Line counter reels

[jmg]

Thinking about getting a line counter trolling reel this Spring, mostly for trolling crankbaits and bottom bouncer rigs for walleyes. I know there have been several posts about this in the past, but I can't seem to find one this morning. The rod/reel probably won't see a great deal of use, due to lack of fishing time. Thinking about the smallest size one from either Cabelas or Daiwa, but also considered Abu Garcia or Okuma. Any favorites for the line counting accuracy or which ones don't have the annoying clicking sound when retrieving line? For occas. use, are the bushing models ok or do I need to spend extra for the ball bearing models? Also, any mod. priced rods that would be light wt. that would match up well? Light wt. desirable for the outfit, due to hand and wrist problems. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[JohnMickish]

This is a case where you will get what you pay for. One of those $35 Okuma reels will work, but not nearly as well as their $80 reel, which isn't as nice as the $180 Shimano Takota reel. For once a year use I'd probably go with a Diawa Accudepth over the cheap Okuma. If you start to use your linecounter more often you will probably want to upgrade in the future.

The clicker is a nice thing to have and you can turn it on and off on all of the reels.

As far as rods go, you don't need a big buck rod, but again, you get what you pay for. Do a search for leadcore rods and you will find a thread already on that topic.

[live4chrome]

I have been running accu depths for the last 4 years for lakers and salmon with ocasional walleye use. Hard to go wrong with the

[harvey lee]

If not used alot, the cheaper Okuma will work. I have one as a back up and it has never given me any issues. But, it has not been iused for many hours.

The Accu depth is a good reel.

As MNfishing guy stated, you will get what you pay for.

One thing to remember is, once you start fishing this way, you may find yourself doing it more and then the better reel will come into play.

As far as what trolling rod to get, I have a less expensive one from Cabelas and it has been fine. I also have a Mitchell trolling rod and that also has been a very good rod.

The rod I typically use now is one I built as I built it lighter and it is easy to hold for extended periods of time due to my arthritis in my hands. There are times when I like to hold the rod instead of the rod holder.

If you cannot find a rod as light as you would like, I do build rods and could work something out with you if you would like. You can PM me if interested.

For my leadcore rods, I use Penn reels with no line counter. One just needs to count the colors of the line to get pretty accurate with leadcore. My non leadcore trolling rods do have the line counters. I would suggest if you do go with a line counter to get the reel set up so it counts accuratly. You can do a search online on how to get it very accurate.

[jmg]

Thanks to all for the info. Good ideas from everyone.

[Flaco651]

The Okuma Magda is the first line counter reel I had and it worked fine for me as I'm only a part time walleye guy. I upgraded to the Okuma Catalina cuz I got a killer deal on it and it has been a really sweet reel. One of my buddies uses the mid range priced Okuma the Convector and has been happy with it as well.

Magda-$35

Convector-$80

Catalina$150

[grizrunner]

I bought a couple Cabelas Depthmaster reels last fall when they were on sale for about $25. All I can say is they are in someone else closet. Like said, you get what you pay for.

[minnangler]

I am running a couple of Diawa sealine reels that are ten plus years old and they have never given me any trouble. These will run you around 95.00 but they are bullet proof. Two years ago I picked up a couple of Diawa Accu depth reels as backups and now find myself picking up this reel as my first choice. I picked these up at FF for 50 bucks. I have all of my trolling rods both longline and lead core converted to the Cabelas Depthmaster Trolling Rods. These will run 34.99 regular price but if you watch you can get them for 19.99 on sale. Last year I picked up three for 14.99 each online! Yes sometimes you do get what you pay for but not always!

PS Stay away from the Cabelas Depthwater Reels!!

[hanson]

Thinking about getting a line counter trolling reel this Spring, mostly for trolling crankbaits and bottom bouncer rigs for walleyes.

Daiwa Sealine 17 or an Accudepth 17 if you don't want to pay extra for the Sealine. Moderate or occasional use it will suit you fine.

I also have a Garcia 5500LC that I really like. You mentioned something about reels making a clicking noise when cranking, the Daiwas do that... louder if you have the clicker on. The Abus are quiet when the clicker is off. Maybe something to consider.

Another difference between the Daiwa and Garcia is the Daiwa has a lever you flip to release line, Garcia is a push button. May make a difference or not with how you fish. Bottom bouncing it may be easier to just push the button than flipping a lever.

[jmg]

Once again, thanks for all the good ideas. Will probably narrow the decision to Daiwa or Abu Garcia. Both seem to have good features.

[Northlander]

Diawa Sealines will do all you want. I have had some for over 10 years and they are still going strong. Leadcore, long lining and trolling boards. Even some bottom bouncing.