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Lake Erie Charter Captain Dave Adams of D & D Charters answers questions and provides tips and insights into fishing the region.
If you would like to Ask the Captain a question, please click HERE.
January 11, 2003
Ernie asks:
Capt. Dave,
I am in the process of gearing up a recently purchased boat. I am in the Cleveland area and will hopefully be doing some precision trolling for the walleye. I am trying to compare the quality/durability/fish ability of line counter reels. Can you give me your thoughts on the Okuma 30DX compared to the Diawa 47lC.
Thanks for your advice,
Ernie
Captain Dave's Response:
Hello Ernie,
I'm not a Diawa fan. I feel the quality is not there for the price they ask.
Okuma, on the other hand, has been aggressively marketing their reels. And rightly so - the 30DX is reasonable priced, reliable, and a pleasure to use. You will not be disappointed if you buy them. You, also, should consider the 20DX - all the same features, but with less line space and priced less.
Okuma reels, however, do have one drawback. They are known for "drag memory". When the reel is not used for awhile, the drag will stick and the spool will not release. The best thing to do is when you set out the bait, always check the drag. And at the end of the day, loosen the drag.
Regardless of what planer boards manufactories say, don't buy plastic boards. Wood boards perform better. Plastic boards will ride behind the boat, while wood will cut the water and ride beside your boat (and away from the boat wake, where the fish are).
More information on planer boards is found at: September 4 - Using Dipsy Divers and Planer Boards on Lake Erie
Instead of buying planer boards, make your own. Here are plans:
Materials Per Board
2 wood boards: 1" x 9" x 28"
2 threaded rods: 12" x 1/4"
1 threaded rod: 12" x 5/16"
1 eye bolt: 1/4" x 6"
10 washers: 1/4"
10 nuts: 1/4"
4 washers: 5/16"
4 nuts: 5/16"
Cut the 30 degree angle on the front of each planer; the bottom 5/16 inch rod strengthens the board and acts as the keel; reverse the pattern to make the starboard planer. Choose paint with hardener and a high gloss finish then apply several coats to your boards. Fluorescent orange is a good choice.
Board tip: I use a 10 inch bungee cord between my mast and pulley. When using wood boards, the strain of a wave (or hitting debris) could break the line. The cord will take up the initial shock.
Good Fishing,
Capt. Dave Adams
Dave Adams is an author and professional charter captain who operates D & D Charters on the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie.
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