Shimano TR2000LD Charter Special, 4.3:1 Gear Ratio, 33 lb Drag

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Item weight: 16 ounces
Product dimensions: 1"L x 1"W x 1"H

Quick take

A proven lever-drag reel by Shimano with 33 lb drag and level-wind for saltwater trolling.

The Shimano Charter Special is a size 2000 lever-drag conventional reel with a level-wind, built for downrigger work and saltwater trolling and jigging. It pairs an aluminum spool with a graphite frame and side plates, and it spools up to 300 yards of 20 lb mono. Anglers fishing from a charter boat who want a lever drag with a 4.3:1 gear ratio and a 33 lb max drag setting will find a straightforward fit here.

Best for

Charter boat trolling and downrigger fishing
Stripers, offshore species and large saltwater fish
Anglers who value Shimano build quality and proven design

Skip if

You need a modern centrifugal or magnetic braking system
You want a lightweight reel; 17.1 oz is substantial

Strengths

Legendary Shimano durability; these reels have decades-long fishing histories
33 lb drag and 4+1 stainless bearings handle big fish and long battles
Level-wind design controls line on both up and down jigging strokes

Trade-offs

Lever-drag adjustment requires knowing the fish's weight; easy to set wrong
17.1 oz is heavy for all-day hand jigging; better suited to rodholders
4.3:1 ratio favors power over speed; jigging large depths is slow retrieve

Fishing fit

Species: Striped bass
Salmon & steelhead
Offshore pelagics
Water: Saltwater
Techniques: Trolling
Jigging
Bottom fishing
Skill level: Advanced

Specifications

Specifications
Type	conventional lever-drag reel
Drag maximum	33 lb
Gear ratio	4.3:1
Line retrieve	26 in
Weight	17.1 oz
Bearings	4+1 stainless steel
Line capacity	14/480, 17/400, 20/300

Updated 21 October 2026