I use a magic marker to mark the line the first time I put out a rod, then if I catch one I can go back to the mark on the line. I use the old pull 2' off rule. Pull bout 2 ft nad the pull another 2' till I get around the desired depth. If I dont catch anything at this depth I rub the mark off the line and try a foot deeper or shallower. Just the way this old redneck does it without the use of counters.