Line counters

I’m interested in a snap on line counter out of cabellas for 12 bucks, anyone use these? are the effective for trolling? Thank you for any reply!

Bigpike,

THe ones Cabelas sells are actually the better ones that I have seen out there. Do not attempt to buy the Shakespeare clamp on line counter. These are very cumbersome and difficult to stay consistant with.
When using the Cabelas kind that you are talking about, be sure to loop your line around the wheel a couple times to keep constant contact with the counter. If you rely on just the line to pass over the wheel, you will get intermittant action on the wheel.

My honest advice would be to go out and spend the money and buy a line counter reel of choice. They range anywhere from $50.00-$100.00 depending on the brand. My personal favorite is the Diawa Sealine SG27LW models. Once you fish with a line counter reel, you will never go back to fishing with the clamp-on wheels.

Good Luck and let us know how these fair for you.

I’d agree with DeeZee on the Shakespeare clip on’s. I went through 3 of them last year. The lever that pulls the rollers up to hold the line break off pretty easy. I didn’t have any trouble with consistant readings though. You get what you pay for I guess. Abu Garcia has come out with a line counter kit fro the 6500’s that looks really promising for around $40. I’ve ordered 2. I’m going to give them a real work out this year.

I have 4 of the Daiwa SG27LC models and they are FANTASTIC! I used this model while fishing with James and was hooked after he told me how much use they got in his boat, and were absolutely zero trouble. Mine have also been 100% trouble free AND the good part is that if the spool is filled to within 1/8 inch of its max, these counters are incredibly accurate. All 4 of mine registered the same readings on a measured out length of line, and were accurate to +/- one foot in a 150 foot length of 30# spiderwire.

I got one from Cabela’s over 2 years ago. I was going cheap for a Lake Trout rig for Canada. It’s a little clear job that goes up to 99.9 feet. I think it might be Rebel branded now and goes for $16.

I checked the accuracy on it out to 60 feet and it was good for me. I used it on on 2 different rigs. 1 used 30# Spiderwire, the other used 50# Ripcord Si. Didn’t notice any prob with slipping. DZ’s comment about wrapping whe line around the wheel would probably work well if you had line slipping issues.

It doesn’t seem particularly robust or sturdy. The clamps on it are made from thin spring steel, similar to a click-type ball point pen. (see attachment)

Frankly, I only used it a few times up in Canada trolling for Lake Trout. My only complaint regarding it was that the adhesive cork that wraps around the rod had pretty weak adhesive. You can get small quantities of cork tape from MudHole.com – which I have to do before May 20th – the next time I’ll have a chance at Lakers in Knuckland! If you pick one up, PM me and I’ll send you some of that cork tape.

– Rick “Thumper” Torgerud

If you have any Abu Garcia reels in the C3 or C4 series,(5000 or6000) they make whats called a Abu Troll Line Counter. It only take a few minutes to install. It attaches right to the reel. I purchased one this past spring. I’m very happy with the performance of the unit. I got it through Cabelas. Just something to check out….Tight lines and Good Health……….Tony

Hey Tony, do you have a picture of that? I assume it would fit the whole lineup of those reels based on what you said (ie 5500, 6500)?

Here is a pic from the Cabelas on-line….

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jhtml?id=0017141&navAction=jump&navCount=0&indexId=&parentId=&parentType=&rid=&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fpod-link.jhtml.2_A&_DAV=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcontent%2FPod%2F01%2F71%2F41%2Fp017141ii01.jpg

They will work on the 5500 and 6500 reels.

Jon J.

That is AWESOME! I am getting two for my 6500’s!
Tuck

Well Frank, Jon has answered your question. Thanks Jon. You wont be disappointed with them Tuck….Tight lines and Good Health to all…….Tony

He sure did, that looks pretty sweet on a 5500 or 6500 reel.

I’ll tell ya’ what Frank…..I love them….Whats really nice is that they don’t throw the balance of the reel off. I’ve got them on both of my 6500C4’s and on my 5500C3. Tight lines and Good Health……..Tony

The problem with the digital line counters is that they don’t do well in cold weather. A weak battery and 40 degrees and you’re back to counting revolutions on the levelwind.

For the same amount you can own the Diawa and enjoy years of use.

I just have to say that I have never had any problems with my AG line counter….Even in the cold….Tight Lines and Good Health……Tony