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| Model TD Code | Line Retrieve Per Crank | Mono Capacity (lb/yds) | PowerPro Capacity (lb/yds) | Max Drag at Full w/Freespool | Max Drag at Strike w/Freespool | Ball Bearings | Gear Ratio | Weight | Price |
| TLD-20 SHM-0348 | 32 in | 20/700 30/450 40/330 | 50/820 65/745 80/660 | 23 lb | 17 lb | 4BB | 3.6:1 | 23.6 oz | $189.99 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 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.
The Shimano TLD reels are light in hand, so easy to shift they're almost mindless, and they're
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. A large,
private, ocean-going vessel may be neat, but it's not necessary. Just match the tackle to
the situation. And let the fish fall where they may.
Lever Drag
Freespool or the perfectly dialed-in strike drag. With Shimano's lever drag reels - including Tiagra and all Shimano TLD reels - you won't make a mistake. Whether you need to back off quickly when a marlin starts its surface dance, or full drag pressure when a tuna goes deep and circles, you can rely on Shimano's lever drag to do the job.
Shimano TLD features:
Freespool or the perfectly dialed-in strike drag. With Shimano's lever drag reels - including Tiagra and all Shimano TLD reels - you won't make a mistake. Whether you need to back off quickly when a marlin starts its surface dance, or full drag pressure when a tuna goes deep and circles, you can rely on Shimano's lever drag to do the job.
Shimano TLD features:
- Graphite Frame
- Graphite Sideplate
- Aluminum Spool
- Rod Clamp
- Barrel Handle Grip
- A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings)
- Clicker
- Counter Balanced Handle (TLD 15 only)
- Approved for use in Saltwater
- Rated for use with Mono, Fluorocarbon and PowerPro lines
5 Stars based on 39 reviews
By BH
FL
Best value in offshore reels?
August 9, 2022
As others have said, this may be the best "bang for your buck" reel if you're looking to get into offshore fishing, especially for those of us who don't really have true "offshore" boats.
We use the 25s for trolling lures, I have caught basically everything, including sailfish, mahi and my PB wahoo (about 60lb). 20s are good too if you dont need as much line capacity.
I use the 15s for livebait mackerel fishing on 20lb mono as well.
I would be willing to spend a few more bucks if they came with nicer / bigger handles
We use the 25s for trolling lures, I have caught basically everything, including sailfish, mahi and my PB wahoo (about 60lb). 20s are good too if you dont need as much line capacity.
I use the 15s for livebait mackerel fishing on 20lb mono as well.
I would be willing to spend a few more bucks if they came with nicer / bigger handles
Pros
- Simplicity, durability, smoothness
Cons
- The handles should be better
By Alan
Nc
Great value
April 22, 2022
No better reel for the money
By Brandon
Berlin, MD
Great Reels for the Price
January 22, 2022
Fantastic reel for the price. Have used mine for bottom fishing and a little light trolling. I could see the handle being a little uncomfortable if battling a good-sized fish, but for everything I've caught so far it has been fine. Honestly, you can't ask for much more on a reel at this pricepoint.
By Mike
NJ
Great reels
November 12, 2021
Top notch reels for trolling striped bass
By Will
Mystic, CT
Best bang for your buck reel
September 6, 2021
Fantastic reels, if I am in the market to buy more reels it will be these.
By Travis
NJ
Great reel
July 31, 2021
Tons of line capacity does whatever I need it to do
Pros
- Price , line capacity
By Sebastien
Glacis, Mahe, Seychelles
Best Reel for light trolling
June 5, 2021
This reel is very versatile but it's niche is light trolling. This reel will catch wahoo, small sail fish, school size yft and can even be used for grouper and snapper though here a lot will depend on the angler's skill when the fish strikes.
Pros
- Light, idiot proof to use
Cons
- The knod could be better
By Dave
Barnegat Light, NJ
Great reel
March 19, 2021
After a hard debate on which reels to buy I’m happy I went with 4x TLD-25s! Was able to get 525 yds on these but probably could’ve gotten 600+ if the shop (not TD!) had done what I’d asked. Nonetheless very happy with the purchase!
Pros
- Great braid + top shot capacity
Cons
- The handle is a little short but that?s all fixable.
By Joe
Vero Beach Florida
Great reel for the price
June 9, 2020
I’ve used this reel over and over again, it’s never failed me, I love it 👍
By Kyle
Port Aransas, Texas
TLD
May 21, 2020
Have had our 4 TLD's for 10 years and they are still in perfect condition and work perfectly every single time we use them.
By Kenny
MD
Love the TLD line
November 19, 2019
The TLD line is an amazing entry level reel that will be there for years even on charter boats I've seen, my only downside to this one is the knob. If they just made all their TLD lines with a football or round knob these reels would take over the entry level field
By Terry
Corpus Christi
Great surf reel
October 29, 2019
I bought it to put on a 20~40 1954 12' Yellow Fenwick. I restored the rod all new guides and rewrapped it & I knew I wanted this reel for the rod. I've used TLD reels since the 90's great for casting, trolling and jigging. . I can use it on my surf rod or troll for kingfish & Dolphin in my kayak in the Gulf.
By Tyler
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Best bang for your buck
October 23, 2019
I personally love the TLD series reels. If you’re on a budget, and looking for a quality reel, this is definitely it. I have a tld 20 and 30 and absolutely love them. I’m honestly thinking about adding more to my arsenal for the 2020 season. If you’re beginning to fish for big game fish, the Shimano TLD reels are where it’s at!!
By Josh
Surfside, Florida
Amazing reel
March 27, 2019
Extremely well made and built to last. I've had mine for many years. Bought it for bottom fishing from party boats.
Pros
- Well made
- Very powerful reel
- Longevity
By OBX351
mclean, VA
Another classic and great reel from Shimano
December 16, 2018
I have 2, one is at least 10 years old, of these and a 25 and they are really great reels. They guy who cleans and services my reels in the off season, joking, said he doesn't service TLDs because they are too well built! We've never had an issue with any of them, even the one that's at least 10 years old. There's a reason everyone I spoke with about a trolling reel said to get a TLD.
Pros
- Best bang for the buck reel out there.
8 Questions &
8 Answers
Ryan
from Hermosa Beach CA asked:
August 23, 2019
What would be a good rod to paid with the TLD-20. Primary use will be trolling offhshore in SoCal for Mahi, Yellowfin, and yellowtail? But, would also like the flexibility to switch over to so deep water bait soaking or jigging for bigger Halibut. What rod(s) would you suggest to pair up with this reel?
1 Answer
Trevala butterfly jigging conventional rod 6ft 6 XH or shimano Tallus Blue water conventional 6ft 6 H
Submitted by:
Alyssa Madosky
on August 31, 2019
Clayton
from Clearwater, Fl asked:
August 31, 2016
Is there a left hand retrieve version of this reel available? Or maybe another Shimano or Penn reel that would be good for bottom fishing for Grouper off of a walk on pier that is left hand retrieve?
My current set up is a 5'5" Penn Tuna Stick and Penn 330Gti that I use, looking for something new though. :)
(Fishing off of the Skyway Bridge Pier in the Tampa Bay, Florida. It used to be a bridge that they turned into a pier after an accident, great Grouper spot from what I've heard)
1 Answer
The Penn SQL60LDLH Squall Lever Drag Reel Left Hand Retrieve would be a good match for that rod.
Submitted by:
Donald
on September 1, 2016
bill
from new jersey asked:
August 16, 2015
does it hurt the reel if you adjust the preset drag while not in free spool?
1 Answer
It is possible to damage the reel doing that. When setting the preset drag, the reel should always be in free spool. Adjusting without being in free spool can cause damage to the adjustment mechanism.
Submitted by:
David
on August 19, 2015
Chris
from St. Helens, OR asked:
March 17, 2015
My pole is a Shimano X80 HBC GH 8' and I'll be fishing for salmon up to 50# in the Columbia, and a little offshore fishing. What reel do you suggest to match up and deliver, if not the TLD 20?
1 Answer
Chris, the Tld 20 would be an awesome reel for your fishing application, if your looking for a little more power in the same size range I recommend the Tyrnos 20 lever drag.
Submitted by:
Frank
on March 17, 2015
Chris
from St. Helens, OR asked:
March 14, 2015
I'm thinking about using this reel when plunking for salmon off a boat in the Columbia River. Good idea? And what rod would you recommend for a match up?
1 Answer
Hello Chris.
I think this would be a little too much reel for what you will be doing. You would probably be able to use a smaller reel. To help us give you a better answer, what pound fish are you targeting and how heavy of a lead weight will you be using? This will help us get you setup with a better rod and reel. Please feel free to give one of our product specialists a call and we will get you all set up!
Direct +1-609-788-3819
Email sales@tackledirect.com
Submitted by:
Brandon
on March 16, 2015
CYLee
from Diego Garcia asked:
October 19, 2014
is this good for bottom fishing? for snapper and groupers.. off shore saltwater fishing on a boat?
how does this compare to Abu Garcia Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel - RVO3 SXHS / RVO3 SXHSL?
if ok.. i'm looking for a ABU rod for this.. can u suggest?
and shd i get a power pro 30lb line with this reel?
1 Answer
Hello.
This reel would be perfect for what you want to use it for. The Abu Garcia reels you inquired about are going to be a bit too small for what you will be fishing. As far as a rod, we recommend the Shimano Terez. These can be found here:
http://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-terez-conventional-fishing-rods.html
As far as line, you would be more well suited with a 50lb. or higher Power Pro. Please feel free to contact us if you have any more questions!
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on October 19, 2014
Corey Milelr
from Stuart, fl asked:
October 31, 2013
Are the Shimano TLD-20's - 2 speed reels?
1 Answer
The Shimano TLD-2 Speed A Lever Drag Reels are the only reels in the TLD series that Shimano offers. The Triton Lever Drag Series reels are only single speed and not two speed.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on November 1, 2013
Richard
from Gt Barrier Island , NZ asked:
November 13, 2012
Hi can you adjust the free spool on this reel ?
1 Answer
There is no spool break on the TLD 20 to control free spool.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on November 14, 2012
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