linecounter setup

[slurpie]

looking at buying a linecounter combo. What are some good brands and what length rod would be preferred. I think i am gonna use them mostly with planner boards. And am wondering if you put leadcore on the reel or if you use a braid line. I looked at some reels at scheels and the garcias looked really nice but $100 can a guy get a good combo for that?

[riverrat56]

I really like the Mr. Walleye series of rods, especially their 8' trolling rod. For a reel I use a Diawa Accudepth, it is a size 27. The combo is right around $100 depending on the store you get it at.

I don't have any experience using boards so I won't be any help there, but for flat line trolling my rods are spooled up with 15lb Power Pro.

[hanson]

Funny I was just thinking about this tonight as there really isn't a lot of feedback on the Garcia linecounters yet. I've been using a 5500 Line Counter for 2 years now and its awesome! Got 2 muskies over 20 pounds landed with it so it'll handle the fish. I have no complaints about the reel what so ever.

The rod is up to you though...

[goose89]

I've been happy with Cabela's TXS trolling rods for planer boards with or without lead. They're being discontinued (not sure why) and are on clearance right now. Some models are sold out, but the planer board model (telescoping 8'6") is still available. I picked another up cheap awhile ago, and was surprised they still had some. (On-line only, I believe).

I've got set-ups with 10/4 Fireline, segmented lead, lead only, and 10# XT mono. I use a softer fiberglass rod witht the braid, firmer rods with the mono, and above TXS rods with the lead combos. Sorry, none of them are under a hundy, though. I'm sure it could be done though.

I love "regular" Abu/Garcia 5500 / 6500's, but haven't used the linecounter models. They look a bit bulkier with the linecounter meter sticking out the left front, rather than the slightly more compact and built-in meter on the Diawa Sealines. They are all I've run, and never had a problem with the 17's or 27's. Good luck.

[PerchJerker]

All of my linecounter reels are Daiwa SeaLines. I use 17's a lot, for flatline trolling and for boards if I'm not going to have tons of line out. I use 27's for boards, especially when running 2 or 3 boards out each side of the boat. I also use 27's for leadcore, they work good with 6 colors and you can squeeze 7 colors onto them, but no more than that. The 47's are popular with leadcore guys due to the reel capacity but I'd rather use a smaller reel if I can.

For line, I use superlines for flatline trolling but not so much for trolling boards --- the thin, slippery lines don't work as well in the board clips as mono does. And the stretch mono has is nice with boards. If you're trolling open water with boards I don't think you can beat 10 lb Trilene XT.

My planer board rods are all 7 to 8.5 or 9 feet, and I think all of them are Cabelas or Gander or Bass Pro branded rods. I don't like heavy poles, so the only things I look for are a nice slow bend all the way through to the butt section of the rod, and a rod that doesn't feel heavy. And I'd rather have telescopting rods than 2 piece rods. There's many rods out there with "Planer Board" actions, test a few of them out to see how slow the action is, then find rods you like (even if they aren't called "Planer Board" rods). Rods for planer boards and leadcore will be in your rod holders the whole time, so sensitivity isn't much of an issue - the right rod action is the issue.

For flatlines I use 17's on 7 foot ML graphite rods.

[slurpie]

thanks guys. I've been looking all day more confused now to many options. I'm thinking 15# power pro leaning towards an abu with cabelas telescoping rod. The telescoping seems like it would be easier to store, for the reason it ends up shorter.

[goose89]

Ya, it easy to get carried away. I know I have. My only concern with the 15" PP (great line, btw) would be that the most widely used trolling depth curve book are based on 10/4 Fireline and 10# XT. Don't mean to confuse you further. The PP might have a very similar depth curve, if thats something you'll be factoring in. You won't be disappointed with the 10/4 Fireline trolling. PP is a much friendlier casting / jigging line, and I have several rods set up with it, but none for trolling. Good luck.

[Northlander]

The best bang for the buck I have found is the 8.5' Gander Mt. telescoping board rods and a Diawa Accudepth is a great reel for the price. If you have enough money step up to the Sealines. 27's are great for all around walleye use. The 17's will do most but get small when running boards way out like you need to on the great lakes.

10-12# Big game or your fav. mono and your all set. I highly recomend the offshore boards will tattle tale flags and make your own. Dont buy the flag set up from Offshore its very expensive. You can get everything you need at a Menards or the like.

[guideman]

Okuma makes several sizes of line counters and they can be had for about $40 at most outlets. I have used them for years on everything from Walleyes to Muskies and they have performed well for me.

I would go no shorter than 8ft for running boards. I have all

8.6 rods and they handle the boards much better than any of the shorter rods. You can find trolling combos at most major outlets for less than $100.00.

When it comes to trolling the rule of thumb is to put your money into the reels, because it doesn't take an expencive rod to do a good job trolling.

Diawa's are probably the most popular linecounter reels out there. They are very good I do have a couple myself, however there are others that cost less and do just as good a job as the Diawa's. Do a little shoping and I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for.

I use nothing but 10lb xt for trolling for walleyes. You'll hook more fish and they aren't as likely to pull the hooks as they can on braided lines. You can get deeper with less line out with a braid, however that isn't all that important unless you are trolling out in deep water. I have no problem getting baits down to 30ft+ on 10lb mono.

Check out those Okumas before you go spend $100 on an Abu or some other high end reel. They have always served me well and they won't cost you half as much.

"Ace"

[Northlander]

Yes I have 4 Okumas and I only had 1 bad one. Took it back and the new one is fine. They are a good reel for the $. Their spinning reels are a good bargain as well.

[tacklejunkie]

I like 7' - 7.5 feet rods for planers. I only have a 17' boat and my 8 foot downrigger rods are a bit tricky when reeling in a fish

I am going to give that new trilene sensation a try this year. Supposedly, it has less stretch than reg. mono but a little more than braids

I like the diawa reels(linecounter). stay away from those cheapos at walmart. they're ok but you will just end up replacing them in short order

[tacklejunkie]

BTW...do you guys prefer faster action rods for boards or the slower? I have a 7.5 diawa heartland that sez planer board rod but it's a slower action. I also have a seven footer that's mod. fast action

[goose89]

Yep, they're generally a slower action.

[boatfixer]

I'll second the Gander/Accudepth set up. Very nice and quite affordable too. I've been running 10lb fireline and like it.

[Tony Holland]

I have used a few different combo's.

My first leadcore combo and cheapest was the Cabela's Accudepth 47 Linecounter and Cabelas 6'6 Leadcore rod. Combo price around 70.00

For Longlines i started with Accudepth 27 and cabelas 8'6 telescoping "Planer Board" rod.

This combo was also around 70.00.

Now that I have learned how to troll and what works etc...i have upgraded to shimano tekota linecounters and st. croix tidemaster rods for long lining, and Cabelas Deptymaster Golds and still using their "leadcore" 6'6 rods and 5 ft Shortie rods.

Funny thing is that fish dont care what type of equiptment you use it is all in the presentation. Some of the more expensive equiptment just makes the presentation a little easier.

[hanso612]

I like the Gander series Telescoping 8 and a half foot planer board rods as a good cheap compromise. I like a shorter, lighter, fast action rod with good feel when I am trolling humps on inland lakes with deep diving cranks. I can only use one rod in MN and like to hold on to it, if I don't I'm snagged.(have you seen the price of Yo Zuris this year?) Boat rods without a trigger are too heavy to hold for long periods of time and twist in my hand.

I broke two Gander guide series rods last summer in situations a tougher rod would not have failed. So what you gain in price and weight,you lose in durability.

I like a slower action rod for planner boards and most cheap Diawa Heartlands or Cabela's Depth Master rods do just fine in the rod holder, but are inadequate for detecting the subtle bottom changes when running a crank across a flat or detecting a small weed on the lure. They shine in big water and big waves. The soft action cuts down on false releases when using boards and walleyes don't pull loose like they do on a stiff rod. The built in shock absorbing action will save you fish.

When outfitting a charter boat price and durability win the day, but if it's just my rig boat rods are just too clumsy.

The Guide series planer rod is a perfect compromise. I like the telescoping version over the two piece for their ease of rod storage.

The new MR Walleye rods are great but almost twice the price of the Gander rods. I'm not sold on the flat butt arm rest. I think it has a sharp corner/edge that won't hold up over time. once it is beat up it will be even more annoying than the traditional round ones. I have't used one, but would love to give one a whirl. It felt like a light, well made rod. Who makes them anyway?

If money is no object my dream rod for double duty is the Shimano Compre in 8 foot three inch with a telescoping ferral.

Cabela's fish eagle series is made with the same half cork half rubber butt as the Compre, but has twisted guides that I just can't get over. The theory is great, but the aesthetics bug me. The new style Butts should be a huge hit.

Don't be afraid of bushings on linecounter reals. Bushings hold up and just get loose over time. When a bearing goes it's gone. With walleyes you can get away with cheaper drags. They never have the screaming runs of salmon. Just pull drag by hand until you are sure the drag isn't sticking and you can beat any walleye. That said, I run Diawa Sealines, but my budy runs Shakespeare Tidewaters that have held up for years even with occasional salt water use. The worst of the bunch is Cabelas Depth master IIs, but we have one in the spread that has worked flawlessly for five years and you can't beat the price.

I like 17 pound test for its lack of stretch twist, the thicker diamiter line holds well in pinch pad releases, and for it's abbrasion resistance. I make up for the additional drag by using snap weight to get down to the desired depth.

I enjoy reading others oppinions more than I like to give my own-so don't consider this long post the definitive answer. Others have preferencs and I love to hear why. So keep it coming. Hans

[Mike Walerak]

Do yourself a major favor and buy the Sealine right away. I have used the Accudepths, Cabelas brand (Gold) and Okumas. I now run Sealine 27's on all my flatline rods and 47's on my Leadcore.

I am down to one Okuma that just won't bite it yet so I can switch my last reel out. The actual counter is starting to stick so it won't be long until I get frusterated with it and scrap it.

I also don not like to mix up the sizes of my reels because the linecounters are set for different diameter lines. If you are running multiple rods you will want to keep them all the same.

mw

[wplatehunter]

I also like the Gander Mtn. planer board set ups.

[rodmaker]

They are a little more expensive reel than the sea lines, but i have and just love my Shimano Teccotta!!!!

For rods anything say 7-8 ft. I like the moderate / fast action rods. You don't want a super "stiff" rod for trolling cranks for eyes. When they hit, they almost hook them selves. With the softer actions, you won't "rip their lips off" on a hookset or while fighting the fish.

G. Loomis (Walleye Series and IMX) makes nice trolling rods. You can also check out the Cabela's Fish Eagle II or the XML series.

[markkstanley]

I have Sealines and a Tekota - have to admit I use the Tekota all the time but you can't go wrong with the Sealines. My preferred trolling rod is a St Croix Tidemaster. Designed for inshore saltwater so it'll handle anything you'll run into. I also use the Shimano Compre trolling rods.

[hhguide]

I have the sealines too. I will third or forth those which ever it is!

[rodmaker]

The Tekota's are pretty sweet. It would be nice to get together with you and PerchJerker this Summer for some Eyes.

[Northlander]

I just ordered a 2 Cabelas linecounters and 9' telescoping board rod combos for $60 a piece. Shipping was terrible but I got them to reduce it for me. If you live by a Cabelas have them send it to the store for free. They wanted almost $16 a rod to send.

[rodmaker]

You got a good deal on the linecounters and rods!!!!. Why was shipping that spendy ??? Because of the length and I think they ship rods with plumbing tubes???

I'll be in touch when it gets closer to prime time and you can show me how it's done

Looking for my personal best this year. Over 29"

[DRH1175]

There are many great combos out there. I have the 27 diawa accu depth with a st. croix 8'6". Gander has a diawa combo for $99 and they look great. I may pick up a couple of these. Not to familar with the garcias as the diawa is the reel to compare to. For Planer boards you want a min of 8'6" up to 12' to get the line high off the water. You have two choices dependting on depth. Fireline or lead core. This comes down to a personal preference as fireline does dive deep. Lead core has a slight edge.