Linecounter reels

[SD/Will]

Now that I have my new trolling rods I could use some advice on linecounter reels. Are they necessary? would I be better served to spend my money on a good quality baitcaster? and if they are a necessity which one is best?

Thanks to all
SD/Will

[FreeByrd]

If you are going to get serious about trolling you'll probably end up buying linecounter reels at some point. If you can get them from the start you'll be better off in the long run. The Diawa SG27 is the most popular walleye linecounter reel.
You may also take a look at the Okuma DX series - size 20 or size 30. You'll save a little money on the Okumas but the Diawa's are the best in my opinion.

If you don't have it yet - spend $25 on "Precision Trolling" before you buy anythign else. Available online by clicking on "products" at the top of this page, and in most tackle shops that cater to trollers.
Good Luck,
Steve Carlson

[Tom (Mich)]

Ditto to Freebyrd's advice. Used to do the trolling thing with regular baitcasters ("back 20 bars, pulls, etc."). The Daiwa's are a dream to use - though the drags leave just a bit to be desired.

[Eyez]

If I were you I'd stay away from the Okuma's. They're ok reels, but the counters are crappy, and the drags have a tendency to stick occasionally. I have a sore spot on my hand from smacking one of my okuma's to make the counter work. I wish I had spent my money on Diawa's.


Just my opinion,

Eyez

[EB]

I've got 6 SG27's and last fall decided I wanted four more line counters. I cheaped out and bought the Cabela's Depthmaster reels, complete junk! Two counters didn't work right out of the box. I guess what I learned is stick with what works, Diawa SG27's.

[Dave S]

If you are seriously thinking about trolling definitely go with line counting reels. A regular bait casting reel does not have enough line capacity to hold lead core line along with being very difficult to tell how much line you have let out.

I have two Okuma DX30 reels and two Diawa 27LCW reels. Comparing the reels I agree with Eyes. The Diawa's have a superior drag system that is more easily adjusted in my opinion.

[Gilligan]

Got to agree with the census. I run Okuma dx 20's and 30's. I don't think you loose to much quality wise but I would have been happier with Diawa 27's. The big gripe I have on the Okumas is that it's to easy to accidentaly bump and reset counter when you don't want to reset.

[easymoney]

No brainer, go with the Daiwa's,I also went cheap and bought two Cabelas linecounters and you do get what you pay for. My opinion

[Dave]

I have some barely used Okumas i'll sell you. I replaced them with the Daiwas.

[Tom S.]

If those are the 30DX reels, let me know what you need for them. I have a dozen or so of them and haven't had a problem with them. I would like to have a few more to spool with wire line.