Line Counter Reels

Line counter reels have become essential tools for anglers who need precision and control while trolling or casting in deep waters. These reels allow fishermen to measure exactly how much line is out, ensuring they keep their bait at the desired depth to maximize their chances of catching fish. 

Whether you’re targeting walleye, salmon, or other species that prefer certain depths, line counter reels help maintain accuracy, making them invaluable for trolling. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top line counter reels available, including models from trusted brands like Okuma, KastKing, Abu Garcia, and Shimano.

Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel – Both Right & Left Hand Retrieve

The Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel is a versatile and powerful tool designed to meet the demands of serious trolling anglers. Whether targeting salmon, walleye, or steelhead, this reel provides the precision and durability needed for both freshwater and saltwater trolling. 

Key features include a mechanical line counter that measures line distance in feet, giving you control over depth and placement. This counter is equipped with Okuma’s Clear View Technology (CVT), which prevents fogging, ensuring clear visibility in all conditions.

Built to be lightweight without sacrificing strength, the Cold Water reel starts at just 14.6 ounces. The corrosion-resistant frame and side plates provide durability in harsh environments, protecting the reel from saltwater and weather exposure. 

At the heart of the reel is the multi-disc Carbonite drag system, which delivers smooth, consistent drag pressure even when dealing with hard-fighting fish. This system ensures that line peeling runs from big fish are handled with ease, allowing for precision and control during battles.

The reel’s oversized machine-cut brass XL drive and pinion gears ensure exceptional cranking power, especially important for pulling in larger species. The aluminum handle, featuring Okuma’s Ergo grip knob, offers comfort during extended use while maximizing torque and leverage. Available in both right-hand and left-hand retrieve models, the reel comes in a variety of sizes, allowing anglers to select the perfect fit for their specific fishing needs. Whether you’re running light lines for walleye or heavier setups for larger fish, the Cold Water Linecounter Reel has the capacity to manage it.

The Cold Water reel also features an aluminum ratcheting drag star for precise drag adjustments, making it easier to dial in settings to match different fishing conditions. With sizes ranging from 14 to 25 pounds of line weight capacity and a line counter accurate to the foot, this reel offers incredible versatility. 

The combination of a strong drag system, robust construction, and advanced counter features makes the Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel a top choice for anglers seeking both power and precision on the water.

KastKing ReKon Round Fishing Reel – High Depth Precision 

The KastKing ReKon Round Baitcasting Fishing Reel is designed for anglers seeking versatility and reliability across various fishing techniques, including trolling, jigging, and baitcasting. With three available sizes, the ReKon caters to a wide range of species from freshwater trout and walleye to larger saltwater fish like striped bass and lake trout. A standout feature is the accurate mechanical line counter, which allows you to precisely control the depth and placement of your bait, increasing your chances of consistently catching fish in productive zones.

Engineered for durability, the ReKon reel boasts high-performance components such as stainless steel ball bearings in critical stress points and precision-machined brass gears. The reel’s carbon disc drag system provides up to 30 lbs of stopping power (25 lbs for size 10), ensuring smooth handling of even the toughest fish. Each size also includes a line clicker feature, making it easier to release planer boards or use as a strike detection system while trolling. The gear ratios, varying by size, allow for optimal performance based on your fishing needs.

For added functionality, the ReKon is designed with two handle options based on reel size. The size 10 reel features a double paddle handle with EVA grips, ideal for smaller species like kokanee and walleye. In contrast, the larger size 20 and 30 models have a single power handle with a round knob for enhanced leverage when targeting bigger fish. With ample line capacity, the KastKing ReKon is well-suited for use with leadcore, heavy braid, or monofilament, offering anglers a compact yet powerful reel for both freshwater and saltwater environments.

Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Line Counter Baitcast Reel – Writer’s Choice

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Line Counter Baitcast Reel is a versatile tool designed for anglers who demand precision in their trolling and baitcasting techniques. Available in the 5500LC and 6500LC models, this reel is equipped with a mechanical line counter that measures line in feet, allowing for highly accurate depth control when trolling or downrigging. 

With a durable yet lightweight construction made from machined aluminum, it offers strength without adding excess weight, ensuring comfort during long fishing sessions.

The reel’s gear ratio of 5.3:1 and a recovery rate of 25.5 inches per crank provides efficient line retrieval, giving you the power needed to handle larger fish. Its Carbon Matrix drag system delivers smooth, consistent pressure, with a maximum drag of 15 lbs, making it ideal for tough battles in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

 Additional features such as a synchronized level wind system, line-out alarm, and 3 stainless steel bearings enhance the reel’s performance and usability.

Perfect for serious anglers, the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur combines strength, precision, and comfort, making it a reliable choice for a wide variety of fishing applications. Whether you’re targeting walleye, salmon, or other species, this reel delivers the performance and control needed to maximize your success on the water.

SHIMANO TEKOTA 500 LINE Counter A TEKOTA – Highest Quality

The SHIMANO Tekota 500 Line Counter Reel is a highly versatile and durable reel designed for both freshwater and saltwater trolling. With a robust construction and advanced features, it offers precise line control, making it particularly effective for anglers who need to target specific depths. 

The integrated mechanical line counter helps measure the line released, allowing for accurate bait placement during trolling, which is crucial for catching fish near structures or at precise depths. Its right-hand orientation and solid blend of materials make it resistant to corrosion, ensuring reliable performance in harsh environments.

Weighing just 15.2 ounces, the Tekota 500 is comfortable to use for extended periods. The reel boasts a 6.6:1 gear ratio, providing rapid line retrieval, which is particularly useful when resetting lines during trolling or bringing in a fish quickly. This high-speed gear system is well-suited for a range of fishing situations, enabling anglers to react swiftly to bites and changes in conditions.

One of the standout features of this reel is its smooth drag system, offering consistent drag pressure to handle larger fish with ease. The model also comes in a larger 800 size, which provides increased line capacity and additional stopping power, making it suitable for heavy-duty trolling applications. The handle design ensures comfort and better leverage, even when dealing with bigger fish, making the reel easy to operate under pressure.

Whether you’re fishing for walleye and trout in freshwater or tackling larger saltwater species like salmon and halibut, the Shimano Tekota 500 provides the speed, strength, and control needed for success.

Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 Baitcast Round Fishing Reel – Lightweight

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 Baitcast Round Fishing Reel is a top-performing reel known for its lightweight yet durable design, offering anglers a balance of strength and efficiency. Constructed with a machined aluminum spool, the reel is sturdy without unnecessary weight, coming in at just 10.9 ounces. 

This reel is designed for left-hand use and features an ergonomically designed compact bent handle, ensuring comfort during long fishing sessions. Its lightweight and durable construction make it a versatile option for various baitcasting techniques.

With a gear ratio of 6.3:1, the Ambassadeur C4 delivers a fast recovery rate, allowing you to retrieve 30 inches of line with each turn of the crank. This speed is complemented by Abu Garcia’s Duragear 2 system, which enhances gear strength for long-lasting performance. The reel’s synchronized level wind system ensures even line lay and smooth retrieval, a key feature for anglers looking to minimize line issues during their casts and retrieves.

The drag system is another standout feature of the C4. Equipped with a Carbon Fiber Star Drag that provides a maximum drag pressure of 15 pounds, the reel offers consistent and smooth drag performance across its entire range. 

This makes it effective for handling fish of various sizes without compromising control. The reel can hold up to 320 yards of 12-pound monofilament or 310 yards of 30-pound braided line, giving it the capacity to handle heavier lines for larger fish.

The braking system includes a pin centrifugal brake that delivers consistent brake pressure, helping to control casts and reduce backlash. The 4 stainless steel ball bearings and one instant anti-reverse bearing ensure smooth operation, providing a seamless fishing experience across different conditions. 

Finishing Notes

Line counter reels provide a significant advantage for anglers, allowing them to track their line’s length with precision, a feature that’s especially crucial when trolling for species like trout, salmon, or walleye. 

The variety of reels available caters to different fishing styles and preferences, from the lightweight and affordable options like KastKing to more durable, high-performance reels like the Shimano Tekota. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the right line counter reel can make a big difference in your fishing success, ensuring you keep your bait in the optimal strike zone.