Daiwa Sealine SG17LC3B any reviews??

[Bluknight]

I'm looking at switching 2 of my kokanee reels over to right hand operators with line counters. I currently have 2 tica caimans that I really like but I'm the only person that is "lefty lover" on my boat. I'd rather just have stuff match so there is no confusion when guests are grabbing reels.

From my research I came down to the Tekota 300LC, Abu 5500LC and this Daiwa Sealine. I already have 2 of the Tekotas and they just seem a bit large for a kokanee reel. While I haven't had one in my hand the Abu line counter looks large just with the way the line counter sticks out the side.

I've done a few searches here but most of the Daiwa info is a few years old some I'm wondering if anyone has info on this newer one or a couple years experience with the older ones.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[SuperDaveMT]

I recently picked up an ambassadeur 5500LC, but haven't had a chance to try it out. Have you looked at the Daiwa AccuDepth ICV15? It looks like the smallest of the line counter reels that I could find (9.9 ozs), but its a bit on the spendy side at around $165 bucks.

 

[Bluknight]

SuperDave -

Thanks for the suggestion. The AccuDepth ICV15 was in the final running on my list of (Gear Ratio / Line capacity / Bearings / Weight) - yes I get a bit anal in gear selection! I loved the size and weight. Price was not my favorite but I have a few Tekotas for salmon fishing so not out of the realm.

The two factors that kept me away from it was no clicker spool (I really like that feature when stacking on a downrigger) and I was not a fan of the digital line counter. I know the manual LC can break too but having electronics that will be out in the elements just doesn't give me the warm and fuzzy. From what I read in reviews I believe when the battery goes out you have to ship the entire reel back to the factory to have a new one put in it. I'm sure the battery would last a few years but that just doesn't seem right to me.

Thanks for the feedback

 

[smokepoles]

My buddy has the earlier Sealines and no problems. However, I have several Okuma Convector 15 and they have been every bit as good for a lesser price. Okuma came out with a new model Coldwater this year that is of comparable price to the Sealines, but I did not get any response about it when I posted earlier.

I handled a mounted Abu 5500LC in a store, and the side counter did not seem to be in the way as I thought it might. If you don't mind on thje Tekota's, shouldn't be an issue on the Abu's.

 

[SuperD]

Why linecounters for Kokes? Other than early, early season, the set back is 10' - 20' at best the majority of the season. The Tekota 300 LC is so buttery smooth that I don't mind using them for the first month of the season. Then I switch to Abu Garcias without a linecounter for the rest of the season.

 

[smokepoles]

Agreed that line counters are not necessary for kokes, but then again, why not? If you are not sole a koke specialist, line counters add versatlity to use the same set up for putting out a long line or side planer. If you have newbies aboard the experience is simpler for them and they more quickly get into putting out their own lines, which they seem to enjoy rather than having it all done for them.

 

[SuperD]

As to why not? It would only be an observation that guys aim for the very lightest set ups they can for Koke fishing. If one doesn't care about that, bluknight need go no further than the Tekota 300's he's got. It is the best linecounter on the market! When I have lots of bodies on the boat, they are deployed as Koke reels.

 

[Bluknight]

Arrrgh - You guys aren't helping me spend money! : )

SuperD is right on that I would really only use them for a month when flat lining and I do like the light setup of not having a LC on the reel to begin with. Smokepoles is right on for why the line counters. Even when I'm doing 10-20 feet set backs on downriggers I get strange looks from people I take fishing. Try explaining ten pulls from the reel to the first eye and they seem to loose count at 6 ----- look squirrel!

I may just give one a try and compare to the Tekota 300. Or I can save the money as SuperD suggested and use the Tekotas for a few months and when I have ADHD guests on board.

SuperD - What line do you run on your Tekotas? I have mine spooled with 60lb power pro because I use them for salmon and diameter is good trade off for strength and not digging into the spool causing me a problem. Obviously over kill for kokes but diameter wise would be close to 10lb mono anyway when considering drag while trolling.

Thanks again for the input gents.

Smokepoles - when I bought my Tekota 500LC a few months back I was looking at the coldwaters as well. The feedback I got (from one customer and the sales guy) was that they were sending several of them back with fogging problems on the line counters. Not a huge survey field I had to go with but it was enough to lean more toward the Tekota that seems to have a great rep around here anyway. I'm sure they will get it fixed in their next go around or they won't last too long out there in the market. Time will tell.

 

[SuperD]

Bluknight, I use my 300 LC's for trout and Kokes with 10 lbs test. I have a 500 LC that is my salt reel with the heavy braid on it. If I was using YOUR particular 300's I'd add a good length of topshot mono for line shock or stretch since braid is pretty much void in that department. Maybe 30' - 50' of mono so the fish have less leverage to rip their mouths out.

 

[smokepoles]

Yes, SuperD you are right that linecounters will not give you the lightest set up, and I might put higher priority on that if I fished for kokes at other than the Gorge.

I also agree about the Tekota 300LC. Not sure that BlueK would be completely happy with the others after he has using the Tekota.

 

[Bluknight]

Thanks again for the information and think tank.

SuperD - I completely forgot about there soft lil' lips. I would have definitely been losing some fish there. I'm not completely sold on the braided line deal. Seem so popular on the Columbia River for salmon that I just kind of went with it. The topshot sounds like a good option.

 

[Tater Salad]

BluKnight,
I use nothing but the Daiwa Sealine SG17LC's for my trout kokanee trolling. (mostly kokanee) I bought one of the new version. I have used it a little. Doesn't appear to be any different than the older version. There is another bearing etc. But as far as using it, no apparent difference. I like the drag on these reels. In California we catch mostly 1 to 2 lb kokanee. So I like a reel with a good quality drag on the low end. These reels have delivered that very well. I use the line counter feature all of the time, even later in the year, when deeper on the rigger. I have used these reels salmon fishing in the Umpquah river estuary, with good results. I had braid on them at that time. I have since moved up to the 27 model for Chinook. But the 17 performed very well, with a good drag for the Chinook. I have a couple of Abu Garcia 6500 LC's. I like the Daiwa better. It fits your hand better with the line counter on top. The clicker works great. I always use the clicker when lowering on the rigger. Usually a lot happening in the boat etc. So clicker on, rod in the rod holder, and let the rigger down fast or slow. Never a backlash, never pop's off the release. Very consistent. The Tekota is an awesome reel. And a better reel I am sure. But for the price I went with the Daiwa. I am running 4 of them, so price matters. I run 10 lb test mono. I almost spooled up with 30 lb braid this season, but decided against it. 2 reasons. It never hurts to have a little more shock absorbing with Kokanee. But mostly because of the mess that braid can be if you get lines tangeled etc. I fish with different people, different boats, different captains quite regularly. So getting tangeled up does happen. And you won't wrap the tip of your rod with mono, and then try to lower the rigger. Which can break your rod. Ask me how I know. I fish the yellow lamiglas rod, so replacement is expensive. Those rods are the ticket though.

 

[SuperD]

Tater Salad, I bought the yellow wet noodle at the end of last year and still waiting to hang something nice with it. Heck, retrieving the lures feels like a good fight! LOL!