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.
Pflueger
Pflueger · Reels
President Spinning Reel
4.6(9,400)4.6 out of 5 stars, 9,400 reviews, on Amazon at the time this was writtenThe best spinning reel under $80 by a wide margin, and the correct first real reel for a Great Lakes angler.
Check price on Amazon$70— President Spinning ReelPrice shown was accurate on 2026-09-01. Amazon sets the live price.
What's good
- Ten sealed bearings at this price is unusual and the smoothness is real
- Drag is smooth enough to fish 6-lb fluoro for steelhead without popping off
- Braid-ready spool needs no backing
- Sizes 25 through 40 cover perch to smallmouth to tributary steelhead
What isn't
- Bail spring is the known failure point — expect to replace it around year three
- Not sealed against spray; a day of following seas on Erie will get salt-free water into the body anyway
- Handle knob is plastic and gets slick with cold, wet hands
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.
Also worth a look
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Stradic FL Spinning Reel
4.7(1,900)4.7 out of 5 stars, 1,900 reviews, on Amazon at the time this was writtenA sealed, cold-forged spinning reel that keeps its smoothness through years of spray, sand and freezing spray.
Sealine SG-3B Line Counter
4.5(1,350)4.5 out of 5 stars, 1,350 reviews, on Amazon at the time this was writtenA tougher, better-machined line counter than the budget tier, with a three-ball-bearing drive that stays smooth under a long run.