Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel Reviews

I own a bunch of 2009 Okuma Catalina levelwind line counters from the size 20 to the largest, size 40 whose frames were obviously machined out of solid blocks of aluminum. The "old" Catalinas are as rock solid as a conventional can be. Not the case with this Okuma line. Line the Daiwa Saltiga LWLC's, the casing and side plates are probably castings. What makes these look "cheap" is the paint job which frankly speaking, looks like spray paint. Aside from that, here are my Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Perfect placement of the line counter above the sideplate. It's out of the way unlike the Tekotas and Saltigas which protrude from the sideplate hitting your left pole-holding arm during the fight.
- Line counter (LC) is large and very easy to read at a glance. The Daiwa Saltigas are hard to read.
- LC reset button is more recessed greatly reducing chance of accidental reset.
- Okumas winding knob is big, burly and made of rubber not plastic. Feels good in the hand.
- Star on the drag system is smooth and sensitive with positive clicks for fine adjustment.
- Freespool lever automatically snaps back into wind mode with 3/4 turn of the handle.
- Overall quality of the reels is, "Good".
- Comes with pole bracket to lock in the reel to the reel seat.
- Offerred in left hand versions
Cons:
- Cheap paint job
- noisy gearing when winding. Mines was almost as loud as the ratchet! Gonna open her up and grease her more to make her quieter?
- Ratchet was softer than Okuma's equivalent Catalina LWLC's.
The main reason why I purchased the left-hand models is because I'm used to my spinners which I crank with my left hand

Awesome looking reel! Bought these reels for trolling dipsy's in lake Erie. Reels feel solid and well made. Ratcheting star drag very smooth. Clicker on the drag sounds noisy out of the box but once the spool is filled with line it quiet's down quite a bit. Oversized handle feels great with the dropped down gear box. The reset button on the side of linecounter will help prevent accidental "resets" when letting out line. Impressed so far! Really like it!

Great reel, bought one myself, buddies bought a few too. We all think they are great, and anyone who didn't research the reel beforehand on size, or doesn't know "L" means left, should stck to fishing with a cane pole. Used on Lake Michigan for salmon and did well, except for few fish. Not the reels fault, blame Dennis. Has enough drag for big fish. We bought on sale, still a great reel at this price, but u could wait til it is on sale. Nice grip on handle. No complaints so far, don't think you will be disappointed!

There are several different types of conventional fishing reels

There are several different types of conventional fishing reels, one of the three major classes of saltwater and freshwater fishing reels, which also include spinning reels and fly reels. Conventional reels when used in saltwater fishing applications are commonly known as star drag, lever drag, high speed, two speed or trolling fishing reels. When used in freshwater fishing, anglers refer to conventional fishing reels as casting, bait cast and bait casting reels.
Most of the major tackle manufacturers produce a full line of both saltwater conventional reels and freshwater casting reels. Brand names like Daiwa(R), Shimano(R), Penn(R), Okuma(R) and Accurate(R) continually introduce new lines of high quality conventional reels like the Saltiga, Saltist, Trinidad, Torsa, Tiagra, Torque, International, Twin Drag and many more. Ranging in price from affordable to very expensive, with the proper maintenance and care, the latest conventional fishing reels should provide for many years of fishing enjoyment.
Freshwater casting reels are typically smaller in dimension. Many have a line winder mechanism, which helps guide the fishing line onto the spool in an evenly manner. These are very popular among tournament bass fishing anglers and are commonly referred to as bait cast, bait caster and bait casting reels. The drags of this type of reel is set by turning a knob or sometimes a dial, which resembles a ninja star and is known as the star drag. I prefer to use casting reels when I fish with less than 12lb. test line, as most reels will hold a sufficient amount of line, are super light and are easy to cast.
Saltwater conventional reels are the preferred fishing reel for big-game saltwater fishing and trolling. These reels can easily reach over a thousand dollars, but this type of reel is essential when targeting world record-breaking trophies. Whether it's a one speed or two speed, star drag or lever drag, live bait or trolling reel, using conventional reels requires some practice and knowledge in proper casting techniques to avoid backlashes and tangles. Conventional reels are also ideal when fishing with live bait, as they are meant to be fished in freespool; with the spool of the reel disengaged, allowing the spool to spin with the pull and movement of the fishing line and bait.
Similar to the freshwater casting reel, the saltwater conventional reel comes in a star drag version, with adjustments in drag applied by turning a dial. The lever drag reel is typically bigger and the drags are adjusted by sliding a lever, usually to a strike position that is marked on the reel. This type of fishing reel comes in one speed versions and different gear ratios, which determine the amount of line that is picked up with each turn of the handle. Two speed variations are typically used for bigger fish and trolling and are known as trolling reels. These fishing reels are bulky, heavy and powerful, with lower gear ratios for better cranking ability.
With so many choices in freshwater and saltwater fishing rods and reels, it is important to do your research when purchasing fishing gear and equipment. Knowing the proper name of the equipment that you are researching can save you time and money. I hope that the next time you do an online search for tackle, you would know the difference between a freshwater casting reel and a saltwater conventional reel.