Line counter reels

[rugbymn]

I'm going to be picking up some line counters in the next few weeks. Main use is going to be for walleyes and northerns.

I know NOTHING about the different models of line counters. Any recommendations on brands or models?

What are some specific features I should look for or stay away from?

[fishwater]

I've only used the daiwa sealine LCA and shimano tekota reels. The shimano's are awesome. The tekotas superior drag is the biggest difference. The daiwas drag is very usable, just not nearly as nice - a bit more finicky to set as desired IMO. Tekotas have a noticeably lower line capacity when comparing the smallest to largest with comparably sized daiwa reels, so when trolling they have a decreased region (length of line) that displays accurately on the counter.

I've needed to tear apart 4 out 10 sealines to fix a sticky anti-reverse pawl - pretty easy to do, but not something I foresee needing to fix with the Tekotas. The 17's are particularly prone to this I guess?

I'd buy both models again. The tekotas are almost twice the cost, kinda steep for a technique specific rod IMO.

[Jim Almquist]

If there not going to used a bunch the Diawa Accudepth are a decent cheap model. If you think that you will be using them a lot then you might want to go with the Diawa Sealines. It would be nice to have the money and go with the higher end stuff but in my case where I have 6 rods setup it really starts to add up. Right now is a good time to see if anybody has any sales/free shipping. The size that would work for your use would be either the 17 or the 27 depending on how much line you would like to have on the reel.

[JohnMickish]

If there not going to used a bunch the Diawa Accudepth are a decent cheap model. If you think that you will be using them a lot then you might want to go with the Diawa Sealines.

+1. The Tekotas are IMO the best on the market but at $200 each it gets spendy when you have a bunch of them.

[traveler]

+2 on the less expensive Diawas. I don't use them a ton, but they haven't given me any trouble, and for the price, are pretty replaceable.

[hanson]

Daiwa Sealines are without a doubt the most popular linecounter reel on the market, probably a good reason for that.

Shimano Tekotas are also one of the nicest linecounters you'll use but is it worth the price tag?? Tough decision.

To the original poster, line capacity will be something you'll want to look at when choosing a reel. For braid or mono line, smaller capacity model (17 or 27 series Daiwa) will be alright. For leadcore line, you'll want a larger capacity model (47 series Daiwa).

Abu Garcia hasn't been mentioned yet for a reel choice, I really like their 6500 series linecounter for braid or mono.

[JohnMickish]

Chris is right on the Abu reels. The Ambassadour is a rock solid reel and the line counter version is no different. Not all that popular but I am not sure why it isn't. Okuma also makes a pretty good reel when you are in that $100 price range. Right now I am in the process of converting all of my linecoutners over to the Cabelas Gold linecoutners. They are worth looking at too.

I guess what it comes down to is that just about all the reels in the same price range are going to be about the same. The Diawa is very popular, maybe because it was one of the first quality reels in each price range but the competition has caught up, and we all know that competition is good for the consumer.

[WalleyeBIZ]

I have 4 of thed abu's for trolling as they are around a hundred bucks and when i take the inlaws fishing i supply all the gear! But the havn't failed me yet and i troll a fair amount for walleyes and salmon and trout! I would recomend these! you can get a reel and rosd for under 200!

[mainbutter]

Abu Garcia's Ambassadeur series has a proven track record, I agree with mnfishinguy that it's weird that the line counter versions aren't more popular. My Ambassaduer (non line-counter) is my go-to trolling reel, mainly for lake trout.

[live4chrome]

I have run many of the mid price line counters, and am a big fan of the Diawa LC 27s. I fish superior so at times we are fishing up to ten lines. anything more expensive and I would have to sell the boat!