I have decided to break down this spring and buy line counter reels.
What is best reel for under $100?
Thank you in advance
If you're looking to spend that much per reel I wouldn't even touch an Okuma Magda. Had quite a few of them and had quite a few that went to junk really quick. Stick with either Okuma Convectors or Daiwa Accudepths. Way better reels. If I had my choice of the 2 I'd go with the convectors.
I am an Okuma guy. The Magdas are a great entry level reel and actually will give you years of trouble free use. The Cabelas Depthmasters are actually an Okuma branded as Cabelas brand. I have 3 different models of Okuma's, I think I have 25 Line Counters in all, you can't go wrong with them.
@ onoudont-
Size 15 reel is what I have for walleyes/ cohos on boards. 20’s are a little big IMO for that purpose. I run 200 yds of 12# Trilene XT. I see no need for more capacity.
I have been using Okuma Magda Pro line counter reels on lake michigan and have not had any problems. They are less than $50 apeice on e-bay. My nephew and I have bought 20 of these in the last couple of years. We use size 30 and 45's for salmon/trout. I would recommend size 20 for walleyes, although 15 's would be fine. The size is based on line capacity. I also have diawa line counter reels that are 25 years old and have never been serviced except for me oiling them. I think the most bang for your bucks are Okumas, which I feel are throw away reels if a problem arises. Repair costs on a reel ($30+) vs. < than $50 for a new one is the reason I say they are throw aways.
I eased my way into trolling ~10 years ago and bought 4 Okuma Magda’s with the thought I’d upgrade at some point. Added 4 more soon after and still have all 8 with no issues with any of them. They certainly aren’t the best but for the price, they work good and have held up good.
This place has the best price on those reels and if you’re looking for planer boards, I prefer the OffShore brand. They also have the best price on those that I’ve found.
edit: I will add that my reels are the 15 size that I use for walleyes and cohos. They’ve each caught 100’s of fish but these aren’t fish that wear on reels with drag or stressful reeling. If I was fishing for bigger fish that would stress them more (like kings), I’d get Daiwas.