I can't help you with a reel choice but thought I'd toss out a comment on trolling and drag setting. I set my drag fairly light for trolling. Lighter than anyone would cast with at any rate. My reel has a dial on the back but also a leaver adjustment. The lever goes from loose enough for trolling to very tight with just a shove. I thought it was a gimmick at first but it's great for trolling.

So, a fish hooks themselves and once they realize it (and if I don't) the drag starts whining ... I drop the paddle, grab the rod and reel and flip off the anti-reverse while tightening the drag all the way with the lever. I like to back reel or palm and finger, too. It's just quieter - less machinery between me and the fish.

Trolling with a front drag was a pain IMO. The only time I flip on anti-reverse is for trolling and stowing/portaging. OK, maybe vertical jigging and drifting too. Drags don't sing IMHO. ;)

I always kinda assumed that was why folks prefer bait casters for trolling. No reason to make that hook hole any larger by setting a hook that's already been set either.

Just my thoughts on it FWIW. YMMV