Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	OKUMA FISHING TACKLE
Material	Composite
Hand Orientation	Left Hand
Color	Multicolor
Item Weight	0.91 Pounds

product features

This fits your .

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Made using the highest quality materials
Tested for reliability and quality
Used by professionals worldwide
Lightweight corrosion resistant frame and side plates
Multi disc Carbonite drag system
Ratcheting drag star for precise drag settings
XL gearing: Drop down gear box with self lubricating gear wystem

From the manufacturer

Cold Water Line Counter Reels

Perhaps it's the high level of Omega-3's in their diets, but the territories where salmon, steelhead, and walleye swim have some of the highest concentrations of left-handed anglers on the planet. Serving anglers with a premium line counter in both right and left hand retrieve, Okuma proudly presents the Cold Water.

The Cold Water is constructed upon a powerful drag foundation including heavy-duty machine cut brass pinion gears, dual anti-reverse system, and full carbonite drag system. Internal components are held solid within Okuma's MSS or Mechanical Stabilizing System, providing extreme durability and long-term alignment of gears and shafts.

Features

Lightweight corrosion resistant side-plates and frame
Multi-Disc carbonite drag system
2BB+1RB stainless steel bearings
Self-lubricating gearing system
Speed lock pinion gear system
Racheting star drag for precision
1-year limited warranty



Model	Gear Ratio	Bearings	Max Drag Pressure	Mono Line Capacity
CW-153D Right Hand	5:1:1	2BB+1RB	18-lbs	330/10, 290 /12, 240/14
CW-153DLX Left Hand	5:1:1	2BB+1RB	18-lbs	330/10, 290 /12, 240/14
CW-203DLX Left Hand	5:1:1	2BB+1RB	18-lbs	290/14, 230/18, 210/20
CW-203D Right Hand	5:1:1	2BB+1RB	18-lbs	290/14, 230/18, 210/20
CW-303DLX Left Hand	4:2:1	2BB+1RB	20-lbs	510/15, 420/20, 310/25
CW-303D Right Hand	4:2:1	2BB+1RB	20-lbs	510/15, 420/20, 310/25
CW-453D Right Hand	4:2:1	2BB+1RB	20-lbs	580/20, 430/25, 330/30

Okuma Fishing Tackle, Inspired Fishing

At Okuma Fishing Tackle we deliver more than just fishing gear. We deliver the motivation to hit the water, the energy to maintain focus and the excitement that injects every cast with high expectations. The advanced materials, dynamic design and commitment to longevity contained in each of our fishing reels, fishing rods and rod and reel combos are not simply a means to an end. They're the foundation of a better and more complete fishing experience. Okuma Fishing Tackle is developed inspire your passion for fishing, both on and off the water. Whether you fish for bass, trout, catfish, salmon/steelhead, stripers, tuna or marlin, when the sun rises tomorrow, a new opportunity will be born. Let's make the most of it together.

product description

product details

Item model number ‏ : ‎ CW-453D
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ July 27, 2020
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Okuma Fishing Tackle Corp.
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08DQ7ZT3M

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Questions about Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel

Does it come in Left Hand retrieve?

Answer: Yes, all but the 453 model. Tight Lines.

Which one for 30 lb line

Answer: It depends on line and application. The 300 series for mono and braid for salmon. For walleyes could get away with a smaller reel using 30lb braid. Great reel i have several.

Answer: 303 is a pretty nice reel but if you go larger than 20-30lb line the 453 is a larger reel in general. For me I like a bigger real for balance and they are both super slick reels, if your caching steadily over 20lb fish go the 453 and you need a 8' Med heavy rod or 8'6" depending what fishing your are doing. Nice handles on the reels I think it was 3' for 2 full cranks. If you don't like it it was only 9 bucks to return.

Answer:

Answer: 25 or 30

what is the max drag of CW-435D and is it with right or left hand

Answer: 20 pounds of maximum drag, and it's right handed. Great reel for the price.

Answer: 20lbs. RH.

How many yards of leadcore line will the CW-153D hold?

Answer: It will hold 10 colors, however, I would recommend the 203 if you plan on using them exclusively for running leadcore.

Answer: Not familiar with lead core line. Sorry

Does the 153 have the line counter?

Answer: yes the product description is correct, i have bought 3 off amazon

Answer: yes it does great reels

Answer: Yes. A very good one!

Answer: Yes

How do I get warranty on a reel I purchased?

Answer: you can register your reel on our webpage www.okumafishingusa.com . You can also request warranty service via the webpage as well.

Answer: Call okuma customer service. Have sales receipt and go back to store.h

Answer: contact okuma

Does this reel have a bait clicker?

Answer: All Coldwater reels feature a bait clicker.

Answer: yes, you can turn the clicker on, or leave it silent.

Answer: You can let it click or silence it.

Answer: Yes they do and they have an off on switch for it.

Answer: Yes, and it is loud

Answer: Yes it does

What is the line capacity? 40 pounds line ,400 ft is ok for which model?

Whjere can i fins a schematic diagram for the okuma cw-203d?

Answer: You can email service@okumafishingusa.com and someone will email the schematics.

Answer: Okuma website has a listing of all their reels.

Answer: On Okuma site . Simply google okuma reel and will find it

Answer: All Okuma reels in a box comes with a parts list call Okuma if you have a reel without a box or parts list

How many feet of line does it fit in and can we use braiding lines such as Fireline?

Answer: line capacity for the CW-153D yds/lbs - 330/10 , 290/12 , 240/14 . The Coldwater trolling reels can be fished with braided line.

Answer: If it's a size 20 it will hold 175 yards of 10 lb test and yes you can use braiding line!!

Answer: I’m pretty sure it holds 420 yards of 30 lb line. I used it with that and 30 lb wire line. I fished Lake Ontario and fleas tend to stock to braid so I used the mono. I’m assuming it would work but hold a ton of it due to such small diameter.

Answer: each size holds a different amount and yes you can use all types of line

Answer: 550 ft yes

Looking for a reel for Leadcore trolling for eyes. This any good for that?

Answer: use all time for that application. This is a very good lead line trolling reel.

Answer: You bet..once you hold this in your hand,youll buy it.Check out its big brother.....sweet

Answer: Larger size cold-water would work.

is it possible to change spools, spooled up with different line?

Answer: You would have to remove the sideplate in order to change the spool.

Answer: No not without screwing off the left hand cover. I would not recommend this reel as the gear is broken after one weekend.

kindly advise the actual shipping weight in grams for cw-453D

Answer: The reel weighs 618 grams .

What size is the best for walleye trolling 10 lb mono

Answer: I'd go with the 203D. Put 50 yds of backing on it and the rest your favorite 10# mono. That way, if you hook something really big, like the bottom, and you get down to the backing, you have 50 yds to turn the boat around.

Answer: The smaller two sizes should be fine.

Answer: The CW-153D would work great.

Does this reel is good for tuna?

Answer: Small ones

where can I find the owners/instruction manual for 153/203?

Answer: Go online to Okuma I’ve bought 3 Okuma reels and not one has had any instructions for the reels only parts list

Answer: It comes in the box.

Tryng to get into land based shark fishing will this be a good reel? if not any recomendations

Answer: The Coldwater has a drag of 18- 20lbs of drag depending on the size. The Coldwater reels are designed for trolling but still have the capability of landing a shark. I would suggest using a lever drag reel like the SLX or the Metaloid for land based shark fishing.

Answer: I don’t recommend it. It just seemed to have a poor drag system. Try a Daila model for slightly more or a shimano tekota. I’ve heard good reviews on the Garcia alphmax (I think that’s right name)

Answer: I’ve landed 40 lb striper with this real and I definitely think it could handle a lot more!!

Answer: should work great

Answer: Difficult to say

When they say holds 210 yards of 20lb are they talking baid line or flocarbon

Answer: either one, braid or mono in 20# is a small diameter. the larger weight lines like 60# & 80# the reel will take a lot more braided line than mono line.

Answer: They are talking mono.

What is the line capacity of the 203D ?

Answer: The line capacity for CW-203D

Does it come with out a line counter

Answer: Yes, it has a very good line-counter. I have used both Okuma and Abu Garcia line-counter reels, so far, I have had two Abu Garcia line counters fail, none of my 8 Okuma have failed so far.

Could you use this for saltware with say 6 to8 oz weights and what if I hooked a 20 lbs lincod? Kayak so it will get sumerged once in awhile?

Answer: when you are fishing for ling, your suggestion of weight is ok unless you are fishing is deep water in excess of 250 feet. Fishing in a Kayak you will be fishing in near shore so your suggestion of weight is sufficient. In SoCal waters, the lings rarelly exceeds 20#. I am using a 20-50 8' Shimano Terez.

Answer: I limited out on Rock Fish 3x in Point Arena, 2x in SF, 4x in Monterrey, and caught a 25lb Salmon. (What a year) I caught my limit of 20lb plus Lings and threw back 6 or 7 trying to finish my limit. Pulled them right off the bottom before they dug in. The reel is excellent. Some said the drag is a problem as its slow to respond. Once you adjust it to where you like it for setting the hook it responds quickly. Love this reel. Would buy it again.

Answer: I use my line counter reel with 30# braid for bottom fishing with 8 -10 oz. sinkers. The lings in CA are no problem

Answer: I use a 303 and it has 50# test braid. I have it on an 8' Makaira rod that manages the weight stress of larger fish. I use the line counter for dropping down or a

Answer: It works in salt water and can easily manage a 20# fish. I use it for trolling and dropping on striped bass. No matter what your reel after fishing in salt water, give it a cold water wash of tap water. If in doubt contact Oakum's customer service. If you do not need a line counter and line guide consider the star drag cedros. I have my Cold Water mounted on an 8' Makaira Rod.

Answer: I used this for exact reason for lingcod off a kayak and did fine but on a kayak try less weigt

Answer: This would be perfect for what you have described.

Is this item fast shipping?

Can this reel be used for casting without fear of damage?

Answer: The Coldwater counter reel is designed for trolling or bottom fishing. I would not suggest using it as a casting reel. You might risk damaging the transmission gear at the base of the counter.

Answer: It's a really well made reel but I've never tried to cast it only pull line off for down rigging, I have them on some pretty heavy rods .

Answer: Yes, but. It isn't meant to be a casting reel.

Answer: Yes but it is designed as a trolling reel

is this reel good for bottom fishing

Answer: It doesn't hold as much line as they tell you it does, but I've been using it for bottom fdishig up to 90 feet and it works well.

What diameter line gives the most accurate line counter reading for the cw-153d model?

Answer: It's not so much the diameter of the line as it is the diameter of the core that's wound. Let face it, one revolution along and empty core will yield a different value than one from a full core.

what model is the right hand

Answer: Model numbers with letter D are right handed

Answer: Any model not listed as LX...

Answer: The one without the "L" in the model number.

This is not a levelwind reel, is it?

Answer: it is a levelwind reel

Answer: Yes it is.

Answer: YES IT IS I HAVE 3 OF DIF SIZES. THEY ARE REALLY GOOD

Answer: Yes it is

Answer: Yes it is , great product

I hold my fishing rod in my right hand and reel with the left ! what reel should i order d / xl to suit my fishing style?

Answer: A primarily right-handed person, my strongest hand/arm is naturally my right. I too reel with my left hand so I ordered Okuma CW-153DLX Left Hand line counter reels (3 of them) for planner board and down rigger applications. These are the smallest of the three sizes offered. With full spools the counters are very accurate when vertical jigging - comparing numbers to the sonar reading. Fit and finish are excellent.

Answer: Left hand in this type of reel and a right hand reel if you are using a spinning reel.

Answer: I believe all of the cold water versions offer left retrieve except the small one. No, sorry, actually I think it's the biggest one that does not offer left retrieve.

Answer: Lx

Can I put 400 feet 80 pound line ?

Answer: You can easily put 400 feet of 80# braid but I am not sure about that much mono.

Answer: If the line is braided-yes .

Answer: You should be able to get at least 150 yds if not more.

Answer: Don't waste your money it's a cheap quality reel broken from the fist use

Answer: Braided, yes, easily. Mono..... Doubtful

Does the 203 have a level wind

Answer: Just took this on my yearly fishing trip up north and best line counter I ever used

Answer: Yes. A good one.

Answer: Yes it does

Is it stout enough for halibut and big ling cod?

Answer: Easily..rugged, very well made reel. It's a good sized reel.

Has anyone put 20lb mono as a backing and 30lb braid on a CW303 and if so how much of each did you use?

Answer: I use this as a catfish rod. I run 80# braided about 100 yards. I don’t use a mono leader on these (I have two) but this reel is awesome! Love it! It’s never let me down. A fishing guide in Memphis turned me into this reel. Really glad he did. Not sure what you’re fishing for but these will pull 50 lb cat out of the Mississippi with absolutely no problem.

I ordered the 153d (smallest) for downrigger setup. lakers 50-100ft down w/ 15lbmono. anyone with a 153d... do you wish you had bought a bigger one?

Answer: My reel is a CW203D and it is fine for the ocean fishing that I do. Salmon, all rock fish, bottom fish (except halibut) and albacore. I use 80# braid line.

Is this good for saltwater fishing?

Answer: yes

Does the reel come with fasteners that allow for attaching a trolling lanyard?

Answer: The CW553d comes with the hangers for trolling.

Answer: Yes, it comes with a fastener allowing you to screw the reel down tight.

Answer: no it dose not

whats the reels size on 20/30/40 ??? ^^^^ made in ? can i use it for saltwater can i use mono line ?

what size should I get for king mackral

Answer: Model 453. It has the capacity to hold enough 30lb mono (330 yrds).

Answer: 303 for braid, 453 for mono.

Do the 203 and 153 models come with the double paddle hand also like the Convector reels?

Answer: No, but I prefer the power handle that comes on these reels.

Answer: no it is a single paddle

what is line capacity , max drag and gear ratio ?

Answer:

Answer: You didn't mentioned the size /model.

will this reel work for sturgeon fishing rainy river?

Answer: I don't know where Rainy river Is but I think this reel will work fine for sturgeon fishing.

Answer: Yes, I recommend getting one of the bigger 2 sizes. Just know that I think the biggest one doesn’t have a line counter on it. Great reel that can handle a beating!

Answer: sure, it is just a reel. Set a proper drag & have a lot of line. I recommend a larger reel with 2 or 3 gears though.

Can you put 30lb line on it?

Answer: I run 65 pound braid on all mine.

Answer: Yes

Does the 203 have plastic gears?

Answer: No ! The plasric gear is only for a counter

Answer: Brass gears.

Answer: No it does not.

Which model number is this reel? the image shows a cw-303d, but the weight (14.6 ounces) and item number seem to suggest a cw-153d.

Answer: It should be the CW-303d. But the product details are showing a CW-203D which should be CW-203DLX for left hand. I would contact Amazon to see which reel they are sending.

Answer: I have and using the cw-153d. I am using it for deep water >300" rock fishing. It's spooled with 300 yd 60# 8 strand braid. You can't go wrong with this reel. I am using it 4-5 times a week deep sea fishing. With this amount of use, I usually send it in for over haul once a year.

Answer: the Description says it is CW 203d.

Recommended, Best rod to pair with, salmon fishing.

Answer: For a trolling rod I use Gloomis e6x 10'6" heavy.

Answer: What kind? River, bank or driftboat? Ocean/lake, trolling or mooching? Each is going to want something different. I use it with a long, 10' or so Okuma rod, with lots of flex for trolling Coho & Chinook in Puget Sound. YMMV.

Answer: I paired it with a Lamiglas Redline HS 94 MHC. It seems to pair well for downrigger trolling.

303D or 453D for trolling gulf grouper?

Answer: I have both of course the 453D is bigger will hold more line and the insides are larger which means internally its probably a little less likely not to wear out if your in constant heavy use , side by side there isn't that much visible size difference I use both for trolling salt water salmon fishing 3-10 lbs no problem .I use 30lb test line-- non braided-- (recommended for line counter reels) the line counter is easy to read and reset on both. Star drag is easy to see and adjust while reeling in also . I could definitely get by with the 303D for salmon fishing .

Answer: 303D works for fish up to 50lbs for the most, depends on your setup also. They are great reels, I was pleasantly surprised on how well the work and the take a beating on the kayak,

Answer: I'm not sure, as I troll the great lakes, it depends greatly on your line choice, I use 45's for just about everything, gives me more backing especially in the spring time, when our kings like to take tons of drag,

is this reel salt water durable ?

Answer: I have used this reel for fresh water only, but I believe it to be salt water durable. Verify in the OKUMA web site.

Answer: Yes it is salt water durable! I had it from 4 years ago and did have some problems! Recommended!

Answer: Yes, it’s the only reels I use now.

Answer: I have 6 that I run as down rigger rods and all are in good shape after 5 years of use.

Answer: yes

is the reel ok in florida's warm water

Answer: The warm water? The salt might corrode it a bit. Don't see how warm water would effect it. I used it in nj.

Answer: Yes will work great cold water is just a brand name. I use it in warm water lakes for bass and trout in the winter in California

Answer: I don't know about Florida. I use them on Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. They are a great reel for striped bass.

Answer: No problem. Rinse off with fresh water after days use.

Answer: Yes I have used in all conditions has worked great

You list prices on this item as low as $76 yet the lowest price model is $85. I looked at all the options and do not find one at that price.

Answer: Several sellers of these reels. Maybe someone was selling them that low or a used one?

Does this support copper

Answer: You can use copper line on the CW-453D reel. It will not be an issue.

I need a reel to go with my lamiglas lx80 hbc x-11 .. i will troll/fish for salmon/ steelhead and sturgeon.. thanks is the okuma cw 303d a good reel?

Answer: Absolutely. It's the reel I have on all my sturgeon, salmon and trolling rods.

Product reviews of Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel

xdm : Hope this is a fluke..

Got 10 other okuma reels (Convectors/Coldwaters) all have worked flawless. This is my first reel with a problem the drag is all or nothing and the line counter will not reset all the time. I hope this just slipped through quality control as I have had great luck with okuma reels.

Pappy : This is my second purchase of this trolling reel, ...

This is my second purchase of this trolling reel, I use it exclusively for trolling with steel line and lead core line. Very solid, smooth operating reel

Tom V. : Better than most

So far I like the Coldwaters much better than the Accudepths, the low profiles are even better, smoother, but the 153’s aren’t bad.

Timbers : Good for musky trolling

Solid reel and great price. They look pretty and function great. Drag clicker “indicator” is nice and loud. Have them spooled with 50lbs braid and use them for trolling musky. Reeled in a 44” the other night which was close to 30lbs, no problems.

joseph auty : Poor quality

Not happy. Foggy line counter window after one season. Now LC doesn’t work at all and Grinding noise when retrieving. Stick with Tekota. Won’t buy again.

Ian : I will buy seven mor to outfit my boat and get rid of the older reels

Works great and very smooth

West : Good looking fishing reel easy to adjust star drag

Good looking fishing reel easy to adjust star drag, pop back with a short twist of the handle on line release lever is a plus , easy to view and reset line counter .... this is a nice reel .
Posted a side by side of the 453D and 303D
453D 400 yards 30lb test non braided (green) picture right
303D 300 yards 30lb test non braided (blue) picture left

harold : Very smooth operation for cost

The drag holds very well. I set it to 12# of drag and it did not weaken even after a hard fight that took a lot of line. Line counter accuracy is within a few feet at depths of 400 feet. and within a foot on depths less than 50 feet. Handle very comfortable to crank. I bought mine 9 months back and it is holding up very well. Ordered a second one and will likely replace all my reels over time with this model. Cw-453d: 430 Yds-25lb

Amazon Customer : Great Price Great Reel

My fourth one I will not use or buy any other brand

snook : Nice Reel

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!

robert cappa : Great reel. Best for salmon and

Great reel . Best for salmon and walleye

Greg88 : as promised

so far so good, time will tell.

Duster : Fishing

Liked it and ordered another one

Pappy : This is my second purchase of this trolling reel, ...

This is my second purchase of this trolling reel, I use it exclusively for trolling with steel line and lead core line. Very solid, smooth operating reel

BrianS : Great reel for the money!

These are all I use on my deep sea fishing boat. The price is great and rugged design. Just add a few drops of included oil to line counter mechanism and bearings every so often. Good quality without the big price.

Curt S : Excellent reel

Smooth and a good fit for my downrigger rod.

Impressed : Proven Reel

Caught all kinds of bottom fish with this reel. Was smooth and comfortable to wind.

Rob : Drag No Good

I bought these reels (CW 303D) for running 5 color lead core rigs on Lake Michigan for salmon. They fit 5 color very nicely with plenty of backing of 20# mono. I tried to save some money on these reels since I only make it out to Lake Michigan once a year and don't have much use for 5 color rigs in my home lake. Mistake. All of my other salmon gear and walleye trolling gear is Shimano Tekotas a very high quality reel. My problem with the Okuma Cold Water is the drag system, but for the money what I should have expected. If you're not picky about your gear this reel will work fine but if you like a good quality drag that is smooth and stays set this is not the reel for you.

The drag is not consistent you have to loosen the star wheel all the way or pull a bunch of line out before it will release. Not what you want when your fighting a big king salmon. I bought 4 of these reels and they all act the same so I know it is not just a bad apple scenario.To me a good drag is 90% of the reel so I will be sending these back and getting Shimano Tekota 700LC. The price you pay to try and save some money = )

Leon R Cox : GREAT TROLLING REEL

Fishing for walleye on Lake Erie can be a tough game and it takes a tough reel. Large line capacity and large reel handles are a great plus.6-10 pound fish really put a strain on reels, but this Okuma is up to the task. can't ask for a better reel in this price range

Rob C. : Best heavy duty reel I’ve used.

This is all I use now on big catfish. No problems what so ever.

pete soderstrom : Exactly what I wanted. Perfect for my salmon steelhead rod

Bought this for my 9’11” salmon rod. Use it out of the boat for trolling or bank fishing. Going to by a few more

EZ Shopper : Used and abused with no problems

I've owned 5 of these and they are all well worth the purchase from Amazon. I use them successfully for trolling big Rainbows, Browns and Chinook on lakes. The clicker switch works great for releasing line on downriggers and flatlining with Planer boards. It is also a great alert when you have a " FISH ON!! " Counters work good and seem to be consistent with downrigger counters and sounders.

I gave it 4 stars because the drag is a little fussy but settles in after adjustments. Really worth a 4.5 to 5 star for the price. I would buy again and again.

Al : Five Stars

Very nice reel for the price for Walleye fishing. I have two for 4 months

Curt S : Excellent reel

Smooth and a good fit for my downrigger rod.

Coral A. Price : Matched with 8 1/2ft lamaglass

Smooth and great capacity love the handle plenty of fighting leverage

Rob C. : Best heavy duty reel I’ve used.

This is all I use now on big catfish. No problems what so ever.

Tyler : The reel deal

Great quality reel. You will not be disappointed.

Amazon user : New Okuma CW45.... Updates

OK,as a guy who fishes the great lakes, and has 12 of these and others first off let me tell you there a great trolling reel for large salmon.
I just ordered 2 more reels,as is turns out Okuma is removing the normal click sound,starting 2014(not the loud clicker) and as a result I thought the new batch of reels were defective,but thats not the case.But sure would have been nice to know!!..Okuma

This reel is very similar to the Convector series,just more bling.As I use these more I will update this review,if things change.

But every reel requires maintenance,so have it serviced or do it yourself.

Timbers : Good for musky trolling

ken & val wade : Way overpriced for what you get

Reel broke after a year of use, company doesn't stand behind them. For the cost there are better ones out there

Amazon Customer : Very good reel for medium fishing and came at a good price as well.

This is my second cold water line counter , used for Rock Cod-and long cod ,work great with the depths we were fishing at 200 ft and up,.same story / fishing for salmon ,no problems again,line counter worked great.

robert cappa : Great reel. Best for salmon and

Great reel . Best for salmon and walleye

David Walker : Love this reel so far

This is my second Okuma Cold Water Reel. Bought the first one last summer and fished all season without any issues. Form and function are excellent. Not fish related, but its a great looking reel too. My plan is to buy 2 more before spring, and run 4 of these this upcoming fishing season.

Duster : Fishing

Liked it and ordered another one

Impressed : Proven Reel

Caught all kinds of bottom fish with this reel. Was smooth and comfortable to wind.

BrianP : Awesome reel

Use this for Kokanee, trout, and Steelhead fishing. Great trolling reel. Drag is excellent for reels in this price range and a dream with the power handle. Only draw back is the finish on the reel (gray) is okay but scratches too easily. But I don't buy reels for the finish, rather I buy them for their ability and this one is top notch for the price range.

Khamsay S. : Great buy

Nice reel I use for trolling umbrella rigs. Used it a few times already and Very good so far. Great but for the price

Curt S : Excellent reel

Smooth and a good fit for my downrigger rod.

Andy : My pick for a linecounter style trolling reel

The Okuma 303D is a serious reel! Of all the linecounter reels out there, this is clearly the best. Clear view, doesn't fog, and control location prevents accidental reset. These reels have held up fish after fish. The drag system is also unique. So many reels take extra tensile to start the drag slipping. Not these, they start slipping easily and predictably. The drag adjusts with positive clicks, making it easy to increase a click or two or back off. You want to manage big fish with lighter line, this is it.

Pappy : This is my second purchase of this trolling reel, ...

This is my second purchase of this trolling reel, I use it exclusively for trolling with steel line and lead core line. Very solid, smooth operating reel

William Hyde : Salmon trolling quality

I have several brands and models of trolling reels in my boat. This is my favorite for line counter large reels for lead core.

Amazon Customer : ... over the years this model (the very smallest) is excellent for planner boards & vertical jigging in the 90ft

Having purchased many Okuma products over the years this model (the very smallest) is excellent for planner boards & vertical jigging in the 90ft. range. The fact that they come in left handed versions is outstanding. Being right-handed that is the power arm for lifting - think fly & spin casting - which hand do you reel with?
Well built - fit & finish really nice - Okuma's makes it pretty.
No flipping the engage lever when leaving free spool - half-turn of the crank engages the reel - great feature!
Free spool with clicker 'on' is loud & strong, enabling it as an audible strike indicator for the planner boards without line creep.
Again, half a turn of the handle and you're back on the drag.
Star drag settings are very precise (click by click / audible increments).
Drawbacks - wishing the retrieve was faster, even with the spool fully loaded.
Best price found was through WalMart with free shipping.

Mark Hotton : Good but a bit clumsy

The release lever sticks, the counter needs replacement every so often. Won’t buy another one

JohnSnow : Great stuff!!!

These are all great reels, compared prices and the best you can find even on sale anywhere. I am very pleased of the quality, looks, big handle and ease of use. I have bought the 200, 300 and the big daddy all for downnrigging for Striper. Also the low profile on bass rods down rig just fine and a great fight. Can't say enough good about these reels.

Amazon Customer : Worth the money

I’ve had many different brands, and Okuma Cold Water is a great reel for the money. I’ve used em for lead core, down-rigger, and diver rods. Never had one fail.

Khamsay S. : Great buy

Nice reel I use for trolling umbrella rigs. Used it a few times already and Very good so far. Great but for the price

CaptPIC : Looks great, got a dud

This product looked great. I used it one time and the drag failed after 2 hours. It is really nice looking and seems like great construction, and a lot of good reviews so it is disappointing that this one turned out to be a dud.

Amazon Customer : PRICE AND QUALITY PLUS DURABILITY

SMOOTH, LINE TO CRANK RATION ALL VERY GOOD

Pappy : This is my second purchase of this trolling reel, ...

This is my second purchase of this trolling reel, I use it exclusively for trolling with steel line and lead core line. Very solid, smooth operating reel

Jaymin Kapsandy : Smooth

Nice and smooth

you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you