Dumb Question But Could Use Advice For A Beginner.

[GotALunker]

If your using a standard reel just measure how much each crank of the handle reels in. Say each time you reel in it pulls 30" drop your line in reel up and do the math. Remember though each reel is different on how much it will reel in each revolution.

here again, as you gain or lose line, the number of cranks doesn't matter becuase the volume of line changes the distance around the spool.

[ENMIFDAD]

Along the same "line" as this topic. Whenever I use my rattle reels at URL or LOW, I set the depth with a bomb and mark the top of the water with a tiny splitshot. I then reel up the line a few inches and set the rattle reel for neutral tension. Then even if I hear the slightest "tick" I can quickly look at my splitshot and see if it has moved anywhere near the surface of water. (I don't know if anyone else has seen this but on URL if your not within 2"-3" of the bottom, your not catching)

[GotALunker]

this also works great using one of those really tiny line marker bobbers set to slip and a bobber stop on the line. I do this for tip ups so I can set my depth easily again w/out having to remeasure after "getting a lunker"

[CrappieAttitude]

Pre flasher, I used the wing spand method of finding out depth. It will at least give you a general idea. I still use this method when first tying on my bobber stops to get them in the ball park.

Depending on what type of line you have on, you can actually write with a sharpee different increments on your line. My buddy used this method on his fireline crystal. He wrote 1 inch dashes for each 10' increment. Looked something like this... (10' -) (20' --) (30' ---) and so forth. The only downer is that if you break off, your numbers are messed up after you re-tie. Not the best answer, but just another option that I have seen.

CA

[RJMOEN]

GOt a lunker, the amount of line on the reel is negligible. Say your line is a millimeter...40lb test and your spool is 1.5" in diamater... you will only gain 5 millimeters or 2/10ths of an inch each revolution. I use all three suggestions in combination. Put on a line marker...knot to keep the spot you want, if your in under 20 ft you can use the wingspan method, if deeper use the line intake per reel meth. this also works to get a set distance from the ground...one revolution is 8" 2 revs is 16" etc