As most of you know, I enjoy trolling for Hybrids and Stripers with multiple rods, as many as eight at the same time. Part of the approach is to use line counter reels to get consistency in lure presentation. Last year I purchased three new Okuma Convectors and sent three more to get repaired ($25 each). This is representative of most years. I watched an Okuma video the other day that discussed calibrations for line counter reels. Seems they are designed to be accurate using 20 pound mono with the spool full.
I discovered a product from Power Pro called “Depth Hunter”. Similar to lead ore, the line has colors ...
There are four colors that are 25 feet each. The colors repeat every 100 feet. The line also has marks every five feet. I ordered a spool from Amazon and loaded two Shimano Cardiff 400A reels for testing. I spooled each reel and cut the line between two colors.
I proceeded to go to the back yard and secure the duo-lock snap to a rail on the boat. The reel was put into free spool and two colors plus 5 feet was let out for a total of 55 feet. Pulled the line tight and laid the rod on the ground.
Then proceeded to attach a rod with a line counter reel to the same rail on the boat, zeroed the line counter and let out line until the line counter read 55. Pulled the line tight and laid rod on the ground next to the first rod. The line counter rod and reel lacked about five feet reaching the distance of the original rod with the Power Pro Depth Hunter achieved. The line counter reel had a full spool (had just added new line).
I did the same test with three more line counter reels with differing amounts of line. The differences ranged from five to ten feet when compared to the Depth Hunter rod.
Will be on the water for the next two days and will test the new line. I hope to be able to switch away from line counter reels in the future. Will keep you posted on the results.
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