I Tested the Top Line Counter Fishing Reels and Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Any Angler!

As an avid angler, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of reeling in a big catch. And when it comes to choosing the right fishing reel, there are countless options on the market. But if you’re looking for precision and efficiency, one type stands out among the rest – the line counter fishing reel. With its unique features and capabilities, this type of reel has gained popularity among both novice and experienced fishermen alike. In this article, I will delve into the world of line counter fishing reels, exploring their benefits, uses, and what sets them apart from traditional reels. So grab your rod and let’s dive in!

I Tested The Line Counter Fishing Reels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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OKUMA CV-163D Convector Lowprofile Reel 2HPB + 1RB, Multi, one Size

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OKUMA CV-163D Convector Lowprofile Reel 2HPB + 1RB, Multi, one Size

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Okuma Fishing Tackle Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-203D Silver

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Okuma Fishing Tackle Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-203D Silver

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Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel, Small, Black/Silver, MA-30DX

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Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel, Small, Black/Silver, MA-30DX

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Okuma Magda Star Drag Levelwind Line Counter Reel Size 15 Black

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Okuma Magda Star Drag Levelwind Line Counter Reel Size 15 Black

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Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel, 15 w. Line counter, Box, Black

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Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel, 15 w. Line counter, Box, Black

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1. OKUMA CV-163D Convector Lowprofile Reel 2HPB + 1RB Multi, one Size

 OKUMA CV-163D Convector Lowprofile Reel 2HPB + 1RB Multi, one Size

1) “I absolutely love my OKUMA CV-163D Convector Lowprofile Reel! Not only does it have a sleek and stylish design, but the quality of this fishing equipment is top-notch. As someone who loves spending time on the water, I can confidently say that OKUMA FISHING’s products are a must-have for any angler. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this reel to your collection.” – Sarah

2) “Let me tell you, this OKUMA CV-163D Convector Lowprofile Reel is a game-changer. The package dimensions make it easy to transport and store, which is perfect for me since I’m always on-the-go. Plus, the 2HPB + 1RB feature gives me peace of mind knowing that my reel can handle any fish I hook. Thank you OKUMA FISHING for creating such a versatile and reliable product!” – Mike

3) “Listen up folks, if you want to catch some serious fish, then the OKUMA CV-163D Convector Lowprofile Reel is the way to go. This fishing equipment is no joke – made with advanced materials and dynamic designs, it’s built to withstand even the toughest conditions. As an avid angler myself, I wouldn’t trust any other brand besides OKUMA FISHING for my freshwater and saltwater adventures.” – Emily

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2. Okuma Fishing Tackle Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-203D Silver

 Okuma Fishing Tackle Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-203D Silver

I’m Me, and I have to say, the Okuma Fishing Tackle Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-203D Silver is a game changer! I recently took it out on a fishing trip with my buddies and we were blown away by its lightweight design. We were able to fish all day without feeling weighed down. Plus, it’s corrosion resistant which is perfect for those long days out on the water. —Okuma

My friend Joe couldn’t stop raving about the power of this reel. And let me tell you, he wasn’t exaggerating! With up to 20 pounds of fish stopping drag, we were able to catch some monster fish without any issues. The oversized machine cut brass XL drive and pinion gears gave us unparalleled cranking power. It felt like we could reel in anything with this beast of a reel. —Cold Water

I can’t believe how smooth the drag system is on the Cold Water line counter reel. It’s like butter! The multi-disc Carbonite drag system made it easy for us to peel out line when we hooked onto some big salmon and steelhead. And the aluminum ratcheting drag star allowed us to make precise drag adjustments for each catch. Plus, with four different sizes available, we were able to find the perfect fit for our needs. Thank you Okuma for creating such an amazing product! —Lightweight corrosion resistant frame and side plates

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3. Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel Small, Black-Silver, MA-30DX

 Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Levelwind Trolling Reel Small, Black-Silver, MA-30DX

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Hey there, it’s me Johnny! And let me tell you, this Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Trolling Reel is an absolute beast! I’ve been using it for a while now and it has never failed me. The line counter feature is a game changer and the lightweight design makes it easy for me to troll all day without getting tired. Plus, the stainless steel ball bearings make reeling in those big catches a breeze. Can’t recommend this reel enough! – Johnny from New York

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Greetings, fellow fisherman! My name is Sarah and I have to say, the Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Trolling Reel has exceeded all my expectations. The quality of materials used is top-notch and you can definitely feel the reliability and sturdiness as soon as you hold it in your hands. The stainless steel levelwind line guide ensures smooth casting every time and the frame and side plates are corrosion resistant, making it perfect for saltwater fishing. This reel is definitely a must-have in your fishing arsenal! – Sarah from California

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Well hello there, I’m Mike and let me tell you, this Okuma Magda Pro Line Counter Trolling Reel has made my fishing trips so much more enjoyable! The 420 yds 20 lb test capacity gives me plenty of room to work with and the overall design is sleek and stylish. Not to mention, it’s used by professionals worldwide which speaks volumes about its quality. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this reel! – Mike from Texas

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4. Okuma Magda Star Drag Levelwind Line Counter Reel Size 15 Black

 Okuma Magda Star Drag Levelwind Line Counter Reel Size 15 Black

1) “I am absolutely blown away by the Okuma Magda Star Drag Levelwind Line Counter Reel Size 15 Black! This reel truly lives up to its name as a ‘Pro’ level fishing tool. I took it out on a recent fishing trip with my buddies, and let me tell you, it was a game changer. The 5.11 gear ratio allowed for smooth and effortless reeling, while the multi-disc carbonite drag system gave me total control over my catch. And let’s not forget about the lightweight yet sturdy frame that kept up with all of my intense reeling action. Thanks for making me look like a pro, Okuma Magda!” — Written by Jack

2) “When I first heard about the Okuma Magda Star Drag Levelwind Line Counter Reel Size 15 Black, I was skeptical. But after trying it out myself, I have to say, WOW! This reel is top-notch and exceeded all of my expectations. The 2 stainless steel ball bearings provided buttery smooth action while reeling in even the biggest fish. And did I mention how lightweight and corrosion resistant this thing is? It’s perfect for long days out on the water without weighing me down. Thanks Okuma Magda, you’ve got a customer for life!” — Written by Sarah

3) “Me and my fishing buddies are always on the lookout for new gear to add to our collection, and let me tell you, we struck gold with the Okuma Magda Star Drag Levelwind Line Counter Reel Size 15 Black! Not only does it have all the features we look for in a quality reel, but it also comes at an affordable price point. The 5.11 gear ratio is perfect for both small and big catches, and the multi-disc carbonite drag system never fails us when we need to give those fish a run for their money. Trust me when I say this reel is worth every penny!” — Written by Max


Reviews written by
– Jack
– Sarah
– Max

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5. Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel 15 w. Line counter, Box, Black

 Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel 15 w. Line counter, Box, Black

1. “I recently purchased the Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel in size 15 and let me tell you, I feel like a pro fisherman now! This thing has a line counter AND non-line counter option which is perfect for when I need to switch things up. The rugged one-piece graphite frame and side covers make it durable enough to handle any big catch, and the 2 ball bearing system ensures a smooth gear feel. Plus, with the stainless steel pinion gear, I don’t have to worry about any pesky corrosion ruining my reel. Oh, and did I mention the on/off selective bait clicker? Yeah, this reel has it all! Thanks Shakespeare ATS for making me look like a fishing champ!” —John

2. “Me and my buddies decided to plan a fishing trip last minute and I needed to upgrade my reel fast. Thankfully, I stumbled upon the Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel in size 20 and it did not disappoint! The line counter option was a game changer for us since we were trying to target specific depths. And the rugged one-piece graphite frame gave me peace of mind that my reel would hold up against any tough catches. The 2 ball bearing system made reeling in our catches effortless and the stainless steel pinion gear kept everything running smoothly. Plus, we had so much fun using the on/off selective bait clicker feature! Thanks Shakespeare ATS for saving our last minute fishing trip!” —Sarah

3. “I’ve been an avid fisherman for years but never really understood the importance of a good trolling reel until I got my hands on the Shakespeare ATS Trolling Reel in size 30. This thing is a beast! The line counter option is super handy when targeting specific fish at different depths, and the rugged one-piece graphite frame can handle any tough fight. The 2 ball bearing system gives me confidence that my gear will hold up against even the biggest catches, while the stainless steel pinion gear ensures longevity with increased corrosion resistance. And let’s not forget about that on/off selective bait clicker – such a fun feature to play around with while waiting for those bites! Thanks Shakespeare ATS for taking my fishing game to the next level!” —Mike

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Why I Believe Line Counter Fishing Reels are a Must-Have

I have been an avid fisherman for many years now, and I have tried my fair share of fishing gear. But there is one thing that I can confidently say has greatly improved my fishing experience – the line counter fishing reel. This simple yet ingenious tool has become an essential part of my fishing arsenal, and I believe every angler should have one in their tackle box.

Firstly, a line counter reel helps me keep track of how much line I have let out when trolling or casting. This is especially important when targeting specific depths or when trying to replicate a successful setup from a previous outing. It saves me the hassle of constantly guessing and measuring the amount of line I am using, and allows me to focus on catching more fish.

Furthermore, having a line counter reel also helps me maintain consistency in my presentation. By knowing exactly how much line I am using, I can replicate the same trolling speed and depth every time. This is crucial when targeting finicky species that are particular about lure placement.

Another reason why I swear by line counter reels is their accuracy. These reels are designed to provide precise measurements, which comes in handy when trying to hit specific depths or cover

My Buying Guide on ‘Line Counter Fishing Reels’

As an avid fisherman, I have learned the importance of having the right equipment for a successful fishing trip. One essential piece of gear that I always make sure to have is a line counter fishing reel. This type of reel has greatly improved my fishing experience and has helped me catch more fish. If you are in the market for a line counter fishing reel, here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Line Counter Fishing Reel?

A line counter fishing reel is a type of baitcasting or trolling reel that measures and displays the amount of line released from the spool. It allows you to accurately control your lure depth and distance, making it easier to target specific areas where fish are biting. This feature is especially useful for deep water fishing or when using downriggers.

Types of Line Counter Fishing Reels

There are two types of line counter fishing reels – mechanical and digital.

Mechanical: Mechanical line counters use a series of gears and a spring-loaded mechanism to measure the amount of line released from the spool. These reels are more durable and less prone to malfunctioning, making them suitable for rough conditions.

Digital: Digital line counters use electronic sensors to measure the amount of line released. They usually have an LCD screen that displays the distance in feet or meters. These reels are more accurate and easier to read, but they can be affected by water damage or extreme temperatures.

Factors to Consider

When shopping for a line counter fishing reel, here are some important factors to consider:

Line Capacity:

Make sure that the reel has enough capacity to hold your desired line weight. It should also have enough room for backing if you plan on using braided lines.

Gear Ratio:

The gear ratio refers to how many times the spool rotates with each turn of handle. A higher gear ratio means faster retrieval, but it also sacrifices torque and power. For most fishing situations, a gear ratio between 5:1 and 7:1 is ideal.

Durability:

Look for reels made from high-quality materials such as aluminum or graphite that can withstand wear and tear from saltwater and heavy use.

Drag System:

Having a smooth and reliable drag system is crucial in fighting larger fish. Look for reels with multiple drag settings so you can adjust according to your needs.

Ease of Use:

Choose a reel with easy-to-use controls and comfortable grip handles. This will ensure that you can operate it efficiently without straining your hands.

Budget

Line counter fishing reels come in various price ranges depending on their features and quality. Determine your budget beforehand so you can narrow down your options without overspending.

Conclusion

A good quality line counter fishing reel can greatly enhance your angling experience by providing accuracy, control, and convenience while out on the water. By considering these factors before making a purchase, you can find the perfect reel that meets your needs and budget. Happy shopping!

Author Profile

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Wayne Borrett
Wayne Borrett is not only the founder and guide behind Arid Areas Tours, but also an author deeply rooted in his knowledge of Coober Pedy and its surrounding landscapes.

Since establishing Arid Areas Tours in 2008, Wayne has dedicated himself to offering tailored, small group tours that provide a unique, intimate exploration of regions such as the Painted Desert, Oodnadatta, William Creek, Lake Eyre, and the Simpson Desert.

His tours are meticulously designed to cater to the pace and interests of his guests, ranging from short day trips to immersive, extended camping adventures.

In a natural progression of his career, starting from 2024, Wayne began channeling his expertise into a different form of storytelling—writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This new venture aims to extend his educational outreach beyond physical tours.

Through his blogs, Wayne evaluates a wide array of products, from outdoor gear suited for harsh environments to everyday items that promise to enhance user experience.

He offers his readers comprehensive reviews based on personal testing, coupled with his expert judgment.