Walleye trolling additions

Going to make a couple of additions to my trolling arsenal this year and have a couple questions for the trolling experts. I want to try using a line counter reel this summer, have never used one and have to ask:
1. FF has an Okuma Magda 20 on sale. Is this a decent line counter reel? I am just looking at something decent to use so I can determine if this is something I want to get deeper into later. Don’t want to spend a lot just trying it out.
2. What type of line is best for using with a line counter or will any line work?

The second thing I want to try is lead core, again, never used it before so I have some questions.
1. I want to put it on a Daiwa EL2 baitcaster that I have. Is this a good enough reel? Again, just trying out lead core so don’t want to have to spend a lot on a new reel. Also have an Ambassadeur 6500-C3, would this be a better choice?
2. What pound test should I use for walleye trolling and what is a good brand?
3. What is a good leader line and how do you attach it to the lead core?

A lot to ask but I need help. Thanks if advance.

I will take a shot at this.

That Okuma reel should be a good starter reel. When I first got into trolling, I bought the cheap Cabela’s depthmaster reels and they worked well. I still use some of them too. For line I use 10 lb. mono and braided line depending on the application. I would recommed picking up the Precision Trolling Bible as well.

For leadcore I use Cabela’s brand 18 lb. line. I am not familiar with those reels, but a linecounter reel is nice for leadcore so you can fine tune the depth of your lure better. For leader material, I like 10 lb. fluorocarbon. I attach the leader with a small swivel.

Hope this helps.

I’ve had the Magdas and they were just ok. If you’re not pulling full size planer boards all the time, they’ll be fine. If you’re going to pull boards around most of the time, it’s too much for the cheaper drag systems to handle.

I still use some for long lining in the river without boards, but that’s about the only use they get. IMHO the accupdepths are much better for similar money and sealines are much better yet.

For line, 10XT is the standard and is as tough as mono gets.

For leadcore I use 18lb, just make sure whatever brand you get has nice bright colors with a lot of contrast. I typically run about a 6-8′ leader but would go longer in super clear water.

As far as line 10lb XT has always worked for me as well as 18 lb leadcore as well. I tie a 10 foot leader to 10lb xt off of my leadcore. I like the accudepths for affordability and have always worked well for me. As earlier stated keep the reels full to make counters more accurate. Hope you have some good luck as this is a favorite walleye tactic of mine.

When I started getting into trolling years back, I bought accudepth reels because I didn’t want to invest a ton. If you only plan to use them a half dozen times a year with boards, or as long line reels, they will get the job done for a while. Their drags are sub-par and the counters will need yearly replacement if you plan to use them a lot. I have a shelf in my barn with a half dozen accudepths for backups. I swapped everything out with Sealines and have not had a reel issue since, and they see a ton of use. I’ve only had one Okuma and it lasted less than a year. I don’t remember the model, but it was an inexpensive one.

For line, I like to run 12lb Trilene Big Game. It has the same line diameter as 10lb XT and it is fairly inexpensive. I find it holds up well and have not had a fish break me off on it yet. Have landed multiple big pike and even a 49″ musky while pulling boards. Until it fails on me, I will keep using it.

For leadcore, I like having a linecounter reel. It isn’t “required”, but it sure makes it easier to repeat a setup across multiple rods, as well as fine tune how much line you run out. Counting colors works ok until you start breaking some off and have incomplete colors. I run sealine 47s for my lead setups. For leaders, depending on where I am fishing, I either run leaders of 12lb PLine Fluorocarbon or 15 pound Power Pro. You can either connect the leader to the leadcore with a small barrel swivel that is small enough to fit through the eyelets on the rod, or using an albright knot. I use an albright 95% of the time. You need to remove a section of the lead so you can tie the dacron. I also run the 18lb leadcore line.

That is what works for me anyway.

Do yourself a favor and send a litte extra and go with Diawa reels for long line trolling and leadline trolling, they will be the last reels you buy for trolling. I have heard of too many guys who buy Depthmasters or Okumas only to replace them later with Diawas. Diawa is the bench mark they hold up and they last, I have 6 Diawa line counters 2 of them are 12 years old and they still work as good as the day I bought them.

A recomendation from James

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Do yourself a favor and send a litte extra and go with Diawa reels for long line trolling and leadline trolling, they will be the last reels you buy for trolling. I have heard of too many guys who buy Depthmasters or Okumas only to replace them later with Diawas. Diawa is the bench mark they hold up and they last, I have 6 Diawa line counters 2 of them are 12 years old and they still work as good as the day I bought them.

A recomendation from James

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Well, if you really never want to buy another trolling reel, go with Shimano Tekotas. Just be prepared to open your wallet really wide. I haven’t had a sealine fail yet, but if one does, it will be replaced with a Tekota.

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I haven’t had the best of luck with the Magdas. The higher end Okuma Convector is a good reel but considerably more expensive. I have had very good experience with Cabela’s Depthmaster reels as an entry level linecounter.

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Magda and Cabelas Depthmaster are the same exact reel. Cabelas just puts their name on it. Do a Sided by Side…

Go with the 30 for leadcore. 20 will be too small.

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Magda and Cabelas Depthmaster are the same exact reel. Cabelas just puts their name on it. Do a Sided by Side…

Go with the 30 for leadcore. 20 will be too small.

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X2,

I have been using the same Magda’s for 5+ years and destroyed my first Seallines back when they were the quality of Accudepths within two years. I remember hating how you had to reel one full revolution before the reel engaged so I moved to the Okuma’s. Take care of them and they will last. I think the line question has been covered very well: 10# test Trilene XT or equivalent and any 18# leadcore to keep to the “Bible’s” standards.

If you have unlimited funds and pound walleyes several days a week, buy the Tekotas.

Otherwise, for the typical walleye-weekend-warrior, the Cabela’s Depthmaster trolling combos are great! The other option is the Diawa Accudepths with the Wilderness rods from Gander Mountain. They had these combos on sale for $70 at the local store the other day. However, I do like the Cabela’s Depthmaster reel and drag system over the Diawa Accudepths. I’ve fished several Accudepths and do feel the Cabela’s Depthmaster is a better reel for the drag.

Either one of these combos will serve you plenty of years in both hard-line or lead core.
If you abuse your equipment, then nothing will last.

Some people are much harder on their equipment than others. I have 5 Depthmasters (1 being the original “digital”) and they all are working great! All of these reels are still performing and haven’t failed me yet.

My next 2 rods will be Cabela’s Depthmaster 8′ combos for lead core. I’ve fished these rods from friends several times and they fish walleyes great! If you shop, you can get the combo for $50!

Another post on Line Counter Reels

What Reel for Leadcore?

Thanks for all the great info. Going to have to take some notes and decide what I want to do.

I don’t do enough trolling to comment on which brand is best but one thing I’ll add is that Cabales rods and reels basically come with a no questions asked warranty. I’ve had a few items that I bring in there with no receipt and they’ve always swapped them for new items with no hassle.