10Best.Guide

Fishing Line Counter

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Holds up well for trolling in freshwater and saltwater
  • Affordable compared to other brands
  • Accurate line counter
  • Easy to use for trolling
  • Holds a full spool of line
Cons
  • Line counter accuracy may vary
  • Some reels may have bent crank handles
Bottom Line
The Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Reel is a great option for those looking for an affordable and reliable reel for trolling in freshwater and saltwater. While some may experience issues with the line counter accuracy or the quality of the reel's components, overall it is a solid choice for those on a budget.
Pros
  • Great line counter
  • Smooth drag
  • Lightweight
  • Adjustable spool brake
  • Consistent line counting
Cons
  • Not suitable for distance casting
  • Reel can lock up
Bottom Line
The Okuma Cold Water Line Counter Reel is a great option for trolling and bottom fishing. It has a great line counter, smooth drag, and is lightweight. However, it may not be suitable for distance casting and has some issues with functionality and customer service.
Pros
  • Good line counter feature.
  • Brass and stainless steel gears.
  • Affordable price.
  • Large brass main gear.
  • Holds a lot of line.
Cons
  • Grease stiffens up in cold weather.
  • Rough reel.
Bottom Line
The Shakespeare ATS 30 Trolling Reel is an affordable option with a good line counter feature and brass and stainless steel gears. However, it has some issues with construction and performance, such as stiff grease and noisy reels. Overall, it is a decent option for those on a budget.
Pros
  • Holds up well for deep sea fishing
  • Good value for the price
  • Drags work well and are replaceable
  • Great for trolling for salmon
  • Clicker is loud and reliable
Cons
  • Slips under the load of downrigger
  • Spool doesn't engage when downrigging
Bottom Line
The Okuma Convector reel is a great value for the money and holds up well for deep sea fishing and trolling for salmon. However, it may not be suitable for downrigging and has some issues with the drag and line counters.
Pros
  • Accurate measuring
  • Easy to install and use
  • Quality casing
  • Zero resistance wheel
  • Good for non-line counter reels
Cons
  • Only measures in feet and meters
  • Died after minimal use
Bottom Line
This line counter is a great tool for trolling and filling reels accurately. It is easy to install and use, with a quality casing and bright display. However, it only measures in feet and meters, and may have some issues with counting line straight out of the box.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Fishing Line Counters

Overview

Fishing line counters are essential tools for any angler who wants to keep track of the amount of line they have let out. They are especially useful for trolling or deep-sea fishing where precision is key. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to find the right one for your needs. This buying guide will help you understand the different types of fishing line counters, key considerations when choosing one, features to look for, prices, tips, and FAQs.

Types

1. Handheld Line Counters: These are small, portable devices that attach to the fishing rod or line. They are easy to use and affordable, making them a popular choice among anglers.

2. Reel-Mounted Line Counters: These are mounted directly onto the fishing reel and provide accurate readings of the line length. They are more expensive than handheld counters but offer more precision and convenience.

3. Line Counter Reels: These are fishing reels that come equipped with a built-in line counter. They are the most expensive option but also the most accurate and convenient.

Key Considerations

1. Accuracy: The most important factor when choosing a fishing line counter is accuracy. You want to be sure that the readings are precise and consistent.

2. Durability: Fishing can be tough on equipment, so you want to choose a line counter that is built to last. Look for models made from high-quality materials that can withstand exposure to water, salt, and sun.

3. Ease of Use: The line counter should be easy to read and operate, even in challenging conditions.

4. Compatibility: Make sure the line counter is compatible with your fishing rod and reel.

Features

1. Reset Button: This allows you to reset the counter to zero after you have reeled in your catch.

2. Backlit Display: A backlit display makes it easier to read the counter in low-light conditions.

3. Auto-Stop Feature: This feature stops the line from spooling once it reaches a certain length, preventing over-spooled lines.

4. Battery Life: Look for a line counter with a long battery life, so you don't have to worry about it dying in the middle of a fishing trip.

Prices

Handheld line counters can range from $10 to $50. Reel-mounted counters can cost between $30 and $100. Line counter reels can cost upwards of $200.

Tips

1. Choose a line counter that is easy to read and operate, even in challenging conditions.

2. Look for models made from high-quality materials that can withstand exposure to water, salt, and sun.

3. Consider the type of fishing you will be doing and choose a line counter that is compatible with your rod and reel.

4. Make sure the line counter is accurate and consistent.

5. Practice using your line counter before your fishing trip to ensure you are comfortable with its operation.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a fishing line counter for all types of fishing?

A: No, line counters are most useful for trolling or deep-sea fishing where precision is key.

Q: Can I use a handheld line counter on any fishing rod?

A: Most handheld line counters are designed to fit most fishing rods, but it's always best to check the manufacturer's specifications.

Q: Are line counter reels worth the investment?

A: If you are serious about fishing and want the most accurate and convenient option, then a line counter reel may be worth the investment.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Dependable reel for the price
  • Comparable to more expensive Penn reels
  • Accurate line counter
  • Good for lake trolling and downriggers
  • Works well for trolling Muskie and stripers
Cons
  • Quality control issues with drag and spooling
  • Plastic casing may not last as long as aluminum casing
Bottom Line
The Okuma MA-30DLXT New Magda Linecounter Reel is a dependable and affordable option for lake trolling and downriggers, but may have some quality control issues and may not last as long as more expensive reels with aluminum casing.
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Cheaper than buying a new reel or leaded line
  • Good for measuring line length
  • Accurate enough for most users
  • Can be used for knitting yarns
Cons
  • Some units have quality control issues
  • No instructions included
Bottom Line
The Berkley Fishing Line Counter is a budget-friendly option for measuring line length and can also be used for knitting yarns. However, some units may have quality control issues and the plastic gears may not be durable enough for heavy use. It is not suitable for fishing.
Pros
  • Accurate measurement of fishing line.
  • Works well for loading and unloading reels.
  • Easy to read and use.
  • Useful for trolling and fishing for giant bluefin tuna.
  • Holds onto offshore rod well.
Cons
  • Does not work well with heavy monofilament line.
  • Plastic spool is slippery.
Bottom Line
This product is a useful tool for measuring fishing line accurately, but it may not work well with heavy monofilament line and has some durability issues. It is also important to note that it measures in metric instead of standard.
Pros
  • Accurate line counter
  • Smooth drag
  • Great handle for lefties
  • Good price
  • Perfect size for trolling
Cons
  • Spool gets stuck
  • Line counter gets stuck at 100
Bottom Line
The Okuma Magda Pro line counter reel is a good option for trolling, with an accurate line counter and smooth drag. However, some users have experienced issues with the spool and line counter getting stuck, and the construction may not be suitable for saltwater fishing. Overall, it is a decent reel for the price.
Pros
  • Accurate measurements
  • Easy to use
  • Secure clamp
  • Good display
Cons
  • Poor quality
  • Line slips on the spool
Bottom Line
This line counter is accurate and easy to use, but may have quality issues and requires heavy weight for deep water. The clamp is secure and the display is good.
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