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The Unyielding Workhorse: Mastering Your Shimano TLD Series Trolling Reel

At ReelSchematic.com, we understand that serious anglers demand gear that can withstand the rigors of the open ocean. Few reels embody this spirit of durability, reliability, and sheer fish-fighting power as profoundly as the Shimano TLD series trolling reels. For decades, these reels have been the backbone of countless offshore adventures, from targeting powerful tuna and wahoo to battling monstrous marlin.

While often considered a “no-frills” workhorse, the TLD’s simplicity belies its incredible capability. This comprehensive guide will delve into the nuances of using your Shimano TLD reel, covering everything from its core features and optimal rigging to advanced fishing techniques and essential maintenance. Prepare to unlock the full potential of your TLD and conquer the depths with confidence.

The Shimano TLD Legacy: Built to Last

The Shimano TLD series (TLD 15, 20, 25, 30A, 50A, 50II LRSA) has earned its legendary status through a combination of robust construction and intelligent design. Key features that define the TLD’s enduring appeal include:

  • Graphite Frame and Sideplates: While some might see graphite as a compromise compared to aluminum, Shimano’s proprietary XT7 graphite is incredibly strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. This makes the TLD reels remarkably easy to handle for their power, and virtually impervious to saltwater degradation.
  • Lever Drag System: This is the heart of the TLD’s fish-fighting prowess. A smooth, infinitely adjustable lever drag allows for precise control over line tension, enabling anglers to apply maximum pressure without fear of sudden break-offs, while also providing a crucial “strike” setting for hooksets.
  • Clicker System (Bait Clicker): A loud and reliable clicker alerts anglers to strikes, even when the rod is in a holder, preventing “rod-in-the-water” scenarios.
  • Aluminum Spool: Designed for superior strength and corrosion resistance, the aluminum spool ensures smooth line deployment and retrieval, even under heavy loads.
  • Stainless Steel Gears: Durable and precise, the stainless steel gears provide reliable power transmission and longevity, even after years of heavy use.
  • Ergonomic Handle Design: The power handle on TLD reels is designed for comfort and leverage, reducing fatigue during long fights.
  • Open Frame Design: The lack of a level wind system, while requiring manual line guiding, eliminates a common point of failure and allows for stronger, simpler construction. This is a deliberate design choice for heavy-duty trolling.

Preparing Your TLD for Battle: Rigging and Spooling

Proper rigging is paramount for maximizing your TLD’s performance and ensuring successful outings.

Line Selection: Monofilament Reign Supreme

For most TLD applications, monofilament fishing line is the go-to choice. Its stretch provides a crucial shock absorber, cushioning the impact of powerful strikes and head shakes, which is especially important when targeting large, aggressive pelagic species.

  • TLD 15/20/25: Ideal for lighter offshore trolling, live baiting, and bottom fishing. Typically spooled with 20-40 lb monofilament.
  • TLD 30A/50A: The workhorses for medium to heavy offshore trolling. Commonly spooled with 50-80 lb monofilament. The 30A is often preferred for 50 lb class outfits, while the 50A excels with 80 lb.
  • TLD 50II LRSA: The two-speed beast designed for serious big-game encounters. It handles 80-130 lb monofilament with ease, often with a monofilament topshot over braided backing for increased capacity.

Tips for Spooling:

  1. Backing (Optional but Recommended for larger TLDs): For the 30A, 50A, and 50II LRSA, consider adding a layer of braided line (Dacron or Spectra/Dyneema) as backing. This significantly increases your line capacity without adding much bulk. For example, a TLD 50A spooled with 100-200 yards of 100-130 lb braid, then topped with 80 lb monofilament, offers immense capacity.
  2. Proper Tension: Spool your line onto the TLD under significant tension. This prevents the line from digging into itself under heavy drag, which can lead to tangles, birds’ nests, or even line breakage during a fight. A line winder or a damp rag held firmly against the spool will achieve this.
  3. Knots: Use a strong, reliable knot to attach your backing to the monofilament topshot (e.g., Albright Knot, FG Knot). For attaching line to the spool arbor, a simple arbor knot is sufficient, but ensure it’s tight.
  4. Fill Level: Spool your reel to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the top edge of the spool. Overfilling can lead to tangles; underfilling reduces capacity and casting distance (though casting isn’t a primary function of TLDs).

Rod Pairing: The Perfect Match

The TLD series thrives when paired with appropriate trolling rods. Look for:

  • Heavy-Duty Construction: Solid fiberglass or composite blanks are ideal, offering durability and a smooth, parabolic bend.
  • Roller Guides (Recommended for larger TLDs): For 50 lb class and up, roller guides significantly reduce friction and line wear, especially during prolonged battles with large fish. For smaller TLDs, heavy-duty conventional guides are sufficient.
  • Bent Butts (Optional for 50II LRSA): For extreme big-game applications, a bent butt rod helps distribute pressure more effectively when fighting fish from a stand-up harness.

Operating Your TLD: From Strike to Landing

The TLD’s simple design makes it intuitive to use, but mastering its nuances will elevate your angling success.

1. Drag Setting: The Cornerstone of Control

The lever drag is the TLD’s most critical feature. Understanding and properly setting your drag is essential.

  • “Strike” Setting: This is your primary fishing drag setting. It should be approximately one-third of the breaking strength of your line. For 80 lb mono, your strike drag would be around 26-27 lbs. Use a reliable spring scale to measure and set this precisely.
  • “Full” Setting: The maximum drag setting on the lever. This is typically used only for the very final stages of a fight or to stop a run. Never start a fight at full drag; it will break your line or pull hooks.
  • Free Spool: The lever moved all the way back to the “Free” position. This allows the spool to spin freely, crucial for deploying baits or lures.
  • Bait (or Light Drag) Setting: A light drag setting often found just after “Free.” This allows line to peel off easily, preventing resistance for shy biters, while still providing enough tension to prevent backlash and keep the lure tracking properly. This is engaged by moving the lever slightly forward from “Free.”

Key Drag Principles:

  • Smoothness: The TLD’s drag washers provide incredibly smooth drag pressure, even under heavy loads. This smoothness is vital for preventing shock to the line and protecting your knots.
  • Check Your Drag: Always check your drag setting before deploying baits and periodically throughout the day. Drag can change due to temperature, moisture, or line stretch.
  • “Thumb on the Spool” (Advanced): In extreme situations, experienced anglers might apply additional thumb pressure to the spool to temporarily increase drag beyond the set limit. Use extreme caution, as this can lead to backlash or line breakage.

2. The Clicker (Bait Alarm): Your First Alert

  • Engagement: The clicker lever is usually located on the sideplate opposite the handle. Engage it when your bait or lure is in the water and the rod is in a holder.
  • Strike Indication: When a fish strikes, the clicker will scream, alerting you to the bite. It also provides enough resistance to help set the hook as the fish takes the bait.
  • Disengagement: Once you grab the rod and are ready to fight the fish, disengage the clicker. Fighting a fish with the clicker engaged adds unnecessary friction and noise.

3. Trolling Techniques: Letting the TLD Do the Work

  • Deployment: With the TLD in free spool, deploy your bait or lure smoothly, ensuring the line peels off without kinks or tangles.
  • Line Guiding (Manual Level Wind): Since the TLD lacks a level wind, you must manually guide the line evenly across the spool as you retrieve. Use your thumb and forefinger to lay the line smoothly side-to-side. This prevents line from burying into itself, which can cause jams or break-offs during a run. Practice this technique; it becomes second nature.
  • Strike Position: When a fish strikes, resist the urge to immediately jam the lever forward. Allow the fish to take the bait, letting the clicker scream. Once the fish is clearly running with the bait, slowly ease the drag lever forward to the “Strike” position. This allows the circle hook (if using) to find its purchase, or for the J-hook to fully engage.
  • Fighting the Fish:
    • “Pump and Reel”: This is the fundamental technique for fighting large fish. With the rod tip pointed towards the fish, pump the rod up to gain line, then quickly drop the rod tip while simultaneously reeling down to retrieve the gained line. Repeat this rhythmically.
    • Maintain Pressure: Always keep constant pressure on the fish. Slack line gives the fish an opportunity to shake the hook or gain an advantage.
    • Use Your Drag: Don’t be afraid to adjust your drag in real-time. If the fish is making a strong run, consider backing off the drag slightly to prevent a break-off. As the fish tires, you can increase the drag to gain line more effectively.
    • High Gear vs. Low Gear (TLD 50II LRSA): The two-speed models are invaluable for big fish.
      • High Gear: Use for retrieving line quickly when the fish is not pulling hard, or when clearing lines.
      • Low Gear: Engage low gear when the fish is making a powerful run or when you need maximum cranking power to gain line against a stubborn fish. Shifting between gears is smooth and immediate.

4. Landing the Catch

  • Teamwork: If possible, have a designated gaff man or leader man.
  • Short Strokes: As the fish approaches the boat, shorten your “pump and reel” strokes.
  • Clear the Area: Ensure decks are clear of obstructions.
  • Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Don’t overextend yourself or put yourself in a precarious position to land a fish.

Advanced Applications for the TLD Series

The TLD’s versatility extends beyond basic trolling.

  • Live Baiting: The TLD’s smooth free spool and audible clicker are excellent for deploying live baits for tuna, kingfish, or sailfish. The lever drag allows for subtle adjustments to match the bait’s behavior.
  • Chunking/Drifting: For targeting tuna on the drift, the TLD allows for easy deployment of baits at various depths and provides the power to fight a fish that takes a bait far from the boat.
  • Deep Dropping: While not a primary deep-drop reel, the TLD 50A or 50II LRSA can handle light to medium deep-dropping with braided line, especially for species like snapper or grouper in moderate depths.
  • Shark Fishing: The larger TLDs (30A, 50A, 50II LRSA) are popular choices for targeting sharks due to their robust drag and line capacity.

Essential Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment

The TLD series is renowned for its low maintenance requirements, but regular care will significantly extend its lifespan and ensure peak performance.

  1. Post-Trip Rinse:
    • Freshwater Rinse: Immediately after every saltwater outing, thoroughly rinse your TLD reel with fresh water. Do not submerge the reel. Focus on washing away salt spray and debris from the exterior.
    • Engage Drag: While rinsing, keep the drag lever in the “Strike” or “Full” position to compress the drag washers. This prevents water from seeping into the drag stack.
    • Rinse Handle and Spool: Pay attention to the handle, knob, and around the spool edges.
    • Shake Dry: Gently shake off excess water.
  2. Air Drying:
    • Loosen Drag: After rinsing and shaking dry, move the drag lever back to the “Free” position. This relieves pressure on the drag washers and allows them to dry completely.
    • Open Bail (if applicable): While TLDs don’t have a bail, ensure any openings are clear for air circulation.
    • Store in Ventilated Area: Allow the reel to air dry completely before storing it. Do not store in an enclosed, damp space.
  3. Lubrication (Every Few Outings or Seasonally):
    • Light Oil: Apply a tiny drop of high-quality reel oil to moving parts such as the handle knob, the spindle under the handle, and any exposed screws or pivot points.
    • Grease: For the main gears and drag washers (if servicing), use a marine-grade reel grease. Note: Only disassemble the reel for greasing if you are confident in your mechanical abilities or consult a professional. Improper reassembly can damage the reel.
    • Drag Washers: Shimano’s Dartanium drag washers are designed to be used dry or with a very thin coat of proprietary drag grease (Shimano Star Drag Grease). Avoid heavy greasing unless specifically instructed, as this can degrade performance.
  4. Propeller Shaft (for lever drag reels):
    • Check for Corrosion: Periodically check the propeller shaft (the part of the reel the spool rides on) for any signs of corrosion or buildup. A very light coat of marine grease can protect it.
  5. Line Inspection:
    • Check for Nicks/Fraying: Before and after each trip, inspect the first several feet of your line for any nicks, abrasions, or fraying. Cut back and re-tie as needed.
    • Replace Line: Depending on usage, consider replacing your monofilament line annually or more frequently if it sees heavy action.
  6. Storage:
    • Protective Cover: Use a neoprene or soft reel cover to protect your TLD from dust, dings, and UV exposure during storage.
    • Cool, Dry Place: Store your reels in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

The Shimano TLD: A Testament to Reliability

The Shimano TLD series isn’t just a collection of reels; it’s a testament to the idea that robust, straightforward engineering can outperform complex designs when it comes to raw power and reliability. From its virtually indestructible graphite frame to its butter-smooth lever drag, every aspect of the TLD is designed to conquer the toughest fish in the ocean, trip after trip, year after year.

By understanding its core features, mastering its operation, and committing to diligent maintenance, your Shimano TLD will remain an unyielding workhorse in your arsenal, ready to answer the call of the deep and help you create unforgettable memories on the water. Invest in a TLD, and you’re investing in a legacy of offshore excellence.