Shakespeare Clip-On Line Counters - Are They Any Good?

[Peanut]

How accurate are these things? And, do they work with Fireline? They're not big investments, but if they're a waste, I'd rather spend the money on cranks.

Thanks.

derrek.

"Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering"
- Arthur C. Clarke

[bbakes]

I have never done a "scientific" test to see if they measure exactly as they state. They make it possible to reproduce your presentation. I have only used 10# Trilene through them. They certainly are cheaper then buying a bunch of new line-counter reels. All in all, they are not a miracle, but they worked just fine for me last year.

[Steve CO]

They are so-so on 14/8 Fireline. Sometimes they work and sometimes not and I have to fiddle with them. My guess would be that they would not be good with 10/4. After using for two seasons, I am going to buy a second line-counter reel. I will take mine on fly-ins to Canada however.

[mudpuppy]

I bought one a couple of years ago. The plastic lever fell off into the lake while trolling . The rest went in about 30 sec.'s later after I told it what I thought of it .

[Sunshine]

They are very accurate. I've done the testing. I've used 20 pound power pro with no problems but would assume problems with smaller diameter super lines. Biggest problem for me has been their quality control. I have had to return a couple.

I've also had them freeze up when fishing with temps in the teens.

[Peanut]

Dennis, how do you think they'd fare with 14/8 Fireline?

derrek.

"Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering"
- Arthur C. Clarke

[Sunshine]

My gut feeling is that you'd get slippage.

[Peanut]

Is there any type of superline that will work in these things? I'm willing to try them, but am reluctant to give up Fireline to do so.

derrek.

"Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering"
- Arthur C. Clarke

[Steve CO]

Exactly my point. I wasn't specific but the problems I've had with 14/8 Fireline is slippage.

[marcbodi]

Hi,
I have six of them that I switch from my Walleye Rods to my Salmon Rods.I use 20lb Power Pro.I get a little Slippege Once in a while but I can live with it.I Think they are very accurate.

[Texeye]

Very accurate but like has been said you will get slippage on fireline.In my opinion for $12.00 dollars you can't beat it.

[Adam]

I used them and I don't like them at all. They are accurate, but they're annoying to use on a spinning reel. I'm buying a Cabelas Gold Linecounting combo for like 90 bucks. The thing looks well made and you get a good pole with it too. I just saw it in the Cabelas Fishing Catalog that came to the house. In fact, I'll sell you my line counter for 8 bucks.

Adam1252@aol.com

[Sunshine]

Adam,

I would agree with the spinning reel comment. I only use for trolling with baitcasters.

[rich]

one simple word they (SUCK)

[Daren]

I think you better understand something. There were two different models released. One was a little tiny thing that was a peice of crap as others have stated on this thread. The other is larger, just slightly smaller than the puck of a Lawrance skimmer transducer. It, is a good one. Don't buy the small one and you will probably be happy though you will want to watch for slippage with super lines. Good option until you can get a few line counter reels.

Daren

[Daren]

One more thing, I think the old ones had an orange background on the card and the new ones have a gold background. I could be wrong on this though.

[Leechboy]

I have used them and I think they work well with Mono and are a good value. Mine have been durable and accurate(i've lined them up with the Diawa sealines and they measure the same). Too much slippage for me with Fireline, but for 12 bucks you can't have everything.-lb

[Jay]

I have at least four of these guys and use them for both musky and walleye trolling. As previously said, I checked and they are both accurate and reliable (consistent).
I keep hearing the cost for these as 12 bucks, but I got mine at Wal Mart for 10. Then I later stopped by a Meijer store (same as super K-Mart) and found a couple on clearance for 6.

Jay

[stinger]

little tiny one, a little piece of crap. bigger one, a bigger piece of crap

[jake]

i bought 1 and it broke the first time i use it. so i took it back, 100% failure rate. i've been using line counter reels ever since.

[Wallydog]

I have two myself,they mostly work pretty I do agree with the fact that they slip with Fireline. Also, on a spinning rig they are a no go. But if you don't have a lot of dough, they're the way to go.