Line counter reels

[wakina]

Folks, are there any decent line counter reels under $100.00 other than the Daiwa 27 series ?

Looking to upgrade from a pair of Cabelas reels.

Thanks!

Lope

My first choice is of course Tekota 300 by Shimano, I realize those are out of your desired price range. I also have 4 Okuma Coldwater reels that I use when there are 3 or more on board. They are very nice reels that can be had for around $90.00. I have had 0 issues with the Okuma reels.

Before the Coldwater reels I used the Convector reels for several seasons. I sold them when I got the Tekota reels and the Convectors were every bit as reliable as the Coldwater reels. They are still in use today as a friend of mine bought them. So for the money I don't think you would be disappointed in the Okuma line. I just cannot recommend the Okuma Magda Pro reels as they fit in on the bottom of the starter reels.

[jdff21]

Wakina what make of rods are you using with your Tekota reels

My first choice is of course Tekota 300 by Shimano, I realize those are out of your desired price range. I also have 4 Okuma Coldwater reels that I use when there are 3 or more on board. They are very nice reels that can be had for around $90.00. I have had 0 issues with the Okuma reels.

Before the Coldwater reels I used the Convector reels for several seasons. I sold them when I got the Tekota reels and the Convectors were every bit as reliable as the Coldwater reels. They are still in use today as a friend of mine bought them. So for the money I don't think you would be disappointed in the Okuma line. I just cannot recommend the Okuma Magda Pro reels as they fit in on the bottom of the starter reels.

[wakina]

Wakina what make of rods are you using with your Tekota reels

I run the Ugly Stix GX 2 model # USCA701M by Shakespeare, I have 8 of these and have no complaints. I run 4 with the Shimano Tekota reels and 4 with the Okuma Coldwater reels.


http://www.uglystik.com/uglystik-rod...6.html#start=2

[cooleyfarms]

I have been told that Okuma makes/made Cabelas line counter reels. True/false ???? They look an awful lot alike.

[wakina]

I have been told that Okuma makes/made Cabelas line counter reels. True/false ???? They look an awful lot alike.

Just like you I have heard the same thing! They remind me of the Magda Pro line of Okuma reels. I know that at one time they did not repair them if they went bad, but replaced them if they were still under warranty. I stayed away from them years ago when I first bought line counter reels. My first set of line counters were none other than the Magda Pro's. I used them for a few seasons and upgraded to the Convectors, there is no comparison between the 2. Daiwa makes several models of the Cabelas brand spinning reels and they all seem to be an excellent product for the money. So with that being said we still don't know any more than when we started.

[cycleguy]

So with that being said we still don't know any more than when we started.

Story of my life. Cool thing is as fast as we forget things… and discover what we don't know, we can learn it all over again.

[Polar Eyes]

All of my trolling rods are Cabela's Brand with Cabela's Depthmaster Reels. I have 6 sets, 5 with mono/fluorocarbon and one with leadcore. I also have 3 spare reels ready to go. I bought all nine reels in the Bargain Cave in Dundee over the years. I've only had one crap out (its one of the three "spares") I keep it around for parts. I've had to fix a few now and again, but with all 9 reels, I've never paid over $25 for a single reel. For the rods, in some cases, I bought the combo in the cave, but most cases, I've bought the rods separate. Usually about once or twice per year, the cabelas depthmaster rods go on sale and that's when I've grabbed them.

I only troll 4 rods at a time out of my boat as I only have an 18' Polar Kraft, anything more starts to border on a Cluster.... So I rotate my equipment. In addition, I only get out to the Big Lake a couple dozen times per year for trolling due to job, kids, smallmouth bass in N. Michigan, etc... . If I were a full time pro or a charter captain, I'd definitely go with upgraded equipment.

[wakina]

I only troll 4 rods at a time out of my boat as I only have an 18' Polar Kraft, anything more starts to border on a Cluster.... So I rotate my equipment. In addition, I only get out to the Big Lake a couple dozen times per year for trolling due to job, kids, smallmouth bass in N. Michigan, etc... . If I were a full time pro or a charter captain, I'd definitely go with upgraded equipment.

Therein it says it all!


You rotate your equipment so none of it gets used all the time, fewer trips also means even less use per setup so it lasts much longer without issues and at a much reduced cost! Each outfit cost less than a stand alone reel purchase of higher quality and that is without the cost of a rod. It leaves more fun money available for other more pertinent equipment such as cranks if you use them, more harness components and or more spoons if you use those as well as divers and wts.


A very good use of resources for the amount and type of fishing you do. Good advice on, if you fish allot more then upgraded equipment might be the best investment. So newbies and part timers take note this man has it together.

[Polar Eyes]

.....this man has it together.

Not sure about that, more like the consummate cheap @zz, but thanks for the compliment.

I swung through Cabelas this evening on the way home. There was one Cabela's Depthmaster reel in the bargain cave for $18.50 labeled as a return. It had a few scuffs on it, but otherwise worked fine. There were two Diawa line counters marked down $20 to about $87 and one Okuma counter, but I forgot what the price was. I didn't see any trolling rods in the cave, but the Depthmaster rods in the fishing dept were all between $42-$46.

[wakina]

Not sure about that, more like the consummate cheap @zz, but thanks for the compliment.

I swung through Cabelas this evening on the way home. There was one Cabela's Depthmaster reel in the bargain cave for $18.50 labeled as a return. It had a few scuffs on it, but otherwise worked fine. There were two Diawa line counters marked down $20 to about $87 and one Okuma counter, but I forgot what the price was. I didn't see any trolling rods in the cave, but the Depthmaster rods in the fishing dept were all between $42-$46.

Polar Eyes

I call it like I see it!

Believe it or not you gave some very good advice for those who don't get a chance to fish the big lake as often as other people do. The idea here is to get out on the water no matter where it may be and have fun, success is measured not in what you use to have fun with but being thankful for the opportunity to have that successful outdoor experience. I am sure the fish do not have any idea that they were caught with a $25.00 reel or a $175.00 reel. I also know who ever catches their limit could care less how much that reel actually cost, it is about the fun and experience.

I am trying to say that no one should ever be ashamed to use what ever fits their circumstances, be it budget, preference or needs. I know fishermen that have to have the best of everything just to keep up with the Kardashians. It does not make them better fishermen or more successful and they do not have any more fun than the next guy. What puts fish in the cooler is experience combined with some luck while having fun!