What size line counter reel

[Falcon2082]

I am looking at purchasing some of the Depthmaster Gold reels from Cabelas and was wondering what size reel I should get. I will be trolling for Walleye and Steelhead in the Western/Central Basin of Erie. Also, what size rod do you recommend for running big dipsey's? Thanks for your help!

Mike

[j9f]

The 30 should suit you fine. You could also use the next size smaller reel, but if you ever think you may use them for Salmon, stick with the 30.

Either of the Cabelas diver rods will work, it depends on how long of a rod you like. If I were going to get four combos, I would get two of each and use the shorter toward the stern and the longer toward the bow of the boat. If you have a smaller boat, a 10.5' rod may be on the long side. I also like the 10' Eagle claw diver rods for your application. $20 at Gander Mtn. A lot more flex than the cabelas rods and they will be easier to read for smaller fish that don't release the diver. The Cabelas rods are higher quality. The butt caps like to fall off the Eagle Claws. A little silicone fixes that problem though.

[Toolman]

I'd recommend the 20 size because the smaller size is more user friendly IMO. The 30 will work fine though-just a little bigger than necessary. Spool the reel with enough mono backing that 150 or 300 yards of 8/30 braid of your choice will fill the spool. IMO I would look at the Diawa LC27SGA as a comparable priced reel but better quality.

I use 8' rods for pulling big dipseys. It sounds like some guys are going to even shorter sticks. It used to be 9' or 10' (or longer) were popular. Lots of brands fill the bill for $25 to $50/rod.

[Falcon2082]

Thanks for the info. I have a 22 ft Trophy that I would look at trailering to Ontario for Salmon. I will probably go with the bigger reel so I can use if for both applications.

[Unlogged LundNut]

I recommend the 20 size as well. I had 4 linecounters the size of the 30's or bigger and thought I could use them for both walleye and salmon. That was a pain and didn't work as well as I thought. Cause I always wanted 20# mono for salmon and wanted to use a 10# diameter braid for eyes. I now have 6 of the 30/47 size for salmon and 8 Diawa 17's for eyes. Works much better now. :o)

As far as the rod that is more personal preference. But I like the longer rods for salmon and downriggers and the shorter ones for dipsey's and eyes. I specifically like the Ugly Stick in a 7' medium action one piece the best for everything from dipsey's to inline to jets off of the big boards. These rods work great and are very easy to read when dipseys are on them. I thank and took this rod advice from Denied...www.cliftond.com. Saved me alot of money in trying different rods.

[FreeByrd]

>Thanks for the info. I have a 22 ft Trophy that I would look
>at trailering to Ontario for Salmon. I will probably go with
>the bigger reel so I can use if for both applications.


Just FYI you can fit over 1000 feet of braided line (8 or 10 pound diameter) on an Okuma size 20 Convector and on a Diawa 27. My reels see double duty and most of mine are size 20 Okuma Convectors or Diawa 27s.