line counters vs how much line on reel

[gettum]

As far as I understand it, what a line counter really counts is the number of revolutions that the reel makes, and then that gets converted into number of feet. However, as you are letting line out, the circumference of the line on the reel gets smaller and so every revolution represents less line. The same is the case if one reel has more line than the other. If I remember mathematical equations from 40 years ago correctly, the circumference is proportional to the radius and it seems to me that there can easily be a two-fold difference. It seems to me that likely the line counter is calibrated for a half-full reel, but even so, the basic problem exists. Clearly this is not a factor if you want to let exactly as much line out again after you just caught a fish. But how about if you want to use the line counter in combination with the precision trolling book? Should I try to take this into consideration?
gettum

[Homer]

I wouldn't sweat it too much. First off, I think your estimate of a two-fold difference in radius as line goes out is way too large. Second, you're right in that the major part of the benefit comes from being able to repeat a presentation. If it's still bugging you, it wouldn't be that difficult to test the calibration of your reel at home with a tape measure. I've done it with my non-linecounter 5500Cs and 6500Cs, measuring how much line goes out for each pass of the levelwind.

[Den]

The basis of a line counter reel is to get the same amount of line out each time you use the reel. in this way , you should always put the same amount of line on each reel. if this is done right , the same amount of line out on each should close, or the same, according to the numbers. i hope this helps. good luck and good fishin.
Den

[ginamaria]

You are absolutely right. I was amazed to find out how much difference this made when I spooled up last spring then went out and tested it against a 100ft tape measure. 100ft on the measure equalled anywhere from 120-150 on the line counter. I found out that the reels are calibrated at FULL spool. I went back and put more backing on me reels and got the first 100 ft to match with in 3ft. but it was a horendous pain. I often let out as much as 250ft and I'm sure my counter is underestimating anything over 100 ft. Then again my test was with dry line at a certain temp. Who knows what changes with wet line or another temp. I have seen depth curves made by people who I respect that are pretty far off the curves of Precision trolling. I am addicted to that book and feel it is the best most scientific guide to trolling depths but I'm convinced that if we try out best matching boat speed, line diameter, tuning our crankbaits, calibrating our line counters ect.we are lucky to be with in 5ft of our calculated depth at 100 ft line out and beyond that it just gets less accurate. If we don't pay attention to these things we really haven't a clue.
So my Advice fill the reel full. Calibrate it against a tape if you want. it will show you the breakeven point for the amount on line you have on, Then use "Kentucky windage"

[gettum]

Thanks for your replies, which make lots of sense. I am going to make sure to load all reels full, with exactly the same type of line, to start with!
gettum

[Dave Dalluge]

I can see where the line counter reels go on revolutions of the reel, I was wondering if a person wanted acurate line measurement, maybe he could go to a clip on line measure that would just measure the line that goes through it and not how much line is on the reel. Just a thought.

[Stormsearch]

There was a thread about this sometime last year and several people responded on what they found and how they calibrated their certain setups. Some guys/gals reported some pretty drastic differences in what they found and intrigued me to investigate this winter when I inverted my fireline. My (6) Daiwa 27LCGW's, using 14/6 fireline (~ 150 yrds) backed on cheap #10lb mono (~ to get to full spool) got me the following results. 100 ft out measured with a Shakespeare clip line counter:

107', 114', 112', 115', 109', 109'.

I may not exactly match to the Precision Trolling Guide but am pretty close. I was glad to find out that I only had a 8' difference between (6) setups. In a couple of years when I switch lines, I will probably calibrate to exactly 100'. Good luck.