Thread: Line Counting Reels For Crank Baits

If you plan on doing it allot , spend the money and get the Diawas , but if your only gonna do it a few times a year the cheaps will last a while,you can buy 4 cheap reels for the price of 1 good one with means replacing them not that bad , for the serious crankers get the best first and be done with it

Originally Posted by luvpt

I used the Okuma 15's and 20's for several years and they worked well most of the time at a throwaway price. However, we never did not like the drag on the Okuma's and have since changed over to Abu Garcia 6500LC's. If a good smooth and very adjustable drag is important to you then consider the Garcia's. Otherwise, for most purposes, keep them clean/lubed and the Okuma's will work fine.

Steve,

Where have you found the best prices on the Abu Garcia 6500LC's? Looked at these when we upgraded but just couldn't pull the trigger due to the price. I thought I would try to purchase a few along the way to easy the pain! Looked at the digital Diawas but was concerned about how long the digital read out would work under tough use. Creek just posted that they have held up for him so I guess that has not been a problem. I just can't keep from thinking about the abuse that I have put some Abu Garcia reels through as a younger man. They are tough as nails!!!

Bass Pro sells an Okuma that's called a Strato Master. It's a much nicer reel that the Magda Pro. I've had some of those for 8-10 years. I bought the Diawa digitals and love em.

Originally Posted by SlabMeister

Steve,

Where have you found the best prices on the Abu Garcia 6500LC's? Looked at these when we upgraded but just couldn't pull the trigger due to the price. I thought I would try to purchase a few along the way to easy the pain! Looked at the digital Diawas but was concerned about how long the digital read out would work under tough use. Creek just posted that they have held up for him so I guess that has not been a problem. I just can't keep from thinking about the abuse that I have put some Abu Garcia reels through as a younger man. They are tough as nails!!!

I ordered mine from J&H Tackle (Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Line Counter Baitcasting Reels | J&H Tackle). They were around 129.99 each but like you said, they are bullet proof and dependable. I have them on all eight planerboard rods as well as the eight longlining rods. The drag is smooth as butter and can be set as light as needed....which was not possible with the Okuma's. They will also cast very well and we just cast them out when using the longlining rods which saves a whole lot of time letting line out.