Quote Originally Posted by Mike1234 View Post
For the guys using line counter reels how do you keep them accurate when your constantly cutting off line thanks
I try to keep my reels full of line. If I have to cut a large amount off a reel, I'll usually take that reel off the rod and replace it with one of the spares I keep in the boat for that very reason. Same applies for a serious backlash. An Okuma Magda15 reel will hold 300 yards (900feet) of line and we are only using maybe 150 feet. I will strip off enough line to be about 1/2 full on the spool then replace the line back to full spool. I will replace ALL the line at least once per season. The 1/2 left on the spool when I have to cut line off only serves as spool backing anyway but it will twist deep into the spool if allowed to.

I buy the Trilene Big Game solar at Ken's TBC in Lake City and a 4700 yard spool costs about $34. (Yes 4700 yards!). I figure for those prices, I can keep good line and accurate measures on the reels for clients.

I really think the line-counter numbers are mainly to make sure I have a semi-accurate accounting for how far back the bait should be running. I have checked the counters at times and they are close at best. There is no doubt the reel having too much or too little line on it will affect the accuracy but that accuracy doesn't have to be perfect, just consistent. I just want to know I am letting out the same amount of line each time after catching a fish on a particular bait according to the counter even though that counter may be less than perfectly accurate.