just like the torium but with a level wind love it!!
Pros
  • Level wind lightweight
Cons
  • None
By V D.
Rhode Islans
TEKPGLCA
April 12, 2022
Perfect reel for wire and umbrellas!
Beefy 35lbs of drag and low gear ratio!
Pros
  • 35lbs of drag
Cons
  • None
By Scott R.
Waynesville, OH
Shimano TEK600HGLCA Tekota Line Counter reel
February 27, 2022
Great product as always from Shimano!
Pros
  • Built well, lots of line capacity!
Cons
  • None
By Ray
Northern ohio
Trolling reels
February 25, 2022
Great reels, 4 years of use and no problems.
I have 10 of them
Pros
  • Well built, counters work well , very smooth
Cons
  • Non that I can say yet
By Ernest
Monkton, MD
Awesome reel
January 21, 2022
Great reel for trolling striper in the Chesapeake Bay
By Ryan S.
New Jersey
Great reel but…….
November 15, 2021
I like the looks and feel of the reel but definitely lacking in drag
I use it to drag spoons and mojos up here in the upper East coast for bass
Also use it for dragging umbrellas rigs
That being said when you have the umbrellas on and a bass you gotta max this thing out like crazy and still over play it either he rod to get the fish in
Wish they beefed up the drag
By Aaron
California
Great reel
November 1, 2021
I bought it for fishing deep and shallow waters in the ocean. I have used it twice and it works great. I have fished for rock cod in 400 and 150 ft and the reel is smooth and drag works great.
By Ted
SF Bay Area
Best Versatile Reel Made
October 23, 2021
For its price range it can’t be beat. Smooth drag, no jerking when with down riggers, or dropping a ball trolling, best cranking and retrieve rate per turn for its price range. Light yet strong it Pairs well with a wide range of my rods. Great for salmon trolling or inshore mooching. Handles 20-30lb salmon well. Vertical jigging inshore as well.
Pros
  • Price for gear ratio and retrieve
  • Durable corrosion Resistant body material
  • Smooth Star Drag Power
  • Smooth Cranking
  • Comes in level wind as well as non.
  • Can get a optional line counter is clear and easy to read and doesn?t get in your way of fighting fish.
Cons
  • Try locating them buy it when you see it or they?ll be gone
By Ivan B.
Washington
Great reel
October 3, 2021
More than pleased. Great for all salmon species. Will buy more of them.
By jeff
columbia river
Already catching salmon with the reel
September 28, 2021
love the tekota 500 line counter. Smooth reel with easily adjusted drag and lets me know where I'm fishing
By Michael
Burke, VA
Shimano Tekota 500 Lefty
September 21, 2021
I use the Shimano Tekota 500 bottom fishing for Black sea bass, flounder and bluefish in the Northeast. Paired it with a 6'6 MH Trevala.
By Ryan
Virginia Beach, VA
Good reel for the price
September 5, 2021
I definitely won't say this reel is great, but for the price it's very good. The handle knob weighs about 3oz, so you can shave some weight there. I swapped a Tranx paddle handle on to this one.

Very noisy to cast with the non disengaging levelwind, but it does cast well.
Pros
  • Price
Cons
  • Lots of plastic
37 Questions & 41 Answers
Tom
from Tampa asked:
December 25, 2019
What is the difference between the 500 and 501 reels
1 Answer
Any one with "01" at the end is a left handed reel and to "00" are the right handed models. 
Submitted by: Alyssa Madosky on December 30, 2019

Ross Macklin
from Ireland asked:
April 8, 2019
Can you specify which model is right hand and which is left hand by model number? To be clear I am assuming the left hand means the handle is on the left and line counter on the right with the level wind on the front. Thanks.
1 Answer
Left hand models will end with a "1" right hand will end with a "0"
Submitted by: Bernie De Graaf on April 8, 2019

Kb
from NY asked:
April 5, 2019
What is a good rod to pair with the 300?   This would be from a kayak for inshore striper/blues/and fluke.  I’m not looking for anything too expensive.   
1 Answer
The TackleDirect TDSSC701MHT Silver Hook Series Inshore Conventional Rod - 7 ft. would be a good match for the 300 Tekota 
Submitted by: Bernie De Graaf on May 16, 2019

Richard soto
from Los Angeles Calif 90061 asked:
March 27, 2019
My new tekota  A 600 is good for saltwater rock fishing pair with a black diamond psw 15/40 for 300 feet of water 8oz lead or more.
1 Answer
The 600 size is a perfect combo of line capacity and strength for rock fish. 
Submitted by: Bernie De Graaf on April 4, 2019

Richard soto
from Los Angeles Calif 90061 asked:
March 8, 2019
Dakota 600 the new one

 what is the heaviest lead for bottom fishing in 300 feet water

1 Answer
Really depends on the rod you're pairing it with that will determine the weight you can use. 
Submitted by: Bernie De Graaf on March 8, 2019

Frank
from CT asked:
December 29, 2018
Are the new tekotas going to come in the 800 LC version?
1 Answer
Largest will be a 600
Submitted by: Bernie on January 2, 2019

Garrett
from Franklin GA asked:
December 19, 2018
Just purchased the new tekota 600 a. What would be a good rod to match it with for inshore\offshore use?
1 Answer
Depends on how you want to fish it. It can be paired with a jigging rod or a popping rod.
Submitted by: Bernie on December 19, 2018

Angel
from Houston, Texas asked:
November 28, 2018
Can the real be used for surf fishing
1 Answer
The reel can be used for surf fishing another option for you would be the one of the TranX models from Shimano.
Submitted by: Bernie on November 29, 2018

Dale
from Harbor Oregon asked:
September 11, 2018
Will the line counter on a Tekota 600 A get messed up if I use it to plunk from the bank when I am not trolling for salmon
1 Answer
The reels construction is very solid you wont damage anything
Submitted by: Bernie on September 12, 2018

Steve
from Salem, Oregon asked:
September 6, 2018
What is the sku number for the TEK600 A with line counter?
1 Answer
Our TD code is SHM-3542
Submitted by: Bernie on September 8, 2018

Matt Knight
from Napa california asked:
November 26, 2017
How do I get this reel in left hand retrieve
1 Answer
Hello Matt, Shimano never made this reel is a left hand retrieve.
Submitted by: Bernie on November 27, 2017

tom
from new york asked:
May 2, 2012
Which model is recommended for striped bass and wire?
1 Answer
The larger models with the Line Counter like the TEK800LC!
Submitted by: Customer Service on May 2, 2012

Tyler
from Port Jefferson Station, NY asked:
June 10, 2022
What size Tekota would you recommend for trolling spoons on a Tony Maja bunker spoon rod? I plan on putting 200' 50#mono backing and 300' 40# ultra soft monel. 800 seem a little big for this.


1 Answer
Hi Tyler, We recommend going with the Shimano Tekota in the 800 size as it is designed exactly for what you are planning on doing. Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with! Tight lines!
Submitted by: Huy - TackleDirect Customer Service on June 13, 2022

Evan
from Montville, NJ asked:
September 5, 2021
I have a 7’ MH St Croix Premier musky rod, and am considering pairing with this reel for cod and possibly trolling/chunking/livelining stripers. What size would you recommend?
1 Answer
Evan,

The Shimano Tekota 400 reel would be the recommended size to pair with your St.Croix Premier Musky 7' MH.  Unless you do not want the line counter, then you could go to the Tekota 500.  Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with. 

Submitted by: Rick - TackleDirect Customer Service on September 8, 2021

Floyd
from Monmouth Beach, New Jersey asked:
May 21, 2021
What rod pairs up well for trolling stripers?
1 Answer
Submitted by: Paul Olah on May 24, 2021

Anthony
from Lemoore, CA asked:
April 12, 2021
What is the length of the handle? Is it 70 mm?
1 Answer
Yes it is 70 mm
Submitted by: Billy - TackleDirect Customer Service on April 14, 2021

Pepperjack
from LV asked:
February 23, 2021
Is the 500 and 600 good for casting light live baits like sardine?
1 Answer
Yes, the 500 and 600 could be used to throw live sardines.
Submitted by: Austin Kearney on February 24, 2021

Nick
from Long Island, NY asked:
January 25, 2021
Which size Tekota for ocean jiggjng tog and stripers off Montauk. Also can be used for deeper water ocean fluke? And what rod would pair well with it? Thanks
1 Answer
I would go with the 500HGA paired with a Okuma PCH-C-701XH PCH Custom Series Conventional Rod.


https://www.tackledirect.com/okuma-pch-c-701xh-pch-custom-series-rod.html


Submitted by: Austin Kearney on January 25, 2021

Joe
from NJ asked:
October 24, 2020
Does the line counter measure in feet or yards?
1 Answer
This reel measures in Feet
Submitted by: Alex T on October 27, 2020

Jay
from NH asked:
April 30, 2020
Would a  TEK500 be appropriate  for jigging cod and haddock in 90-150 fow? 
1 Answer
The Tekota 500 will absolutely work for Haddock and Cod. 
Submitted by: Sydney on April 30, 2020

dmitry
from NY asked:
February 1, 2020
what rod wood be a good mach for trolling stripers with tec 600
1 Answer
A good rod to pair with that reel would be a Tsunami Tuff Tip Stand Up Rod or check out our TackleDirect TDSBS701MH Silver Hook Series Boat Rods. 
Submitted by: Rebecca Redington on February 5, 2020

Edward Schlesier
from Bethpage New york asked:
May 21, 2019
Am looking for a reel that I can use in Long Island sound for Blackfish Seabass porgies blues and stripers what would be the best one in size and line capacity 
1 Answer

I love the AVET sj serious narrow 

AVET's is  work horse 

Accurate Tern TwinStarDrag Reels

The Accurate Tern is a very light reel and we pair them up with Jigging world rods 

Submitted by: Andrew Montagna on May 23, 2019

Jason Y.
from CA asked:
November 19, 2018
These reels look similar in construction and design to the Torium series. Is that accurate regarding the build and size? What sizes of the torium would you compare them to? Thinking about picking up a couple for rock fishing ganyons and jigging. Thanks!
1 Answer
Tekota 500 compares to Torium 14. Tekota 600 compares to Torium 16. The 500 holds 240 yards of 65 lb test braid, same for the Torium 14. The 600 holds 330 yards of 65 lb test braid, same for the Torium 16. The Tekota's will work for your application.
Submitted by: Rebecca on November 21, 2018

Rush
from NONE asked:
November 18, 2018
What is the best rod to use with the 600 for trolling a rapala or a planer board?
1 Answer
Here's a link to our best selling rods for your application: https://www.tackledirect.com/daiwa-proteus-wn-saltwater-rods.html
Submitted by: Rebecca on November 21, 2018

Bryan
from FL asked:
November 13, 2018
Trying to make a nice setup for my 6y/o son. We do mostly saltwater fishing anywhere from trolling for tuna, mahi, wahoo to jigging for snapper or groupers. Will the Tekota meet my needs? Also which rod will work? Thank you!
4 Answers
This would be an awesome reel and your son is very lucky. We'd recommend pairing that with a Terez set up: https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-terez-conventional-fishing-rods.html
Submitted by: Chris on November 13, 2018
This would be an awesome reel and your son is very lucky. We'd recommend pairing that with a Terez set up: https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-terez-conventional-fishing-rods.html
Submitted by: Chris on November 13, 2018
This would be an awesome reel and your son is very lucky. We'd recommend pairing that with a Terez set up: https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-terez-conventional-fishing-rods.html
Submitted by: Chris on November 13, 2018
This would be an awesome reel and your son is very lucky. We'd recommend pairing that with a Terez set up: https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-terez-conventional-fishing-rods.html
Submitted by: Chris on November 13, 2018

Mark
from Nz asked:
October 17, 2018
Hi which Takoya reel would best suit lake trolling (with copper line) for trout Thanks
1 Answer
I would recommend using the 500HGLCA.
Submitted by: Ricky on October 18, 2018

John
from LA asked:
April 9, 2018
What would be a good rod(s) for the 700? Catching 15-18# red snapper in 80'-120' of water next to structure.
1 Answer
The Shimnao Trevala 6'6'' MH or H models would be a good selection of rods to choose from. Pairing them with the Tekota 700 would be a great match for the application your using the combo for.
Submitted by: Donald on April 12, 2018

Kb
from Ny asked:
March 12, 2017
What size reel is good for inshore striped bass and fluke fishing? This would be from a kayak/boat? Thank you.
1 Answer
The 300 size would be sufficient for inshore fishing for stripers and fluke.
Submitted by: Devon on March 13, 2017

Andres Belardes
from California asked:
December 4, 2016
how much 30#braid can i fit on the 300 model
1 Answer
Andres, Hello here is the braid line rating. 255/30 • 210/40 • 205/50
Submitted by: Tyler on December 5, 2016

FrankNsign
from Columbia River Washington State asked:
October 20, 2016
When the spec state so many yards of something pound test. Is that mono or braid?
1 Answer
The specifications on our website are for mono filament line.
Submitted by: Donald on October 21, 2016

Tim
from McCleary WA asked:
August 19, 2015
I've heard not having a large amount of line on the reel can make the line counter inaccurate. How much length of 50# tuff line would I put on a Shimano Tekota 500 LC to make sure the line counter is accurage from 0 to 125 feet? Tim
1 Answer
You are able to spool up to 440 yards of the 50lb braid/tuff line.
Submitted by: Kaitryn on September 4, 2015

Darren nguyen
from Freeport tx asked:
July 15, 2015
Is the tekota 800 with 80 pound braid good for mid size amberjack and large red snapper and also mid to large size king mackeral
1 Answer
The reel would work fine for that application.
Submitted by: David on July 17, 2015

damian
from trinidad asked:
September 14, 2014
can you use braid line on these reels??
1 Answer
Yes. These reels handle braid very well.
Submitted by: Customer Service on September 15, 2014

andy
from san francisco, ca asked:
September 25, 2013
where is the reel made in???
1 Answer
This reel is made in Japan
Submitted by: Customer Service on September 25, 2013

tom
from west palm bch fl asked:
November 9, 2012
Is this reel able to handle 50lb mono or high quality line
1 Answer
These reels can handle 50LB mono. If you plan on using that size mono i would highly recommend purchasing the 800 size reel in order to get adequate line capacity.
Submitted by: Customer Service on November 12, 2012

tom
from elmwood park nj asked:
October 2, 2012
I own the tekota 500 reel what would be a good rod to go with this reel.....fluking ,blues and striper fishing on a boat thank you tom
1 Answer
If you prefer foam grips I would go with a Shimano TVC66M Trevala Jigging Casting Rod. If you prefer cork grips I would go with a Shimano TMC-X70MH Teramar Inshore Southeast. Both of these rods will serve as excellent rods for targeting northeast inshore species like stipers, blues and fluke.
Submitted by: Customer Service on October 3, 2012

Pete Trask
from Boston MA asked:
August 5, 2012
what is the difference between the 500 and the 500LC ?
2 Answers
The 500LC has a built in line counter.
Submitted by: Customer Service on August 5, 2012
500LC stands for line counter. Another difference is an "auto engage" feature on the line counter model. Turning the handle will engage the spool after casting. The standard 500 model must be manually engaged to take the reel out of free spool.
Submitted by: Michael on June 14, 2013 from Pontiac, IL 61764 USA

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