Recommendations on Lead Core Reels –

Guys – After viewing the forums there is some really good info out there on how to get into trolling LC.

I just grabbed some 27lb (not sure if that was overkill) Sufix 832 Advanced, but need recommendations on a few reels.

I have the ability to fish Lakers in Ontario once a year, so I would rather not drop $300 on 2 Tekotas, but there are some potentially 20lbers where I go if I was lucky enough to get into them. Normally we are just jigging Ciscos but I think I would have a major advantage over my buddy if I trolled spoons.

I need something reliable – What can I get into around $80/reel?

I had great luck with Cabelas Depthmaster reels. I have switched over to Tekotas but they still worked well when I sold them.

If you are only going to use them once or twice a year, I would stick to something like a daiwa accudepth or sealine, or an okuma convector.

Thanks guys – I’m leaning toward the Daiwa Accudepth. Anything to look out for around maintenance or repairs?

I have around 2000 hrs. on the cheaper of the bunch #57’s Accudepth by Daiwa and have had zero troubles. Yes … I said “2000 hrs.” ( about 8-9 years of 200 or more hrs. per year with the SAME reels pullin’ lead)

For lake trout, I’d recommend diawa sealine. You can buy them used for right around $80.

Love my acccudepths.

Much better than depth master

FishBlood&RiverMud wrote:

Love my acccudepths.

Much better than depth master

X2. Have had nothing but hassles with my Depth Masters, lots of minor/nagging problems. You’ll see a noticeable change in quality going to Accudepths or Convectors. Good luck with what you decide.

Okuma coldwater is a nice reel.

Final Question – Most of my trips in the past are in early June and I find them in 35-45 FOW. Am I ok with the 27s? Or do I use 18lb as my test measurement for spooling since the 27lb test is the same diameter for the 832?

If you plan on putting a whole spool of lead core on each reel, I would opt for the 47 size to make sure you’ve got enough room. 27 size is best for flat line trolling IMO.

Yes, a 47 will hold 10 colors of traditional core. You’ll need a little more backing for the 832 Advanced core.

Just remember to add a swivel between the 832 and leader. You may know this already, but others have learned the hard way.

I use Daiwa Accudepths as well. I pull a lot of lead and have had no issues with any of mine.

I broke a few accudepths not a fan there is a big difference in quality to the sealing. I now only run tecotas. A lot more but way way better. If fishing salmon or lakers I would not buy accudepths at minimum go sealing. Size 47 I have 500 and 600 in tecotas.

I had terrible luck with sealines, out of eight reels, three had issues with the idle gear repeatedly wearing out and I had to replace more than half of the counter mechanisms after 5-6 years.

I use all Tekotas now, no complaints with those.

Francis K wrote:

Just remember to add a swivel between the 832 and leader. You may know this already, but others have learned the hard way.

Not saying that others haven’t had issues, but I never have.

I will say though that I typically have 2-3 swivels at various places near the spoon.

Mr. Derek wrote:

Okuma coldwater is a nice reel.

X2

Mr. Derek wrote:

Okuma coldwater is a nice reel.

X2.

I only have one season on my okumas but I like them much better than my sealines. I have both the convectors and cold waters and IMO the cold waters are worth the extra few bucks. More solidly built and the LC reset is in a better place to avoid accidentally bumping it.

07lotwchamp wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Mr. Derek wrote:</div>
Okuma coldwater is a nice reel.

X2

i like these way better then the daiwa accudepth…. Just feels like a more solid reel