Line counter

[Snook]

Looking to get a stand alone line counter (not built into the reel)

I have seen rapala and berkley makes them, and have seen some bad reviews, does anyone use one they like and would recommend?

[jmg]

Sorry, I've only had two that did not work worth a hoot. One was the B brand and the other a Shakespeare, if I remember correctly. I finally bought a line counter reel... Much, much better. Only wish I'd bought a bigger one to be able to put on more leadcore line. The "portable" ones never stayed in place properly or would let the line spring free, esp. with fireline. Maybe you will have better luck, if you get one. Hope so!

[Snook]

Thank you for the information, maybe I'll need to get a line counter reel instead

[Jim Almquist]

I bought a Berkley and for the most part it is useless. Out on Lake Superior I use a mix of Daiwa's and have great luck with them and what is really cool is there are repair parts still around. I have picked up broken reels and fixed them up like new.

[delmuts]

I have a Berkley that I use to fill reels. It works for the most part, but smaller line dia. will slide thru with out reading on the meter. You also need to have constant tension on the line or doesn't work either. It's also a pain in that it counts backwards. If you plan to use it for fishing I would rec. getting a line counter reel. Many moderate price ones out there that will serve you well will much less hassle.

[Bigsmitty]

I've been using the rapala brand for over twelve years. I cant complain. I have never tried them with lead core though. Basically use them long line trolling with 12 pound fire line. Good luck.

[fsnrod]

Really on leadcore you don't need a line counter. You should let all the lead out past the rod tip or planer board so don't break off the line.

[amateurfishing]

im no pro but just bought the Owatonna/Rogers combo rods last year when on sale for $50 from $75 regular price

[JohnMickish]

Really on leadcore you don't need a line counter. You should let all the lead out past the rod tip or planer board so don't break off the line.

I'm going to have to disagree with you on that. There's many times when the fish I've been catching will bite on 64 feet but not on 68 feet in the morning but then in the afternoon you have to slide out to 68 to 72 feet back.

Setting up your lead core for a certain death I suppose would work if that was the only depth you ever fished, but that really narrows down where you can fish.

Back to the original question. I have used the Rapala line counter and would not recommend it for any kind of serious fishing. To much line slippage IMO. Buy a decent line counter reel and you won't regret it.

[fsnrod]

I fish the great lakes you can't run just partial cores you will break the line off from wave action. And yes we have many rods set up with different lenghts of leadcore.

[expl]

I run my boards rite on the leadcore if need be,never had any issues and been doing it for a few seasons.That way I can run however many colors out I want.I run a few of the cheap 50$ linecounter combos I purchased up in Rogers and have been using them for five years with no complaints at all.Buy the big reel if your going to run leadcore tho,I pack all ten colors on mine,I normally walleye fish so I dont need ten colors,but if I go to Superior I also dont have to buy another steup if I want to run more colors then what Id use for walleyes.Kind of double duty leadcore combo for walleye/superior,keeps the cost down a bit.

[Northlander]

Get a linecounter reel. The add on line counters don't work nearly as well. Diawa has the accudepth at good prices.

[jmg]

The linecounter reel I have came from Rogers and has worked well, so far. Have only used it on Leech for walleyes and it worked fine, with no obvious leadcore line damage, even after several good sized fish. However, my fishing partner let me use his Shimano Tekota line counter reel the next morning and I instantly fell in love with that one-well built machine. Guess you get what you pay for, but all the linecounter reels I've used(4 brands) are all better than the portable counters I've had. Guess I better inspect my leadcore line before the season starts.