Shimano TLD-2 Speed A Lever Drag Reels

Shimano TLD-2 Speed A Lever Drag Reels

Light in hand and easy to shift, these reels are adaptable to any number of bluewater species from tuna to striped marlin.

$329.99 - $439.99
Earn 330 - 440 Reward Points   Learn More...
Model:
Qty:

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Model
TD Code
line Retrieve
Per Crank (in)
Line Capacity
(yds/lb)
Max Drag at Full
w/ Freespool
(lbs.)
Max Drag at Strike
w/ Freespool
(lbs.)
BearingsGear RatioWeight
(oz)
Price
TLD20IIA
SHM-0854
37/16700/20
450/30
250/50
30.022.044.0:1
1.7:1
36.2$329.99 USD
TLD30IIA
SHM-0855
37/16800/20
600/30
450/40
350/50
33.024.044.0:1
1.7:1
37.5$339.99 USD
TLD50IIA
SHM-0856
38/15700/5037.029.043.5:1
1.4:1
57.3$439.99 USD
TLD50IILRSA
SHM-0857
38/15440/8042.032.043.5:1
1.4:1
57.3$439.99 USD
You don't need a big boat to catch big fish. In fact, there's absolutely no reason why you couldn't 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 that's both nimble and versatile. Our TLD 2-speed lever drag reels are light in hand and so easy to shift they're almost mindless. This makes them adaptable to any number of bluewater species from tuna to striped marlin. And because they're 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 it's 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.
  • Graphite Frame
  • Graphite Side Plates
  • Rod Clamp
  • Barrel Handle Grip
  • Aluminum Spool
  • A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings) are specially treated stainless steel ball bearings that are at least 10 times more corrosion resistant than standard stainless steel ball bearings.
  • Clicker increases the tension on freespool and activates a clicking alarm when a fish bites.
5 Stars based on 28 reviews
By Ron
Southern California
Smooth reel
August 6, 2022
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.
Pros
  • Smooth retrieval and nice large handle.
Cons
  • None yet.
By Jonathan
drexel hill, PA
So far so good
July 10, 2022
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
Pros
  • Line capacity, well constructed
Cons
  • Zero
By Captain B.
Atlantic
Bullet proof
May 19, 2022
Best 50 for the buck!
Pros
  • Light weight, price, proven!
By Tom
MI
Shimano Reel
November 29, 2021
Excellent piece of fishing equipment.
By Brian F.
Philadelphia Pa
Best 50W for the price.
September 20, 2021
I have several of these reels. They are the best 50W 2-speed reel you can buy for this price.
By Nathan
Stuart, FL
Great service & product
August 4, 2021
Really impressed with these reels so far. Customer service was super helpful with getting them spooled with the mono I wanted.
By Harry N.
Long Island
Great reels!
July 29, 2021
Really pleased with these reals. Shimano builds a great product.
By Mike
New Hyde Park, NY
Nice smooth reel
July 19, 2021
Can't beat this reel at this price
By Nathan
NC
Great reel
December 13, 2020
Great reel at a great price.
By Brian
Destin, FL
Great Reel!
July 21, 2020
Used this reel on a trip in Florida so had to get my own. Great reel!
By Chip H.
Chesapeake, Va
Typical Shimano...
July 17, 2020
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.
Pros
  • Drag
  • Construction quality
  • Price
By MEMO
MEXICO
ROCKSTAR REELS
January 2, 2020
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.
Pros
  • Price
Cons
  • not yet
By Cam
New Jersey
Solid
November 20, 2019
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.
Pros
  • Strong
  • Line Capacity
  • Drag
  • 2 Speed
Cons
  • Graphite body
  • No Casting
By Kenny
MD
The ultimate budget reel
November 19, 2019
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
By John
Destin Florida
Awesome service with a great product!!!!
September 12, 2019
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!!!!!!
17 Questions & 16 Answers
JP
from Jacksonville, Florida asked:
January 16, 2019
Witch Fishing Rod would you recommend with the Shimano TLD50IIA, I will b e using on a sailboat in the Exumas (Bahamas)
1 Answer
A 6 foot stand up or bent butt trolling rod would pair up well with this
Submitted by: Bernie on January 17, 2019

Joe
from Lake Worth Fl asked:
January 7, 2018
What weight hollow core options are available for free spooling and capacities?
1 Answer
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.
Submitted by: Bernie on January 8, 2018

Roger
from Hopewell, NJ asked:
August 13, 2021
Which rod would you pair with the TLD20II.  Something versatile that could be used for trolling, chunking, etc... 
1 Answer
Roger,

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.

Submitted by: Rick - TackleDirect Customer Service on August 13, 2021

Gary
from Arizona asked:
August 3, 2021
Do you have (or does it come with) the screw mounts for attaching to the rod for extra security?
1 Answer
Gary,

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.

Submitted by: Rick - TackleDirect Customer Service on August 3, 2021

Doug
from Wilmington NC asked:
April 25, 2021
Could you use the 30 size to run a #3 or 4 planer ? What rod would be a good choice ? 
1 Answer
You will be fine to run either one of those planers with this reel.

I would recommend either Shimano TEBC66HSBA Talavera Bluewater Ring Guide Slick Butt Rod or TackleDirect TDSSUT661MHSB Silver Hook Series Conventional Stand-Up Rod both will be good for this reel.

Submitted by: Paul Olah on May 13, 2021

Skip
from Idaho asked:
April 4, 2021
What is the best rod and reel for catching 9' sturgeon with using 100 lb test line.


1 Answer
I would recommend a Shimano Talavera Xtra Heavy rod linked below


https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-tec66xhc-talavera-boat-casting-rod.html



Submitted by: Billy - TackleDirect Customer Service on April 6, 2021

Reese Matthews
from Bradenton Florida asked:
March 6, 2021
Which model is available in left hand and would this be a good choice for bottom grouper fishing? thank you
1 Answer
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 Star Drag Conventional Reels 20HGL or 30HGL. 



https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-torium-star-drag-reels.html



Submitted by: Austin Kearney on March 9, 2021

john
from MA asked:
February 25, 2021
would this reel be a good choice for commercial striped bass
1 Answer
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.


https://www.tackledirect.com/shimanotld.html


Submitted by: Austin Kearney on February 25, 2021

Flo
from West Palm Beach Florida asked:
January 24, 2021
Could this reel be used for planer fishing, Number 6 or 8?


1 Answer
For heavy planers I would go with a minimum size 50W reel. 
Submitted by: Austin Kearney on January 25, 2021

franco carlo
from South Texas asked:
October 16, 2020
Can the Shimano tld30  2 spd. be used  as a  surf  casting rig?
1 Answer
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
Submitted by: Alex T on October 23, 2020

Mike
from NY asked:
January 20, 2020
Which Shimano rod would recommend pairing the TLD50LRSA with for trolling for tuna? 
1 Answer

Hello Mike, We recommend the shimano Tallus 

https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-tlc59xhsbbla-tallus-trolling-slick-butt-ring-guided-rod.html

https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-tallus-trolling-slick-butt-ring-guide-rods.html

Submitted by: Tyler Bennett on January 23, 2020

Mike
from NJ asked:
July 16, 2018
When you spool these reels are they straight mono or do you back them with Dacron then mono?
1 Answer
Usually straight mono. IF not that then it's usually spectra for backing with a mono topshot.. Not much dacron used on TLD's.
Submitted by: John on July 17, 2018

Rob
from Boston, MA asked:
December 4, 2017
Are the line capacity number given for mono or braid? I am assuming these are mono numbers?
1 Answer
The line capacities for the Shimano TLD-2 Speed A Lever Drag Reels are for mono line.
Submitted by: Donald on December 7, 2017

saleh
from L.A asked:
January 11, 2015
do you recommend this reel for trolling/bottom fishing? and what is the best rod ( medium/heavy) that would match the reel

Tomas
from Tehachapi, Ca. asked:
June 16, 2014
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.
1 Answer
The 30 will work for your application. It should hold about 300 yards of 80# braid.
Submitted by: Customer Service on June 17, 2014

Sean
from Farmingdale, NY asked:
June 4, 2014
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.
1 Answer
The Avet LX is a smaller reel than the TLD-2 and has a grater line capacity,
Submitted by: Customer Service on June 5, 2014

CJ
from hyannis MA asked:
November 4, 2013
If I'm going to use 60 lb test should I use the 50 or the 50RLSA?
1 Answer
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.
Submitted by: Customer Service on November 5, 2013

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