When trolling for salmon in the Pacific Northwest or coastal British Columbia, your reel isn't just holding line—it's helping you manage current, depth, and every surge of the fish. A centerpin-style reel with a drag system gives you the smooth, hands-on feel moochers love, with the stopping power you need when big fish run deep.
Here's a breakdown of the best trolling-ready centerpin and mooching reels with drag systems, including a deep dive into Islander’s three top models and how to choose the one that fits your fishery and style.
1. Islander TR3
Purpose-Built for Power, Protection, and Saltwater
The TR3 is Islander’s most advanced trolling reel—CNC-machined in British Columbia with a sealed ceramic and carbon hybrid drag system. Built for saltwater trolling and downrigger use, it offers serious capacity and performance in tough conditions.
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Why It Stands Out:
The sealed drag stays smooth and maintenance-free, even after long days in the salt. Ideal for deep water or high-pressure fisheries. -
Best For:
Trolling with downriggers, big water, and longer fights where drag consistency matters most. -
Drag Type: Sealed ceramic & carbon
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Price Range: $722–$999 USD
2. Islander MR3
The Iconic Mooching Reel with Cork Feel
The MR3 is Islander’s most beloved mooching reel—and for good reason. It runs a traditional cork drag system that delivers buttery-smooth startup and an intuitive feel during the fight. The drag is exposed, making it easy to service and fine-tune.
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Why It Stands Out:
Cork drag gives the MR3 that classic “hands-on” mooching feel. It’s responsive, consistent, and pairs beautifully with a lightweight trolling rod. -
Best For:
Mooching and light trolling where subtle presentation and drag control matter. -
Drag Type: Exposed cork drag
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Price Range: $611–$859 USD
3. Islander MR2
Classic Feel, Free Spool Lever, and Smaller Arbor
The MR2 shares the MR3’s cork drag system but is designed with a more traditional mooching feel. It features two key differences:
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A manual free spool lever, giving you tactile control over when the reel spins freely—a favorite for anglers who like to feather their line during a drop.
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A smaller arbor, which means a slower pickup rate but more torque and control when fighting fish.
It’s slightly heavier and more mechanical-feeling than the MR3, making it a great option for those who prefer a bit more feedback from their reel.
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Why It Stands Out:
Classic design, manual control, and a slower gear ratio that gives you more feel and control during the fight. -
Best For:
Traditional mooching anglers who value manual spool control and strong torque over fast pickup. -
Drag Type: Exposed cork drag
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Notable Features: Free spool lever, smaller arbor, classic frame design
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Price Range: $610–$859 USD
4. Amundson TMX5
High Performance Without the Premium Price
Built for West Coast salmon fisheries, Amundson’s mooching reels are a favorite among anglers who want dependable drag performance and solid machining—all without paying a premium price.
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Why It Stands Out:
Smooth drag, clean aesthetics, and dependable service in real-world trolling conditions. -
Drag Type: Exposed carbon-style drag
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Price Range: $282–$409 USD
5. Daiwa M-One UTD
Charter-Grade Dependability
The Daiwa M-One UTD isn’t a traditional centerpin, but it’s built for trolling and mooching with a smooth, adjustable disc drag system that performs reliably. It’s rugged, affordable, and a go-to choice for guide boats running multiple rods.
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Why It Stands Out:
Widely available and easy to use, this reel delivers consistent drag at a great value. -
Drag Type: Adjustable disc drag
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Price Range: $85–$133 USD
Comparison Table: Best Trolling-Capable Centerpin & Mooching Reels
| Brand | Model | Drag Type | Drag Material | Notable Features | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islander | TR3 | Sealed | Ceramic + Carbon | Maintenance-free, deep trolling power | Saltwater trolling, downriggers | $722–$999 |
| Islander | MR3 | Exposed | Cork | Silent free spool, refined build | Mooching, light trolling | $611–$859 |
| Islander | MR2 | Exposed + Lever | Cork | Free spool lever, small arbor | Classic mooching, slower pickup | $610–$859 |
| Amundson | TMX5 | Exposed | Carbon-style | Great value, West Coast performance | All-purpose salmon trolling | $282–$409 |
| Daiwa | M-One UTD | Adjustable Disc | Multi-material | Charter-proven durability | Affordable trolling reliability | $85–$133 |
Final Thoughts
Every reel on this list offers something different—from the sealed ceramic drag and capacity of the TR3, to the classic cork control of the MR2, to budget-friendly reliability from Daiwa and Amundson.
If you're looking to build a high-performance trolling setup, the right reel is just as important as the right rod. Whether you’re running a downrigger deep for kings or mooching coho near the surface, these reels will give you the control and confidence to stay tight from the first bite to the net.
Need help pairing your reel with a Prolite NW or NWX Style rod?
We’ll help you put together a setup that’s built to fish hard—and built to last.