Best Line Counter Reels for Kokanee [Walleye too!!!]

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Күн бұрын

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More and more tackle manufacturers are catering to the Kokanee market and there are now several reels on the market that cater to Kokanee angler's needs. In this video I cover four reels that I use for my Kokanee fisheries.
Shakespeare ATS 15 LC amzn.to/2MkLiWN
Tica Samira KL 150 LC amzn.to/3tlkSVn
Daiwa Lexa 100 HLC amzn.to/36zef7W
Abu Garcia Max DLC amzn.to/36BVvF4
Thanks for watching!!!

Пікірлер: 95

@angelogalloway4693 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, thank you, I appreciate every video that you do and how you explain. I appreciate so much the info that you give.You by far stand out on the videos that l have watch, I am looking forward to trying some of these reels that you have suggested.Your one of the very few that have even talked about this. Thanks again for what you do. Keep up the good work.l am looking forward to your next video.

@stevelawson104 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info, this affirmed the LEXA-LC 100HL was a great choice for me!

@Spoolmak 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Tyler. I am a new kokanee fisherman and stumbled across your channel a few months ago. I think I have viewed almost all your videos so keep 'em coming. Pretty much all my kokanee questions have been answered and now I just have to work on my technique. I've had so much fun that I "needed" to upgrade my gear. I found a second hand but unused Abu Garcia Max DLC in perfect shape for a great price. It came without a manual and none could be found on their website. Your video told me everything I needed to know. Fishing is dead here at the moment (I'm a couple hundred klicks north of you) but can't wait to try it out. Thanks for all your advice and your enthusiasm.

@dlmsarge8329 Жыл бұрын

I got the Abu Garcia in July and it boosted my walleye catches incredibly! It's so handy to use and I love that I can choose different line diameters. I also run a big Penn line counter on my leadcore set up. I've been considering going the downrigger route on my Hobie PA12 so appreciated your video on that as well.

@simonblonda1449 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video! Best explanation of bait casting reels. I have wanted to switch from spinner to one of these for a while, but couldn't find anyone who could help me understand how they work, and how they will help me (and my kids) have more fun and success fishing for all fish, but especially trolling for kokanee. Thank you for your channel. Keep the videos coming!

@billfaubion6295 3 жыл бұрын

I use a pair of Abu Garcia 6500LC reels for both koks and trout trolling --- love the ergonomics of them. However water does eventually affect the line counter after a couple years (parts can easily be replaced). With my big hands I have no use for small reels. Keep up the great work Tyler & stay safe!

@bryanpeck3679 3 жыл бұрын

Love my Samira! Highly underrated. My Lexa LC is still my favorite right now too.

@mattcreasey628 3 жыл бұрын

Both of my Samiras LC reels have had drag issues and spool release issues. I am planning to switch to the Lexas.

@kenamatice282 2 жыл бұрын

Good info Tyler. I really like my Lexa 100 reels other than the clicker went out after only 3 days of fishing. Sent them back and got them fixed for free and no issues for about 3 years since. The only thing I use the clicker for is with downriggers. Turn the clicker on and hit free spool when sending down on the rigger and it seems like the perfect resistance to get to depth. This also keeps you from getting back lash is you get hit going down and the fish pops the clip. hands free deployment

@lengray7804 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome recap. Just got two of the Abu's from a friend. So many useful features for the $.

@yakhusker5914 3 жыл бұрын

I currently run the Okuma Coldwater low profile on a Velocity Ninja rod for anything trout, kokanee (Roosevelt) and larger sockeye. I love it because it’s mostly balanced, handles the bigger fish too, but it’s 12oz. That’s why the Abu reel got my attention, and with another Velocity Ninja rod on its way, might have to try this one now! When my wife lets me have more $ it’s a done deal! Don’t laugh because most of you are nodding your heads as well!

@jeffreywilliams9349 3 жыл бұрын

How do you think the velocity ninja rod will hold up trolling with planer boards for Walleye?

@yakhusker5914 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve only used them with a modified SideWinder planer and have had no issues with it. Used for kokes and walleyes with great results. Absolutely love how this rod feels with these fish on the line!

@bykergus 2 жыл бұрын

I love the Okuma Magda and the Low Profile Convector Line counter reels . . . and they actually stand by their warranties .. even after the reel is OUT of warranty !

@pdxfisher1 3 жыл бұрын

I have couple of Daiwa ICV15's that I have had for about 5 years or so. I really love the digital linecounter and that you can calibrate for different line sizes. Back when I bought the ICV's they were by far the lightest reels linecounter reels I could find. The battery replacement is a pain but otherwise they are pretty great. That ABU looks really nice plus it has a clicker, is less expensive than the ICV and it looks like battery replacement is easy (painful on the ICV). If I were buying today those would probably be my top choice. Thanks for the review.

@MikeLasnier 3 жыл бұрын

I just grabbed the Abu Garcia through your link; you haven’t steered me wrong yet, and I have a reel that needs repair, so I need something to fish in the meantime.

@lukegalloway5895 Жыл бұрын

Great review! Well done!

@joefish63 Жыл бұрын

I use the older Ambassadeur Altum DLC 12. It is a fantastic reel for this type of work.

@12restoration 3 жыл бұрын

Hands down Diawa Lexa 100LC is my favorite for trout/kokanee. Small and compact as I don't like big round reels.

@Tyler_B. 2 жыл бұрын

Those tica reels pair perfectly with the eagle claw Kokanee rods imo

@timmoore9736 8 ай бұрын

I have; an Okuma Cold Water on an Okuma rod and an Okuma Convector on an 8 foot Berkley Lightning ultralight. I also have my "coffee grinder" Bass Pro Depth Master with a glass Eagle Claw Featherlight Kokanee rod; if I had to do that over again I would get something smaller like the cold Water (which is more expensive - I was short on pocket change that day). Good detailing on the reels; that Cold Water stood like a champ when I came up with a 19.5" trout, 3lbs 1 oz. rainbow.

@thomassteele8150 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Tyler! Do you have a favorite Walleye trolling rod?

@craigwood9707 Жыл бұрын

Not sure if it works on the Lexa 100 but on my 300's, when letting out line, you can use your thumb to lift under the thumb bar to engage the reel at any time without turning the handle.. I don't know if it is recommended but it doesn't seem to have harmed the reels after many hours of use.

@ThaxorSmash 3 жыл бұрын

Have you played around with calibrating them? I've been thinking about converting my abu 5500's to line counters but decided I'll probably just run some bobber stops at my usual distances 75, 100, 125.

@robcarter279 2 ай бұрын

On the clicker for line counters I find it a necessity to have it on for dropping the downrigger. It just makes for a much smoother drop. Also I've had the max dlc for a couple years now and love it except the horrible switch for turning the clicker on & off, almost impossible when wearing gloves. Good video but maybe include a few others like the convector, magda and coldwater. Thanks as always Tyler.

@stingray4540 3 жыл бұрын

How can you possibly hate clickers? They are a Godsend when sending gear down with downriggers. I like that Tica, I’ll have to save it for the future. The Okuma cold waters are a little big for Kokanee.

@davidg2113 3 жыл бұрын

It sounds like you've had bad experiences with the Okuma Convector. Have you tried the newest generation yet? I heard they improved the guts and are now pretty much cold waters. I am very interested in their smallest low profile line counter which comes in at 8 ounces and has button to let out line. That seems very convenient to me when one hand is generally on the paddle. It's the CV-163D. I would be interested in your thoughts before I get two of them for the spring.

@danielheugly2685 2 жыл бұрын

Ever tried the Penn reels? Seeing that most lodges use these exclusively in AK I became a believer, clearly much smaller sizes for the kokes.

@spiltmilt 2 жыл бұрын

I used to sell the Penn Fathoms but never saw one small and compact enough for Kokanee

@alexzander1756 Жыл бұрын

Hello, you made a very interesting video. I have a question about your Abu Dlc please. How do you remove the coil? Best regards, Alex

@joshm8395 3 жыл бұрын

I actually had a not-so good experience with the Abu Garcia. I recently purchased it and really wanted to like it, but I found that the battery cap was a huge pain to take off. It took a good deal of force to twist the thing counter clockwise with a butter knife. I was surprised to find that it actually came with a battery, as the reel wasn't turning on out of the box. After re-securing it, the battery turned the reel on, but only for a split second, it seemed to have trouble making contact with the terminal.

@spiltmilt 3 жыл бұрын

Strange. Did you contact Abu?

@joshm8395 3 жыл бұрын

@@spiltmilt I ended up returning the Abu to Amazon and got the Samira instead. Am happy with it so far.

@joshm8395 3 жыл бұрын

So, I must be super unlucky (or possibly super dumb and not setting these things up right) because the Samira isn't really working for me either. I spooled it with some line. Then when I was done I added the poulsen setup that you recommended: the plastic stopper/snubber thing that holds a weight, and the tech-ni-line, and the dodger, plus micro spinner. When I attached the weight to it, I find that it doesn't reel at all. I tried playing with the drag a little bit, and if I turn it clockwise I can get it to reel, but then it wont release any line when I pull on it. Not sure if it's another faulty reel, or if I'm just doing something wrong =(

@jeffreylitishin9035 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tyler for another helpful video. I was looking at the abu garcia for my second rod. I think I am going to give it a try. How do you set up your drag on these reels? I am new to trolling. Also, you should mention your Patreon account on these videos.

@spiltmilt 3 жыл бұрын

I adjust the drag based on feel using the star wheel on the right side. For Kokanee I use a fairly light drag where I can easily pull line off the reel. This is true even for the bigger Kokanee but as the fight progresses I may tighten the drag a little bit.

@jeffreylitishin9035 3 жыл бұрын

@@spiltmilt Thanks Tyler.

@Shinnen09 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review! I am in need of another reel and been considering the new Abu. Will be interesting to see about long term reliability of the DLC. Daiwa has seemed to do well with theirs so there hope. I’m curious about the new low profile okuma convector in 100-size. It’s under 8 oz and msrp of 105 which means street should be 80 or less. Plus it’s got a similar flipping switch as the abu.

@joeyd9792 3 жыл бұрын

What line counter reels do use for King salmon? What size Leo flashers do you use for Kings and Sockeye? Great videos!

@spiltmilt 3 жыл бұрын

I use Tekota 300 LC and Okuma Coldwater LoPro LC for Kings. I use the large size LEO flashers.

@yakhusker5914 3 жыл бұрын

Any chance you can link a left hand model for the Abu Max DLC? When I buy it I’d like to make sure I’m supporting the one who introduced it to me.

@spiltmilt 3 жыл бұрын

Here you go! Thank you. amzn.to/3rT7Tsj

@colbysteffenhagen1703 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great video! How has the Abu Garcia been performing now you’ve had it for while? Still recommend? Thanks!

@spiltmilt Жыл бұрын

Solid. Love it for Kokanee and especially Walleye.

@tomg8673 3 жыл бұрын

Another Great Video Thanks very much!

@jeffthompson5543 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the videos. Do you know if the Abu Garcia digital line counter actually counts the line going off the spool or the revolutions of the spool? I've looked for info online but can't get an answer. I've noticed my line counter reels are not accurate. I've spent a lot of time calibrating 4 of them so they are accurate to 100 feet. As the spool gets smaller the revolutions are faster and when I'm out to 200 feet I'm probably more like 160. I fish leadcore for kokanee so in the summer I'm trying to get out to 40 feet deep or more which means lots of feet out and lots of guesswork. I may need to upgrade. Thanks

@spiltmilt 2 жыл бұрын

It uses revolutions of the spool to count

@surgeche1664 Жыл бұрын

Hi Tyler, can you say if Abu Garcia Reel still your favourite, how is it holding up. Thank you in advance.

@SalmonKing52 2 жыл бұрын

Yet Another Great video! As a Kokanee newbie I’m currently looking for reels to buy the will match up nicely with my Eagle Claw Kokanee rods. I may have missed it in the video so 8m gonna ask you… Have you had any issue with water intrusion to the line counter? I know it’s digital but that circuit board will corrode with water in there. If I had to pick from those 4 in the video I’m sold on the Tica in spite of its weight but I’d rather go lighter.

@spiltmilt 2 жыл бұрын

Never had any water intrusion issues

@chrisvanzandt5400 Жыл бұрын

you gotta swap out to the lexa 300LC its nearly the same size as the 100 but better line cap better drag beefier stronger build and more options for gearing with the PWR model. also i think its the most expensive reel at about $230 each

@jasonoshea9523 Жыл бұрын

Can you disable the distance to tip alarm on the Abu?

@daviddorman4625 2 жыл бұрын

I have 2 love them thinking about getting 2 more have you had any problems abu garcia dlc

@spiltmilt 2 жыл бұрын

No problems thus far. Great reels.

@jessetharp6319 3 жыл бұрын

I’m curious as to what your thoughts are if the Okuma Magda reels? Several articles I read listed them at the top of the list as far as budget reels go.

@spiltmilt 3 жыл бұрын

They are decent but Okumas line counters tend to fail

@jessetharp6319 3 жыл бұрын

@@spiltmilt Thanks!

@G_marvelous85 2 жыл бұрын

Have you used the convector 163dlx? I just picked up the new lamiglas redline kokanee rod and I put a convector 163dlx on them. Gonna try them out this weekend see how they feel!

@spiltmilt 2 жыл бұрын

I find them to be oversized for Kokanee

@TGLRD 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Tyler. I just liked, subbed, AND bought over $100 worth of stuff through your link (I’ll soon be getting the Columbia catch bag through ur link as well). To be brief - your content quality is unmatched. Quick question please…. I’ll be kayak fishing for Kokanee on Arrowrock reservoir soon (not far from Anderson in Idaho). It’ll be 95 degrees out so I’ll be dropping line pretty deep (no rigger). I’m guessing 3-4 oz weights on sliders. Why/when would I want to mess with snap weights as I’ve seen you do at times? Also, how much line should I let out if I want to be around 40’ deep while trolling 3-4 oz weight?

@spiltmilt Жыл бұрын

3 oz at 100' or 4 oz at 80' should get you in the ball park

@TGLRD Жыл бұрын

@@spiltmilt Yes. Thank you. Another user mentioned googling “trolling depth charts” which I found to be exactly what I needed and indeed corroborate your numbers.

@TGLRD Жыл бұрын

@@spiltmilt I feel I should say…. though I’m new to Kokanee fishing I’m definitely not new to highly specialized KZfaq channels and you are unbelievably adept at teaching and demonstrating the subject matter - the important points are extremely consistent across your many various videos - and your diligence in responding to comments is, so far as I can tell, unheard of for a KZfaqr with this amount of subs. Thanks again Tyler.

@macsmith2092 Ай бұрын

Do you use 10lb mono for bottom bouncing for walleye as well. I use braid on my reels for both kokanee and walleye because I like it for bottom bouncing, but I am very open to changing based on your opinion.

@verdeanpetersen8350 Жыл бұрын

I just bought the convector. I'm trying to decide what line choice. It's mostly for long lining for kokanees. Got a suggestion for it.?

@spiltmilt Жыл бұрын

I just use 10 lb Maxima ultragreen

@6string556 3 жыл бұрын

Any possibility of going over rods to pair with these reels? Trying to find a good overall walleye/Koke setup

@spiltmilt 3 жыл бұрын

Yes video coming soon

@6string556 3 жыл бұрын

@@spiltmilt awesome! I was going to pick up a pair for trolling out of my kayak but I’ll wait to see what your recommendations are. Thanks for putting out such great informative content!

@tbcooperstube 2 жыл бұрын

The issue i have with the Shakespeare ats 15 is the line gets caught in the side of the reel, way down the spool. Super irritating, I don’t know if it was spooled wrong or what. Have you ever run into this?

@spiltmilt 2 жыл бұрын

No never have

@michaelr4401 3 жыл бұрын

Have u checked to see if the counter is accurate for the max DLC? I believe you use 10lb maxima?

@spiltmilt 3 жыл бұрын

I checked to 50' it was off by 2'. Not bad.

@clemp3010 3 жыл бұрын

Question from a noob. Are these reels considered baitcasters or only trolling? I dont know anything outside of fly fishing, but am trying to learn. Thanks

@spiltmilt 3 жыл бұрын

Only for trolling

@clemp3010 3 жыл бұрын

@@spiltmilt Thanks for the reply! I appreciate all the work you do making these videos.

@lukechase247 3 жыл бұрын

Love the channel. Was fishing for Kokanee this past weekend and could not mark anything on the sonar but caught 4 on the top. I know the cone is real small on top. How do I find more fish? Is there a video on Sonar settings for trolling spring summer and fall Kokanee.

@spiltmilt 3 жыл бұрын

When they are on top they can difficult to locate using electronics. Make sure to double back on the areas you do get bit. The old adage never leave fish to find fish applied especially in the spring

@traildadd 8 ай бұрын

Do you still love the digital line counter? I’d really like a quality reel with a bullet proof line counter. So, has it stood the test of time?

@spiltmilt 8 ай бұрын

Still going strong. I use it primarily for Walleye now but once my Lexa's give out I am going to get another one.

@traildadd 7 ай бұрын

Well I got two Max DLC reels in both a left and right hand model, one for each side of the kayak. Interestingly even though the line counter is very accurate, when I spooled them up I couldn’t get the specified amount of line on the reel. The specs say it should hold 135 yds of 10lb mono. Both of them were overfilled and wouldn’t turn at about 330 feet. I backed them down to 100 yds to make them work. I don’t know if the counter is wrong or the spec is wrong or the line is thicker than normal. I’m using P-Line CXX-Xtra Strong 10-pound test. Maybe I should do a measuring test like you did to be sure. I fished with one yesterday and it worked good. I looked it up and it’s thicker. I guess I better reset the reel to 12lb test.

@trentpeters1255 2 жыл бұрын

How did it hold up are you going to do a review?

@spiltmilt 2 жыл бұрын

Been using it for the better part of a year now and still works great. Haven't had to change batteries and no corrosion issues

@DukeTrout 3 жыл бұрын

No love for the Daiwa AccuDepth 15ICV?

@spiltmilt 3 жыл бұрын

Had two...both croaked on me within 3 years.

@josephbass3606 3 жыл бұрын

What type of reels are these called and why aren't spinning reels used for this?

@spiltmilt 3 жыл бұрын

Level wind reels. I mostly prefer these because its easier to deploy your line in a controlled manner and they have line counters.

@josephbass3606 3 жыл бұрын

@@spiltmilt thank you! I was always confused seeing other people set ups like that.

@rickw9169 2 жыл бұрын

Okuma Coldwater. Best I ever owned.

@spiltmilt 2 жыл бұрын

I find them to be a bit over-sized for Kokanee rods but love them for my bigger salmon rods

@rickw9169 2 жыл бұрын

@@spiltmilt This might sound funny but I have a 153d on each of my Eagle Claw Kokanee rods. It's a super comfortable reel and does not feel too big on the rod. I need the heavier reels for Shasta Kings and trout and didn't really want to spend a ton on a full Kokanee setup. Its somewhat of a compromise but I seriously see no need for other reels. I fished the new rods on Whiskeytown today and had a blast. I think I read on a prior post that you intend on fishing Whiskeytown later this Spring or early Summer. Feel free to contact me if you feel like getting out of the kayak while you're down. I have a small (16 ft) Smokercraft that comfortably fishes 2 and I always enjoy learning new tricks and skills.