Possible dumb question, but how do you gauge how much line you've let out? I am a total novice and don't know how to figure this out.

Thanks for your help!

When trolling with spinning gear, I sweep my rod in about 10' sweeps and keep track of the number of sweeps. On my baitcasters I mark the first 200' of line every 20' with a sharpie marker. I have been considering bring a line counter reel, but they are too big to be used for anything besides trolling. I used to have a little shakespere line counter that clipped onto the rod. It was not reliable enough (for me) to be trusted.

When trolling or jigging vertically, I normally use a baitcasting reel. To judge how much line goes out, I pre-measure how much line needs to go out to make the line guide go from one side of the spool to the other. When fishing, I count how many times the the line guide goes back and forth and do the math.

quote Wables: "When trolling with spinning gear, I sweep my rod in about 10' sweeps and keep track of the number of sweeps.

I've probably done that method without thinking about it. Just kind of "ballparked" it and figured that was enough. Good method, Wables.

Keep in mind that each crankbait will only run a maximum depth and that's it. You could have 50' or 200' of line out and your lure will basically run the depth it's intended to run (with some variation based on speed and type of line).

My answer is to quit guessing. If you already have a baitcasting rod, an okuma linecounter reel can be used on it for $40 or less on sale.

Jackfish is right, most crankbaits max out at 150-200 feet. Actually they start to come up some as line drag starts to overcome the dive.

I assume you are trolling? When starting to troll, we often stop in deep water and drop our baits to the bottom. Start paddling and let out additional line. As you begin trolling, you are sure to cover all depths as your lure rises up to cruising altitude.

Thanks everyone. Very helpful. Yes, I was wondering in regards to when I troll, but I also wanted to have an idea of when I've reached, say, 15-20 feet. Will be fishing in the BW mid-May and a number of the species I'll be looking for will be closer to the surface.

Wables, I had actually thought of marking my line with a sharpie.

DTrain, Didn't even know that existed (I'm that green). Good to know.

Hoping I'll catch some!

There used to be line that had a different color every so many feet. I don't know if it's made anymore and I don't know the brand name.

When you've got the right amount out, you'll feel it.

for walleyes you should be contacting the bottom occasionally....that will tell you when you have the right amount of line out.

Do you have a good depth finder for your canoe? It is a great investment if you are going to get serious about fishing. A copy of The Troller's Bible is also a good investment.

quote Amok: "There used to be line that had a different color every so many feet. I don't know if it's made anymore and I don't know the brand name."

Yes they still make it but of a different makeup. I remember the stuff that you are talking about, nasty stuff to tie knots. Here is the stuff that I found...

line

quote kanoes: "for walleyes you should be contacting the bottom occasionally....that will tell you when you have the right amount of line out."

Yeah... that's what I meant. I was assuming that the focus was on walleye.

It depends on what type of lure you are fishing with. Lures generally state their running depth. Size of line makes a difference with smaller line running deeper than heavier line. I usually just give it a good cast behind the canoe and start trolling.

quote Savage Voyageur: "

quote Amok: "There used to be line that had a different color every so many feet. I don't know if it's made anymore and I don't know the brand name."

Yes they still make it but of a different makeup. I remember the stuff that you are talking about, nasty stuff to tie knots. Here is the stuff that I found...

line "

Colored line? Slick. Anyone have experience using this? Worth it?

Kanoes- Yes, I'll mostly be looking for walleye since we aren't hitting any lake trout lakes. Will work from the bottom up.

Wables- No depth finder yet although I've looked at a few. On gear wish list.