With the advent of the trolling guides available to anglers these days, linecounter reels really are becoming “must have” equipment.
One of the questions I recently had in an email dealt with this; what brand, what size, what line…etc.
To me it was a no brainer, Daiwa has done it longer and better than anyone else. The newer Sealine LCA series just took their product to the next level. Not saying that Shimano does not make an excellent LC reel in their Tekota series, but why spend a $150 plus when I have some the best reels already.
What reels fall in the next tier lower than these top dogs? Again I would have to go with Daiwa, in their Accudepth Plus series. Decent reel, accurate counter and a fair price in the 50 dollar rage give or take. These are often available in combo deals where the rod is basically a freebee. Always a nice thing. For a higher price, Ambassadeur makes a 6000 series linecounter, but as an introduction model a few years back, they had something to be desired. Lots of improvements have this reel a lot better, but with the price hovering about a 100 bucks, it is not in the Sealine ballpark. Another second tier reel would be the Shakespeare Tidewater, decent for the price, but prone to slippage in counting the line out.
What models do I use, the Sealine SG 17 LCA and SG 27 LCA. I have the 17’s for drifting and inland lake trolling and finesse rigs. These go on 7′ and 7′10 medium casting rods that one might use for bass fishing. Providing a nice balance. The 27’s are my mainstay on the trolling rods on big water and can also double up while salmon fishing. These rods are 8 foot and 8′6″ in length.
If you are using some of the bigger rods like an 8′6″ or 9′ downrigger or board rod, and you want to salmon fish also, by all means do not be afraid to pull double duty with the bigger SG 47 LCA. All you have to do is change out the line. BUT, if that is an option for you, fill most of the reel with 40 or 30 lb cheap line, connect to some quality 10 or 15 lb mono to top off the spool for walleye trolling.
One thing you can do is spool up with a braided line. I use 40 lb Power Pro, and I know, I hear it all the time…..that’s too heavy! You are right, absolutely, but its the size of 10 lb monofilament folks. The same size the trolling guides use in their dive charts. Then when and if I go salmon fishing, I don’t need to switch out the lines.