Hey Ski - I use little plastic reels when I troll. Very seldom am I fishing in water deeper than 15' most of the time its 10 and under. These reels are light and stay out of my rod holders. When I fish by myself, after hook set I move the handle and reel portion of my rod to the back of the boat and most of the time ends up in the water. It will float. May have to rerig for spring camp. They should be shallow.