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.
Shimano
Shimano · Reels
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.
Check price on Amazon$230— Stradic FL Spinning ReelPrice shown was accurate on 2026-09-01. Amazon sets the live price.
What's good
- X-Protect water resistance means a wet, windy day on Erie does not end up as grit in the gears
- Hagane gearing holds tolerance far longer than pressed-gear reels in this class
- Long-stroke spool casts a 3/8 oz tube noticeably farther than a President
- Drag holds a constant setting through a long fight — no fade
What isn't
- Three times the price of a President for perhaps 25 percent more reel
- Sealing makes home service harder; a dunking still requires a shop
- Anti-reverse has a small amount of handle play out of the box that never fully goes away
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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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.
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.
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.