Need some advice. I know I need medium power rods. The big question is about the reels. I spend quite a bit on my hardcore bass reels. Is it necessary to go expensive on crankbait pulling reels?
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Need some advice. I know I need medium power rods. The big question is about the reels. I spend quite a bit on my hardcore bass reels. Is it necessary to go expensive on crankbait pulling reels?
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That’s “Getting set up to pull”
Line counter reels from northwoods outlet ! Shakespeare ats is what I use but some folks have had issues with line getting behind the spool so you could step it up anther20-30bucks and get the Okuma or the Daiwas .have heard good results with those as well!.
To answer your question, no. You do not have to get expensive to catch crappie with cranks. I caught crappie for years with old worn out jig poles and casting rods equipped with cheap spinning reels. However, you will probably want to invest in some line counter reels. They will help you fish a consistent depth. The Okumas are good.
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I went to Diawa Accudepth Plus 17s. Zero issue with line getting behind spool.
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got itQuote:
Originally Posted by jigum
Shakespeare ATS from Northwoods have served me well
I have the ATS as well, and have had the line get behind the spool, but its a quick fix to get the spool off and get the line out. Is it fun to do out on the water, no, but it is simple. If I had to do it all over again, I might step up to another reel after listening to others advice.
I use the Shakespeare reels and have had the problem with line getting behind the spool. I found that putting a little less line on the reel makes the problem almost go away. I do not think that I had the fouling problem all last season.
I also bought a spare and keep it ready to go in case the line does get behind the spool and the fish are really biting. I can switch it out quickly and have all of the poles fishing then when the fish cool off I work on the fouled reel. The Shakespeare reels overall have been good for me. I looked at the Okama reels and decided that what I had was working so I have not switched.
Hey Stubby how full do you load the spool? Half full? Three quarters full? I currently run Okumas but just purchased several ATS reels. Didn't know about line getting behind spool issue.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stubby24
There should be a chart stamped or inked on the reel with line capacities for various test weights. If you want your counters to be the most accurate fill the spools according to those capacities.Quote:
Originally Posted by CatchumDeep
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I use the ATS and have yet to have that spool problem. I had some Okumas before and at least half the counters crapped out after a few uses. They sent me replacement parts but life is better with the ATS in my opinion for what it’s worth.
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Haven't had the line get behind the spool yet thankfully. I fill mine halfway with mono for backing then fill the rest of the way with 30 pound braid.
I guess it all depends. I’ve had Okumas for 5 years with zero issues including line. Never had line behind the reels.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mk1848
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I might have gotten a bad bunch.Quote:
Originally Posted by BroKenneth
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I still fill them until just about full. I am probably around 80-90%. If you do not get close to full the measurement is off. I have thought about buying a couple of Okumas and compare.
The first year that I bought the Shakespeare reels I thought about throwing them away before I figured out that filling them a little less than full would solve the problem.
Thanks for the advice everyone. I had been watch a gentleman online (Mike Baker). Does a lot of trolling and thinking about doing something similar. He didn’t use the counters. From what you guys say, they help you to be more precise. Still evaluating. You’ve given me lots to ponder.
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consider depth hunter line. its 4 separate colors that alternate every 25 ft. Repeats every 100ft. I have replaced 4 line counters with plain baitcasters that i use for spider rigging. I find most of my pulling is in the 50 to 100 ft range. you can tell within a few feet about your depth by the color. I have new lews 2 x 14ft poles and 2 old slab daddy cheap 10 ft poles and 2 x 6 ft spinning reels. i catch a lot of fish. You can spend more or less but its not rocket science in my opinion. I have had the ATS reels for 6 years and never had any issues with them at all. With the colored line i have reduced 2 line counters and will be eventually selling them all.