Line Counter Reels

Wow!........where does the time go? When I was a kid it was always "I can't wait until...(fill in the blank)". Now it is zip and zing. Summer is already over and the curtain closes on another northern paddling season.

What I like about fishing is it is never the same and there is always something new to be tried. New lures and new strategies to be employed. This months tip is likely old news to some. In the past I have resisted lugging in a line counter reel as they can tend to be kind of heavy. But this summers trip had very little in the way of portaging so I decided it was time to bring one along. I was very pleased at the results.

A line counter reel is a conventional (baitcasting style) reel with a readout incorporated into the reel. These types of reels have been mainstays on great lakes salmon and walleye fishing charter boats for years. The advantage these types of reels provide is the ability to know quite precisely what depth your lure is running. For example if your depth finder reads 35 ft and your line counter is reading 072 ft and you begin to bounce bottom with your lure you know in the future to let out less line......perhaps 068 will put you in the "zone".

If you enjoy the trolling game as I do then the advantages are tremendous. Add in that it helps negate "hassles" and you start to build a case for their use.

Their weight is certainly a consideration. In the past they were put to use mostly on Salmonoids with fairly heavy line and a large sized reel was the result. Since the revolution of braids however the reels have gotten substantially smaller.......and lighter as well.

I have coupled my line counter with an eight foot 2 pc walleye trolling rod such as would be used in planer board fishing. Since I won't be using the outfit to cast with I rather like the med action and the length of the rod which is very forgiving with lighter lines. The whole outfit added up to mucho fun and was a very engaging style of fishing. I like traveling on paddling trips but I also like fishing. The line counter certainly helped expedite that goal in a very satisfying way. But no matter what sort of rod you decide to use a line counter reel might be a tool to add to your arsenal. I think it is quite likely to be my constant companion on future trips.......

MT