Best Line Counter Reel

[GarryB]

What is the best small to medium size line counter reel ?


Thanks

[mikear]

I have Daiwa Accudepth 47LC and last version Shimano Tekota 500LC. The Tekota 500LC is a much nicer reel while the Accudepths are more economical and still get the job done. I much prefer the Tekotas, but they’ve been discontinued and there is a new model I have no experience with.

I’m using 12lb Trilene Big Game mono on all reels used for long lining and planer boards with cranks. I can’t provide an opinion on lead core.

[BKfishing]

This same question was just discussed: https://www.walleyecentral.com/forum...d.php?t=716602

When you say small to medium, what size line and how much line capacity do you need?

Small:
Daiwa Lexa LC100
Abu Garcia 4500/5500
Daiwa Accudepth 15

Medium:
Daiwa Lexa LC300
Daiwa Sealine 17/27
Shimano Tekota 300/400
Okuma Coldwater
Abu Garcia 6500

[AllenW]

When you say "Best" do you mean for the money or money is no object?

Best for the money I like the Sealines, a 17 would be my choice for walleyes.

Al

[Grumps]

I have about 5 different kind of line counters, nothing over $150.

Favorite for braid are the Daiwa Lexa 100's.

Low light situations I use the back lit Abu Garcia Altum's. Also very happy with them.

[Waxy]

It's not the cheapest, but if you want the BEST, it's a pretty simple answer in my opinion, Shimano Tekota 300LC or 400LC. They're essentially the same size reel, just different handles, I prefer the 400 handle. I run the 400LC for lighter setups and 3 way rigs, the 500LC for my standard trolling setups, and a 600LC for leadcore.

https://fish.shimano.com/content/fis...A_300-400.html

https://fish.shimano.com/content/fis...-TEKOTA_A.html

Waxy

[Yellow Fever]

I have a dozen of the older 300 LC but I upgraded the handles to the 500LC power handles. I also have a couple of the Okuma coldwaters and they are pretty good for the money

[GarryB]

Thanks to all who replied.


I went with the Shimano Tekota A 400.

[Ozark Bob]

There are many good answers here. I have a different take on reel size however. When we "calibrate reels" it is to do 2 things(both important). 1. Is to make all our reels consistent with the others to duplicate a presentation that is working. 2. Accuracy close enough to set up our baits to different depths so we can figure out where the active fish are.
Say we calibrate at 100'. The farther we get away from a 100' length (either side) the more inaccurate the line out gets. It is due to the changing of the spool diameter as line goes out or in. If we stay close to the 100' line length (say 20') we are still pretty close to the calibrated line out. However if we are fishing most of the time at 150 or 200 we can be substantially off.
All that said, the wider the spool on the reel the slower that diameter changes.(accurate for a wider spread of line out numbers). Whatever brand you choose, keep in mind most of the lower capacity reels have narrower spools.
Diawa 17 vs 27 or Shimano 300 vs 500. The reel size is the same in diameter( for handling) but a bit wider. I have used both sizes in both brands. The difference in feel is not even noticeable. I have Tekoda 300's on my Dipsy rods as my let outs are normally 50 to 100' (calibrated at 75') and 500's on the rest of my trolling rods.(let outs average 100 to 200' (calibrated at 150').
Anal? Maybe, but I try to control the things I can. Just food for thought on reel size! Bob

[Waxy]

Originally Posted by GarryB

Thanks to all who replied.

I went with the Shimano Tekota A 400.

You will be very happy with it for a long time.

Waxy