Shakespeare ATS Size 20 Conventional Trolling Fishing Reel, Right Handle Review
Our verdict
The Shakespeare ATS Size 20 conventional trolling reel comes in at $49.71 and holds a 4.6-star average across 124 reviews, a rating that matches the best in this class. Built specifically for trolling with a right-hand retrieve, it's a straightforward pick for anglers who want a dedicated conventional reel rather than a repurposed spinning setup.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anglers targeting trolling specifically who want a right-hand conventional reel rather than a spinning reel adapted to the technique, and who value a 4.6-star rating over the widest possible review history.
Skip if
Skip it if you need a left-hand retrieve, since this model is listed as right handle only, or if you want a spinning reel for casting techniques rather than a dedicated conventional trolling setup.
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 124 owner ratings
-
Popularity0.9/5
124 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other fishing gear and tackle we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Trolling behind a slow-moving boat asks something different of a reel than casting and retrieving all day, and a conventional reel like the Shakespeare ATS Size 20 is built around that single job rather than trying to do everything. A dedicated right-hand retrieve and the Size 20 designation both point to a tool made for one technique done well, rather than a jack-of-all-trades spinning setup pressed into trolling duty.
At $49.71, it lands close to the Shimano SC2500FG's $44.99 and comfortably above budget options like the $15 Blakemore 86 or the $19.99 IX reel. The Size 20 designation and right-hand handle spec point to a dedicated conventional trolling build rather than a general-purpose spinning reel, which matters if you're comparing it against reels not built for the same job. It's also listed as in stock, so availability isn't a barrier for anglers ready to commit to a purpose-built trolling setup at this price.
The review record is a strong point. A 4.6-star average across 124 reviews ties the top ratings in this set, including the Shimano SC2500FG and the unbranded IX reel, though with a smaller sample than either, and only slightly smaller than the Blakemore 86's 128. The 200+ bought last month figure matches the pace of the higher-volume competitors, suggesting current demand is solid even though the total review count is comparatively modest. For a reel built around one specific job, that combination of a top-tier rating and steady current sales is a reasonable trade against the deeper review histories of pricier or more general-purpose alternatives.
Pros
- 4.6-star average ties the highest rating among comparable reels in this set
- 200+ bought last month matches the demand pace of much higher-review competitors
- Purpose-built conventional trolling design rather than a repurposed spinning reel
- Priced at $49.71, close to the $44.99 Shimano SC2500FG despite the dedicated trolling build
- Right-hand handle spec is clearly stated up front, avoiding guesswork on retrieve side
Cons
- Only 124 reviews, well behind the Shimano SC2500FG's 1,418 and the IX reel's 1,700
- Right-hand only, so left-handed anglers or those who prefer a left retrieve need a different model
- At $49.71, it costs more than three times the $15 Blakemore 86
- No listed weight, material, or drag specs make it harder to compare feature-for-feature against the competition
Performance notes
A conventional reel built for trolling differs from a spinning reel adapted to the job mainly in how the line lays and how the drag handles sustained pull. Conventional reels typically sit on top of the rod and use a level-wind or manual guide, which tends to hold up well under the steady tension trolling produces, hour after hour, compared to designs meant for quick casts and retrieves. The Size 20 designation generally points to mid-size line and spool capacity in reels of this style, enough for typical freshwater and light saltwater trolling without the bulk of the largest conventional models. The right-hand handle spec is worth double-checking against your own casting hand before buying, since conventional reels are not always easy to convert. Beyond the name and price, this listing's spec sheet doesn't include material or weight details, so buyers weighing it against fully speced reels like the Shimano SC2500FG have less to go on.
What buyers say
A 4.6-star average puts this reel at the top of the rating scale within this comparison set, tied with the Shimano SC2500FG and the IX reel. What sets it apart is the sample size, 124 reviews is a fraction of the 1,418 and 1,700 the top competitors carry, so the rating, while high, rests on a smaller base and could shift more with a handful of new reviews. The 200+ bought last month figure is reassuring, matching the purchase pace of reels with far larger review histories. Read together, the pattern suggests a reel that satisfies the buyers it has reached, but with less accumulated proof than the category leaders.
Similar fishing gear and tackle to consider
Featured in
Frequently asked questions
Is this reel a spinning reel or a conventional reel?
It's listed as a conventional trolling reel, not a spinning reel, despite appearing in the spinning-reel category here. Conventional reels sit on top of the rod and are built for trolling and bottom fishing rather than the casting motion spinning reels are designed around.
Does it come in a left-hand retrieve?
The listing specifies a right handle only. If you need a left-hand retrieve, this specific model doesn't cover that, so you'd need to look for a different listing that states a left-hand configuration.
How does the review count compare to other reels in this price range?
At 124 reviews, it has far fewer than the Shimano SC2500FG's 1,418 or the IX reel's 1,700, though its 4.6-star average matches both. It's a smaller but consistent track record at a similar $49.71 price point.