Line counter reels. How much do they matter?

[Dongotto]

I'm wondering how much line counter reels matter for pulling cranks? I have been looking at depth charts and simply running different baits at long line max depth so I would know where I'm at, but I realize that line counter reels give you the abililty to vary by only a few feet with the same bait model.

What do you all think? And if you suggest line counter reels what kind?

Thanks

[bttmline]

I use regular baitcasters and will pull off a full wrap from one side to the other and measure the line. Then I have a card that I write down the reel model and the length of line per wrap to calculate distance by multiply the number of wrap x length. Hope I explained this so you understand.

[M R Dux]

I use the Okuma 15s and probably wouldn't troll Bandits nearly as much as I do without them. They take the guess work out of depth control.

[bfish]

Yup line counters make it easy. If your just testing the cranking waters, you can use metered line or the clip-on counters but eventually you will by dedicated linecounter reels.

[creekslick]

Get the line counters.

[wilbur]

You could probably just mark your line in 10 20 or 30 ft. increments and go by that, It will work just as good but not as easy. For 28.00 your not gonna find a good reel much cheaper. And you can use them for riggin also.