Tekota A Line Counter
4.8(1,600)4.8 out of 5 stars, 1,600 reviews, on Amazon at the time this was writtenThe reel the charter fleet actually runs, with a drag that stays smooth through a 20-pound king's third run.
Okuma
Okuma · Reels
Cold Water Line Counter Reel
4.5(2,100)4.5 out of 5 stars, 2,100 reviews, on Amazon at the time this was writtenThe line counter that put repeatable trolling depths within reach of everyone with a boat and eight rod holders.
Check price on Amazon$95— Cold Water Line Counter ReelPrice shown was accurate on 2026-09-01. Amazon sets the live price.
What's good
- Under $100 a reel, so an eight-rod spread costs less than one premium reel
- Counter is accurate enough out of the box to repeat a program that just caught a fish
- Handles lead core and 30-lb wire in the larger 45D size
- Self-lubricating gear system needs almost nothing between seasons
What isn't
- The counter drifts roughly 5 percent over a season as line beds down — recalibrate against a known rigger depth each spring
- Drag is carbonite and adequate, not smooth; a big king will make it chatter
- Level wind on the smaller sizes binds if you dunk it and do not rinse
We list the drawbacks because a recommendation with no downside is a sales pitch. If a cheaper item does the job on your water, the write-up says so.
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