Line counter reel suggestions

[Wasagabeach]

Hi guys. I’m adding dipsy’s to my spread this year and I need a strong reel with good line capacity. Reliability is important because I want to keep it a very long time and salmon and lakers will be the main target with it.  Any suggestions on what to get and what to stay away from?  Less than $200 would be nice!  Thanks for any replies

[GeorgianBay MessageBoard]

[Canuck]

Okuma Convector or Coldwater.  Penn Squall


https://www.amazon.ca/OKUMA-Cold-Water-Linecounter-Reels/dp/B008GQ6VDK?th=1&psc=1
https://www.amazon.ca/Penn-Squall-Level-Trolling-Reels/dp/B00ER7G18W/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&keywords=convector+okuma&qid=1589559851&sr=8-16

[Wasagabeach]

Thanks. That okuma cold water looks good and has good reviews too.  Have you used those?

[Canuck]

Thanks. That okuma cold water looks good and has good reviews too.  Have you used those?

No, but I have the convectors.  The coldwater is a step up.  The Penn squall is nice too.  I think Penn parts may be easier to get when you need to replace drags or bearings.  Maybe not an issue.

[Wasagabeach]

Thank you

[Krawler]

Don’t get the Cold water.
Convector much better
Coldwater has very sticky drags. I’m getting rid of all my coldwaters and replacing with Tekotas

[Wasagabeach]

Thanks.  I have abu ambassadors and I like them but counters should help.  I’ll look to see if the local guys have any convectors

[work2fish]

I'd suggest tekotas. Have all the above and prefer tekotas over the rest.

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[Krawler]

Sorry to hijack the thread but if anyone is looking to get rid of 500 or 600 tekotas in either line counter or not please let me know.   

[Canuck]

Tekota's are very nice reels, but he said under $200.  I guess they are not much over $200 and if you own it for 20 years and fish a lot, money well spent.


I had not heard about the coldwater sticky drags, but if anyone has some they want to throw away, I will gladly take them!  Fixing sticky drags is pretty simple.  New carbon fibre washers and a good cleaning.  Some reels seem to like greased drags, some not.  I generally prefer dry drags for freshwater.  I expect that the coldwater being a saltwater style, has greased drags.  I expect changing to a dry stack will fix it.

[Wasagabeach]

A lot of good info here.  Thank you guys

[Krawler]

I may be parting with some Coldwaters in the next few weeks.
I’ll be in touch

[gogu392]

I have/had Coldwater, Convector and tested Tekotas.
IMO Tekotas are OK reels but the price is not justied, these reels are just Cardiff (cheap reel) model with line counter.
If you guys want great reels with very sensitive drag try Daiwa LC (Line counter).
Daiwa LC 100 is great for jigging, finesse trolling.
Daiwa LC 300, 400 great for trolling.
Not expensive like Tekotas with a great finesse drag.
And Daiwa comes in Left and Right handle which Tekotas don't.

[Bob’s Boat]

Penn makes a great reel. I have had one since the 80’s for Lake O back in the day. It still works to this day. A lot of big charter boats use Big Penn reels for tuna and other larger fish. I think they must be good and made strong. Parts are easy to get as well if you need them. Good luck trying to choose. A lot of nice reels on the market. The line counter models are a bonus for sure.