I did not want to hijack Doug's thread about line counter reels so I am going to ask for your thoughts to my cranking techniques . I do not calibrate my reels per say . I do put the same amount on all 4 reels(same brand/size ) of the same line (Berkley big game , 10 lb. test ). I normally start at 50,60,70,80 (fish solo ). Every 20 mins . I add 5 ft. to each reel(till a pattern is found ) . For instance if I catch fish at 70 according to the reel and it's actually 79 how would I benefit by calibrating each reel ? Since I do not remember which reels get lines shortened by breaking off or redoing due to tangles ect . , they are hardly ever exactly the same . I like the tips close to the water as possible but am sure they are not exactly the same each trip due to weight distribution, wind ect . Am I missing a factor that is worth of a better approach ?I also fish Peco, bandits, strike king , wally Marshall, flicker shads and a few others . I thought about using a backing on each reel ,then put 300 yds. on each but saw no real advantage . Am I missing something here ?