Accuracy of line counters, might want to check!

I’ve never bothered to check the accuracy of my linecounter reels, always thought they were pretty close. After some discussion in a report I posted it seemed the lure I was running should have been dragging bottom at the distance back I had it. Lip Ripper pointed this out and was as confused as I why it wasn’t dragging bottom.

This got me off my and had me checking the accuracy of my Diawa Sealine 17’s.

First off, I measured out 104′, why 104?? Well, that’s the length of one of my fences, 13 panels X 8 ft=104′

Set the counter on reel #1 and pulled out the 104′, counter read 109′. Pretty close.

Set the counter on reel #2, pulled out 104′, counter read 119′. Off by 15′!!??

I know that different diameter lines, more or less spooled will affect the line counter accuracy. When I purchased these I put 10lb. mono backing on first, the same exact amount on both reels by the counter and same with the fireline. So, they should read the same. Unfortunatly, reel#2 is way off.

I’m a precision trolling faithful, that book gets alot of use in my boat. It’s nice to know where a lure is running, if a linecounter is off by 15%, it’s pretty hard to know where your lure is at. Unless of course, you take the time to find out if your linecounter is accurate. Now I know and will adjust accordingly. Check your linecounters.

BIRDDOG

Quick question and something that you also probably checked…do you have the same amount of line on both of your counters. Line counters are said to be most accurate when spooled fully by the book….anything less than full you are going to get scewed results… If line counters actually measured the line instead of the peeling spool we would then have a better chance at being more accurate. I am in full agreement with you…Check your line counters! Tag a little sticker on the side of the reel that at the very least tells you actual when the counter reads 100 feet…you can estimate from there either up or down…

Take care!

When they were first spooled(last spring), both were to capacity and had equal amounts of backer and fireline. Since spooling I’ve lost some line on both reels due to frey and what not. Definitly not enough line loss to have a 15% discrepency. I understand these linecounters aren’t going to be exact and may be off by some, I just never realized they could be off by that much. It’s nice that I now know so I can adjust accordingly, it will make a difference on where my lures run, on tough days the small depth changes can be the difference between catching fish and skunking out. I will check my counters a few times a year from now on.

BIRDDOG

I have never thought that line counters were accurate to much of a degree. However, having said that, I have all the same model line counters. That way they have the same size gears, therefore should be relatively close (to each other) in measurement of line out. Using the lengths your line counters gave you, I have checked my “Precision Trolling” book and come up with these depths and differences.
A Rapala J13 trolls at about 12’9″ with 100′ of line out. To achieve this 100′ of line, your reel #1 must read about 105′ and reel #2 must read about 115′. If instead you rely on the counters and let out 100′ your actual depths will be (by the book) reel #1 with about 95′ actual line out 12’6″. Off by a mere 3″. And reel #2 with about 85′ feet out actual will be at 11’10” actual. A difference of only 8″ and off according to the book of less than 1′. Given variables of transducer depth and troll speed actual, this is not a signifagant amount. The defference in depth between the two lures on reel 1 and 2 is only 8″, Getting back to the same depth is the most important point of depthcounters. And having totally confused myself and all who read this by trying to adjust lengths and depths, I’m going to have another cup of coffee.

Birddog,

I do agree with the accuracy you are finding. I have 6 27’s and they are all a little different. I write on the reels what % I need to add to get to that consistently.

I thinking the more important feature than accuracy is the repeatability of the counter. That is getting back to the exact depth after you have it dialed in. The 27’s are really close when it comes to that.

If you have the spools filled to capacity, your line counters will be a lot more accurate. Once you start loosing line, it drops off fast. Before a trolling tournament I run all my counters out to 50ft and check what the counter reads, I then write that number on the butt of the rod on a sticker. That way I know how that one is running at 50ft. They will never be 100 % accurate, but that way you can make adjustments without having to respool the entire rod.

Good Point Guys. Bird Dog I do the same thing at the start of each Open Water Trolling Season and Fall Trolling the pond. I measure out actual 50,100, and 150′ and then run the line counters to see there readout. I do like Scott does and write this on the side of my reel for 50, 100 and 150 feet. I’m kind of anal when it comes to this but it is callled precision trolling ain’t it?

Good Reminder BD.

The best way I have found to find the real depth you are running at is to keep moving shallower until you tick bottom. Always have a full reel and you will know for sure how many feet back you need for a particular lure for your particular line counter. You guys fishing the basin on Mille Lacs can head to the nearest flat (ei. 7 Mile) to accomplish this. I personally can’t get a taildancer to dive more than 30′.

Use Superline EyeCrusher and Welcome to the site! I look forward to hearing and seeing more of your input!

The problem with using a lure to hit bottom is you are assuming that like lures dive the same. Remember, if a lure is not perfectly tuned, it will not dive like it should. You may find a lure that according to the book should be digging into the bottom, yet it is not. That lure is out of tune. Some times it takes 10 minutes to get a lure to run straight…but it is worth the time and effort