Line counter and rod

What is a good line counter and trolling rod for some leadline? Never used one before.Don’t want to break the bank either. TIA, Chuck

This can become a chevy vs ford conversation… You don’t need anything high-end.

I use this:
Okuma Classic Pro GLT Downrigger Rod (8- 20 Lbs, 7-Feet 6-Inch, Medium-Light)

Okuma Convector 30D Star Drag Line Counter Reel

Same gear with or without lead, and for salmon or inland walleye. Can’t image a need for anything better, and on Amazon right now rods are like $27, reels are only $69, so for a $100 plus some off-brand 30# braid backing there as well, you’ll be ready to go.

The rods are everything I need and the reels, well I really like them. I have the 20 series reels for only inland, but would go with the 30’s across the board if doing it again. Lead, you’ll want a 30 series – unless not adding much of any backing. Even still, the larger reel is better. It isn’t like you are holding and casting with it either.

I second what Chuck says, doesn’t need to be fancy. I also have 2 of the Okuma GLT rods. The two I have are the 8’6″ Leadcore Mediums, they work great.

If you plan on just running leadcore, you don’t necessarily need line counter reels, but they’re nice. Using colored leadcore, you just let out your desired depth and you’re GTG. Okuma Magda, Convector and Cabelas Depthmaster III’s are all decent reels at good prices. Line counters and leadcore are nice so you can keep an eye on exactly how long your leader is and when it’s time to replace it. But if you already have a round reel without a LC, you can get by without it.

I just use the Cabelas trolling combos, seem to work fine for me. I only troll for about a month or 2 of the season though

I run a 3-4′ section of 30-40# mono between my leadcore and backing. One to clip better on the boards, and even more, so I can take the leadcore off, swap a longer or shorter lead setup on, or go to a direct mono leader if fishing a spoon or such. I just snip the line at the mono/braid connection, so my knot on the leadcore end always stays in place. I bounce around from 2-7 cores, so spent some time making sure all the reels can fit the 7 color with backing. Using the braid backing I still get plenty of line for big fish or long spreads when dropping to short, or no leadcore.

This is also why I went with the line counter reels, for other uses. I’ll add a 20-30′ leader and fish them on dipsey divers or off boards shallow and need the line count. As said though, if you don’t see this use, you can skip them.

I was in the same position, not wanting to break the bank – so I cross use my stuff as much as possible. I had even thought about selling my 20 series reels for a few more 30’s as I’m on Lake MI as much as anything now.

Thanks, for the info. Sounds like I’ll be looking for an Okuma set up. Thanks again.