Snap-on line counter

[ufda]

Was watching In-fisherman show and saw Al and Doug using line counters that snapped on to their rods before the first eye. Have any of you tried these? I see lots of talk on here about line counter reels, but have never seen this solution --- which probably answers my next question --- how do they work? Also, where can they be purchased? What do they cost? I have not seen them in Cabelas.
Thanks in advance

[JRN]

Cabelas handles the Shakespeare line counters . I purchased 2 of them recently for about $12 a piece. I have not had the opportunity to try them yet. There have been mixed reviews on this site but they appear to be a good solution if you don't have the money to buy line counter reels.

"Work is for people who don't know how to fish."

[leechboy]

I've used them and they work well, unless you are using fireline or a slick superline. Unlike the reels that count distance from rotations of the spool, the Shakespere snap ons run the line throught the counter, and the superlines tend to slide through without the counter engaging and counting. Saying that, they're cheap and work well with mono or lines like spiderwire fusion that are not so fine. Just my 2 cents.-lw

[eyebuster]

I bought the shakespear model with reluctance, took it in the yard measured out 100 ft dropped the line there and started walking to the 100 foot mark. It was within inches so I went out and bought another.
I thought it worked well last week on erie also.

[ufda]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the responses. I think I may try them as I have a number of reels that would work and I have never done much open water trolling. Want to try it out before I make investments in line counter reels.

[JRN]

Have you used them with fireline?

[eyecatcher_1]

I also think they work very well, especially since I don't want to have ten rods in my boat for different purposes. I have found them to be very accurate and would recommend them to anyone. One thing that I had never thought of, but is a nice plus to them is when you bring someone else in your boat that doesn't have one, you can let your line out, then switch it to their rod and let the line out to the right depth instead of having to have line counter reels for everyone.

[eyecatcher_1]

One more thing, I have used themwith fireline and seem to work fine, but I have heard that others have had problems. Also, buy them at Walmart instead of the outdoor stores, they are $3.50 cheaper so you can basically buy three get one free when compared to Cabela's.

[Jeff]

I use them with fireline and I have had no problems at all...except for when I dropped one over the boat last year :)

I have 2 of them, I let the lines out on 2 rods and then place them on the other rods. Just be carefule you don't drop them over board :)

I always take them off after I let the line out so the counter doesn't interfere when fighting a fish... Don't have too but that's what I do....

[Gary Nelson]

Cabelas carries the "Rebel" Definer snap on line counter page 105 of the Spring Master Edition 1

[ufda]

Thanks again guys. It's appreciated.

[Jess]

I have used them. The line would somehow get under the spool! This would drive me nuts as the only way to get it out was to cut your line. I ended up doing this often. They would also stop reading then read.... stop....read etc. You rerally have to pay attention when letting line through them. I think they are a pain to use all the time but are a handy backup to have in the boat for yourself or for guests rods.
Jess

[Geno]

Watched the same show and went and bought a Shakespear counter. I have played around with it at home. I think it will be hard to use with alot of activity in the boat. Also line can get under counter spool and no way to get it out without cutting it. I am planning to use it with fireline, but am not overly optimistic.

[Fish Hound]

I bought one last year and used it on Erie. No problems with Spiderwire Fusion. I also have the Daiwas and an Okuma. Bought 2 more Shakespeare this year. Just in case I want to use smaller rod and reel. Jans Netcraft. Under $10.

See ya on the water.
The Fish Hound

[Big Dog]

Even with line counter reels there are nice to have along as spares . First rule when you need somthing the most in will alway brake. Also when you let line out and unclick them You will never have to remember how much line you had out just look at the clip-on.