Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel review and price compare 2025

you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you

Product overview

Brand	Shakespeare
Material	Other
Color	Black
Handle Material	Stainless Steel
Bearing Material	Stainless Steel

product features

Offer both line counter and non-line counter options in sizes 15,20 and 30
Rugged one-piece graphite frame and side covers
2 ball bearing for smooth gear feel
Stainless steel pinion gear for increased Corrosion resistance
On/off selective bait clicker

product description

Shakespeare reels are known for their rugged, go-anywhere toughness and the ATS reel lives up to that legacy. Value packed, the ATS conventional reels deliver performance and reliability. Built for saltwater or freshwater applications.

product details

Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 5 x 5 inches; 14.39 Ounces
Item model number ‏ : ‎ ATS20LCX
Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex-adult
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ September 9, 2015
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Pure Fishing
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B012MDECF6

important information

you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you

Questions about Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel

What is the max drag?

Answer: The 20 is 15 LBS, the 30 is 20 LBS.

Answer: I don't know the numeric value but it is tight.. BUT not for planer trolling.

Can you use it in salt water?

Answer: Yes you could but remember it's rated for 17 lb test line . It would be fine for stripers and bluefish from a boat , just rinse it good in fresh water when your done fishing for the day.

Does it have two handles or one picture is not even a line counter reel?

Answer: The 30 has 1 handle. When casting make sure the handle is down or the momentum will make it turn and engage the reel. With a 4oz weight on a long rod you better hang on if that happens lol

Answer: they had two handles on the reel

How big is the size 15

Answer: Maybe comparable to an abu garcia 5500 baitcaster. Its heavy enough to pull dipsy divers great. Could use for anything up to the big catfish. Hope this helps

what's the difference between the sizes?

Answer: Line capacity. Size and length that you're able to spool.

Answer: The 20 is the best . If you had to buy this reel . If I were you I wouldn't waste my money . I have three of them and they wore out fast

Answer: Line capacity and max drag

Answer: Bigger line

Can I use 100lb braided fishing line on this

Answer: The reel is smaller than other trolling reels. It is essentially the size of your standard round baitcaster. 100lb braid would be overkill for the reel. The species you would be targeting with 100lb braid would require a much larger reel with higher line capacity and drag.

Answer: The reel is not rated for line that high. It is a $40 dollar graphite reel, so I'm not sure how long it will hold up to the abuse. With that Said, I'm using 50# braid on 2 of these reels for my catfish rods, and this is my 2nd season. Both are holding up well, 1 makes a bit of a fuss when casting but still functions. Hope this helps

Answer: I'd definitely want a heavier reel with 100 lb braid , i don't think this reel would hold up to that type of use very long and it really wasn't designed too,. Go find a big old used Penn reel at a yard sale or eBay if you want to use 100lb braid you'll have better luck.

What is the pin for in the middle of the reel

Answer: It self spools. I love it

How much 12 lb mono will the size 15 hold?

Answer: I put 500 yards

What is the leadcore capacities of the ATS series?

Answer: I only use mono?

Answer: I don't know , I would use the lightest lead core on this reel

is this a left hand or right hand reel ?

Answer: right

How much line does the 30w hold

Is there a left handed option?

Answer: check web site

Does this reel have an on/off clicker setting to indicate when line is being stripped off while trolling?

Answer: yes it has a clicker on/off

Answer: Yes it does

Answer: Yes., It does

Answer: Yes it does

What is the 'style name' .. box and plasticlam/blister option? is this a choice on what kind of packaging i want to receive it? (why put this option?)

Answer: plastic calm

Is this reel left or right handed

Answer: RH handed

How much line can the 30 series hold?

Answer: Depends on what kind of line you put on it. General rule of thumb is 200 yds. Usually its wise to put a hundred yds of junk line on and then a hundred yards of good line so you aren't wasting expensive line.

What is the leadcore capacities of the ATS series?

Answer: I only use mono?

Answer: I don't know , I would use the lightest lead core on this reel

Will this work for 50 60 pound catfishing?

Answer: Yes! I own two of these reels and for the money you cannot beat them. When I first purchased one of these to try it out it cost me $27 now you'll pay almost 40. I have both of mine spool up with 50 pound braid no I have not caught a catfish in the 50 pound range I have caught 30-pound range catfish and the reel has worked perfectly.

Answer: Maby, as long as you have plenty of line & take your time it is possible! But I think for the money I waisted on this reel that I should have got the Kastking rover 60

Answer: If you set the drag right it will be ok

can I purchase a left hand crank in this product??

Answer: Yes but they don't work right they skip I got 2 of them both skip, i would get a different brand.

What pound line can u put on a 20w

Answer: I use 15# to 30# Berkley Big game and they work well and they hold a lot of line. I wade out on the flats and cast 60 to 70 yards then wade back to bank. Still plenty of line left on the reel even with the 30# mono.

Answer: I have 250yrds of 65lb braid

Answer: I have 50lb test (braided) power pro

What is the difference between the style names box and plastic clam/blister?

Answer: The box is the normal box style baitcaster reel. Clam blister is the big fat reel

Answer: it's what style the reel comes packaged in

Can you use 20 lb test on this reel?

Answer: Yes 20lb test will work great. It compares to something like the old penn-9 in size.

Answer: Yes.

Answer: yes you will be find

Does this reel have a spool tenchoner to help when letting out lead core. Helps prevent birds nests.

Answer: Yes small knob next to crank

Answer: no i use my thumb to slow it a little

Answer: Yes it does have a tensioner

Answer: Yes they do

Can this be used for fish finder cable?

Answer: I would not use for any more than it is intended.

Answer: no

Is the spool plastic or metal?

Answer: hard plastic spool

Answer: plastic spool

Where can I buy a replacement tension knob for the ats 30?

Does this reel have a depth counter on it?

Answer: If you mean the foot counter so you know how much line is out than yes.

What is the gear ratio??

Answer: The 15 is 5:1:1, the 30 is 6:3:1. Not sure about the 20

Answer: 5.1 : 1

Why so expensive? These are 26 bucks all over the place.

Answer: these are the times

Is the spool plastic or metal?

Answer: hard plastic spool

Answer: plastic spool

what is the gear ratio of the 30 without a counter

can it hold 300lb braid and how much

Answer: yes, I only use 8 Lb mono

Will the line counter work with 15# braid? Looking for line counter reels for pushing and pulling for crappie, etc.

Answer: It's a mechanical counter so the thickness of the line for not matter. As long as the spool turns the counter should work. I have 15# mono and it works, before had 50# braid on it also worked.

Answer: I believe so, It counts by spool moving. type of line doesn't matter. A foot of line is a foot of line. line diameter doesn't matter

Does this reel have anti-reverse gearing? If so, how is it?

Answer: it does I don't need to use it

Why are there pics of reels with different reel handles

Answer: I think the handles vary based on the size of reel

Answer: I am not sure However: I bought one it didn't work right, it like skipped, I sent it back and got another one and it also skipped! I definitely will not buy another one, as far as I am concerned they are JUNK!

Depth counter is very inaccurate says 124 when true depth is 75. Can it be calibrated?

Answer: The counter show revolutions of the spool not feet of line

Answer: Wouldnt think so.

The ats handle flips when casting. What u need to do is tighten up the spool release latch.

What are the line capacities?

Answer: For 10-lb mono: 350 feet

Answer: I am pretty sure it tells you on the specs on the web site, However I bought one and it skipped, I sent it back and bought another and it also skips real bad they do not read right I would Definiitly not buy another one I would get a diffrent brand, one that actually works like it should. Good luck!

Answer: Google the info based on reel size

Does the reel have one large handle or 2 small ones? It shows 2 different pictures.

Answer: It has 2 small handle about 3.5 in from eachother

Answer: I have the ATS30B and it has one

I know this is a trolling reel but was wondering if i could still cast with it

Answer: You can. It's not ideal but it will work.

Answer: If bait was heavy enough

Answer: Yes you could, but like a bait caster you need skills to keep it from bird nesting.

dose it shift out of free spool when hand cranked

Product reviews of Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel

Amrit B. : Bad spool but the reel is amazing

The spool was broken in the pack but the reel was awesome

Amazon Customer : works great

works great thanks

Donnie Wilson : Loud bait clicker.

So far so good. Holds alot of line and cast good. This has to have the loudest bait clicker I have ever heard. Perfect for night catfishing. The only down side is the 30 size is a bit big don't no what size the others are.

T. O. : Nice, inexpensive, line counter reel

I was looking for a small and inexpensive line counter reel for light duty freshwater fishing.

I was not really expecting much, but Shakespeare surprises from time to time and a lot of their inexpensive stuff is nicely made. This appears to be one of those items.

I've only used it on one fishing trip so this review can't speak to longevity (yet), but from what I have seen so far, I expect this reel to be fine. VERY smooth, nice drag with large star wheel adjuster, easy grip handles... just overall appears to be a lot better quality that the low price reflects.

Five stars until long term use requires a different rating.

Zachary McNatt : Worth its weight in gold!

This is the second ATS 30 Trolling Reel I have owned in the past year. When I first bought it I expected to use it for "light" fishing offshore. Even though the reel had a drag rating of 20lbs, I was hesitant to believe that was true for a reel under $50, and even if true, that it would break under that much pressure. So I took it with me for "light" use on a 40hr offshore party boat trip. We hit the first stop, and I was reeling up decen 4-5lb mangrove snapper, without and drag being pulled. This reel is worth its weight in GOLD! My uncle and I hammered fish after fish with a pair of these reels! I was reeling up a fish and an amberjack intercepted halfway up, which I thought I was as good as done with my reel. The drag worked flawlessly! Did not catch the fish, probably was a big one as it damn near spooled me before I had to apply additional pressure to the line to snap it. After catching over 200 fish over the trip, I for sure thought it would break! Never gave up on me. I been using it for inshore grouper fishing and the gears stripped on the reel, somehow still got the 28in grouper up and home on a plate. For under $50 definitely worth trying out! The image is not correct on here for the ATS 30, which I was quite happy about. With the ATS 30 you get the nice big power-handle, not the two sided handle. I am definitely recommending this reel. If you are on a budget and can't afford a $200 reel, this is the one to get!

Jeremy Dirk : Not worth anything to me

The first time I got snagged on an oyster reef the reel broke! I would not recommend this reel to anyone, plus the casting button was so sensitive that you couldn't put much pressure on the line when casting the darn handle weights so much it engages the drag in mid cast so the cast never happen! !

Igor : Good for price, not smooth.

Ok reel for the money, I was looking for a line counter for an existing reel and this was just 20 bucks more. Does what it's supposed to, but not a most pleasant experience. The reel feels a little "tight" or rough. Another issue when dropping the downrigger the anti reverse will engage sometimes on its own popping the line out of the clip. As far as a cheep back up its has held up for a few month. My other reel is a penn warfare, but twice the price.

Clos The Clown : Suprised at the quality. It can hold about 520 ...

Suprised at the quality. It can hold about 520 yards of 30 lbs Braided Spectra Line. Price & Time shiped was reasonable. Only suggestion would be to lubricate it before use.

Jettywolf : SCREWED UP....AGAIN!

NOT OFFERING THE ATS15 IN '''''''''NON''''''''' LINE COUNTER SHOWS THAT SHAKESPEARE SCREWED UP AGAIN.
FOR THE $$ THE ATS15 ''WAS'' A DECENT REEL. NOW, NOT BEING ABLE TO GET ANY NEW ONES SURELY SHOWS HOW THESE CONGLOMERATES GET OUT OF TOUCH, WITH CUSTOMERS. USED MANY OF THESE ATS15's IN LITE SALTWATER APPLICATIONS, WITH VIRTUALLY NO ISSUES AND WAS HAPPY WITH THE PRICE. NOW, THE ONLY NON-LINE COUNTER ONE IS WAY TOO BIG. SEE YOUTUBE, I HAVE VIDEOS ABOUT THESE. AND CATCH WAY BIGGER FISH ON THEM, THAN MOST POND CAT FISHERMAN.

Max : One Star

Nick B : Thumbs down

Tried it the reel did not hold up long. Gears slip. Not a good thing when you have a 7plus pound walleye on. Replaced it with a Okuma ma-20dxt

Bill : Great Reel

Good price for an accurate line counter reel

C T : Reels work good

I use the reels for trolling crank baits for crappie. They work good

Bill : Great Reel

Good price for an accurate line counter reel

Igor : Good for price, not smooth.

Amazon Customer : failed the first time I used it

I bought this reel in July and finally used it yesterday September 24. When I attempted to set the hook the reel gears stripped and I was unable to retrieve the line or lure. It's junk, you're better off spending a little more and getting a reel that won't spit up the first time you use it.

Frank Vee : great reel

I bought one for myself and the next year one for my wife. Last year we caught 10 musky and numerous big walleye with no problems at all. Set the drag properly and 25 - 30 lb fish are easily landed. The line counter is a must for duplicating depth with speed. All in all I love this reel

Donnie Wilson : Loud bait clicker.

bow_bender : Inexpensive and it shows...

On my second trip some how the line got twisted inside the reel and around the spool shaft. Yes I know this "should" be impossible. To be honest I'm not sure how it even happened but it did. I spent several hours at home getting it unwrapped. On the fourth trip I noticed that the line counter would stop spinning after about 10 or 11 feet. it would just chatter. As a committed DIY'er I removed that side of the reel to take a look at what might be causing the problem. The are only 6 screws (Caution there are two springs on the inside so make sure you open it within a plastic box to ensure you don't lose either of the springs.) What I found on the inside was a bit disappointing. The shaft that goes to the line counter was incredibly tiny and the gear on the shaft was just press fit on there. So I'm pretty sure that the gear was just spinning on the shaft at the first sign of any friction. I'm amazed it lasted for four trips. I put it back together and tightened down the screws real well and the line counter "seamed" to be working again although I would not place any bets on it's longevity. I am notorious for using inexpensive reals and not complaining but this is one I would steer clear of. I'm sure all the reels in this price point are the same so spend at least twice this amount of money if you want a functional line counter for trolling.

Grandma Moose : A Great Trolling Reel Sized Just Right

I shopped around quite extensively before settling on this reel. Having owned several Penn and Diawa saltwater trolling reels in the past, I bought this one in hopes it would be "as good" as my previous ones. And the answer is "Yes", it is! As this is a lighter weight reel, I use it in freshwater for trolling and for that it is excellent, it needs a few years of break-in to get everything loosened up a bit, but it works just as a new reel should. The clicker is nice, crisp and a bit on the loud side, (as several other reviews have noted), but that's a good thing and not bad. A flip of the lever and the clicker is off which is nice when pulling in nice size fish. The level wind and star drag works as the Penns and heavier Daiwas, although it is not as "beefy" that is not as important to me now as it was out at sea catching bigger fish. I haven't had it torn apart yet, so I don't know how easy it will be to service, that will come a little later after the fishing season is done. For the money, this reel fills the bill perfectly and it's exactly what I needed for trolling the lakes and rivers here in Oregon.

Amazon Customer : Great for fishing!

We love these! Had two before this and they work well

Chad : Only holds 100 yards of lead core line

Great price! Nice features. Just wish i held more line. Only holds 100 yards of lead core line. Description doesn't tell line capacity

Amazon Customer : works great

works great thanks

Tim Kapral : Trolling using a Shakespear ATS20X bait caster

It is the perfect size for for trolling in a 2 man kayak. This was a gift for my gal Sally along with a medium 4 piece Ugly Stik rod.

Charles J Palumbo : Accurate line readings

Measured out line,counter was right on; So far,so good. Drag works well. Remember,to let line out with your thumb controlling spool or face backlash. Very good trolling reel for the economically minded

steve binz : get what you pay for

Line counters are junk ,pull out 30 feet of line counter reads 43 feet

Rose Bast : Will not buy again

I ordered 2 reals at the same time 1 works the other one doesn’t can’t get it fixed or replaced so the warranty means nothing

r. c. : Buy

Great reel

Amazon Customer : works great

works great thanks

you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you