Northwest Fishing Reports

Took full advantage of the Fetha Styx Tent sale on Friday and picked up a few new mooching/trolling rods that now need new reels. I see most reels have line counters and I understand that's important for mooching but is that necessary for trolling? I'll target both chinook and coho but will also use these reels next spring for lings and other rock fish.

Any suggestions?

The lc isn't really that important for trolling, but can come in handy. I usually just count pulls when I'm dropping my gear back. If you are gonna use them for lings you might want to go without the line counter, especially if you are gonna be working jigs along the bottom. The lc can get in the way when you are doing something like that.

The line counter option is great for mooching, jigging and long lining. The problem that I found is I prefer a left hand retrieve and most LC reels don't offer that option. I've had the opportunity to use a Tekota 300LC and really liked the way the reel operated and the drag was super smooth. They don't come cheap and they don't offer a LH retrieve. I mostly use the Abu Kalex 61 for silvers and a Penn 321 or 975 when chasing kings.