I really like this reel. It’s versatile, light and budget friendly. I’m using mine for bottom fishing and trolling from a kayak. There are few lever drag/level wind reels on the market. This one is a proven performer.

I just love the smooth lever drag on these TR-1000LD Charter Specials. I bought my first two in 1998, and are is still going strong. I have added two more recently as I keep adding new rods to my collection.
I use these TR-1000LD for everything from Sturgeon fishing to trolling for halibut. For sturgeon, need a very light drag on the initial pickup, them be able to smoothly apply heavier drag when fish starts to run. Halibut like to swim up to the boat, then dive like crazy at boat side, so need to be able to back off the drag as they come up, and keep from snapping terminal tackle on that last run.
These TR-1000d really fill the bill. I am glad that Shimano is still making them.

These reels are very affordable which makes it great for charter captains and especially easily replaceable. If you're in the charter business there's always a risk that setup is easily lost to a beginner angler

Great reel for the money.

I own 6 of these now. Bought my first pair in the early 90's and they are still as good as the day I bought them. Been downrigging for salmon and trout with them now going on 27 years and never an issue. Same with the TDR rods I paired them to. These will last me the rest of my days. Superb quality and value and love the lever drag! Sure makes handling a breeze when you have a big fish on spooling off line and you have the downriggers to tend to at the same time.

dope ass reel

Spent a half hour on this reel spooled with 20lb and hooked to a big drum. These little Shimano lever drags get the job done. That's why I have several of them

the shimano charter special what a outstanding reel for the money, lever drag and leverwind, you can't ask for more it has the best of both worlds...

Great reel: good price , multiple use, lightweight,smooth,portable,..etcetc

Bought this reel on the last day out at port a texas it performed great the 50# line broke with no real strugle from the reel

Seems to be a pretty good reel bought it on the last day of fishing hooked up a few times the reel handled great only problem was the 50lb line broke next time out I will be trying 100lb braided I plan on buying another and spooling 80lb just in case 100lb is to much for the other one

I have a few of the Charter Special L/D L/W Reels for use when fishing for Gummy Sharks.
They are level wind which is great for those that are not that familiar with over head gear, other great features of these reels are they have a generous line capacity and a fantastic drag system.
Great All Rounder.

Last year I used my 2 x Charter Specials and 2 x Shimano TDR trolling rods to fish for Salmon. I occasionally used them to bottom fish as well and they worked great for both applications. The levelwind and lever drag makes it almost feel like you are cheating when you start to reel in your catch.

I have three of these reels and the all work great! Never had a problem with them. They have plenty of drag and are very smooth. They are light weight and I love the level wind lever drag ... it's a great combination that works very well. I use these reels for trolling, drifting live baits and bottom fishing, although the ratio is not great for bottom fishing deeps water. This is not a great casting reel nor is it my first choice for jigging ... overall this is a great reel. There is at least one on the boat every trip out.

This was my first lever drag reel, and I've used it for years for seabass, flounder, and striper. I like the reel, and it gets the job done. It's easy to use, and it spools line very nicely.