Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Reel 2+1BB 4.2:1 20lb/420yd review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	OKUMA FISHING TACKLE
Material	Composite
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Color	Silver
Item Weight	0.94 Pounds
Bearing Material	Stainless Steel

product features

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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

Lightweight corrosion resistant frame and sideplates. Multi-disc, Carbonite drag system. Aluminum handle arm with Ergo grip handle knobs. 2BB+1RB Stainless steel ball bearings. Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing. Oversized machine cut brass XL drive and pinion gears. Speed Lock pinion gear system. Machined aluminum, 2-tone anodized spool. Dual anti-reverse system. Mechanical line counter function measures in feet. Clear View Technology anti-fogging line counter. Aluminum ratcheting drag star for precision drag settings. Mechanical Stabilizing System for increased durability. DLX represent left hand crank line counter models. Coldwater Line counter reels are backed by a 1-year warranty. Okuma's Strike Zone linecounter system incorporates a mechanical counter that precisely measures line based on spool revolutions. Okuma's Mechanical Stabilizing System is a support system that ties the spool shaft, pinion gear, pinion gear bearing, drive shaft and main gear together with a single support system. Designed specifically to hold up to the demands of braided and wire line fishing. This heavy-duty, stainless steel levelwind is Titanium coated and built to withstand the punishment of braided and wire lines. The guide has an increased opening to insure proper knot clearance when fishing with double lines. The XL gearing design found on both lever drag and star drag reels incorporates an oversized gear box that features an enlarged gearing system and enlarged drag system. Our XL gearing system essentially turns your reel into a winch. The Ergo Grip handle knob is an extremely comfortable oversized handle-knob design for both speed and power. This soft-touch knob has been ergonomically designed to fit in the palm of your hand and will be found on certain Okuma lever drag reels, star drag reels and some spinning reel models. Gear Ratio - 4.2:1. Line Capacity - 15lb/510yd, 20lb/420yd, 25lb/310yd. Max Drag Pressure - 20 lbs. Model - CW-303DLX. Left hand.

product details

Date First Available ‏ : ‎ July 9, 2019
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07V2562GD

important information

Important information

Legal Disclaimer

***WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead or DINP, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.***

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Questions about Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Reel 2+1BB 4.2:1 20lb/420yd

What size for 10 colors of lead core line? thinking of getting one and putting suffix 832 lead core, but i don't want a huge reel, using it for trout

Answer: You can use our Coldwater 200-sized line counter or you can also consider looking at our Coldwater 350 low profile line counter if you want a more compact platform. I do not have the exact specs for amount of colors and backing for leadcore, but these are the two reels we sell most base don the application you are targeting.

Answer:

Answer: As a real it’s not bad but the counter on both reels I bought failed so I went back to the attachable line counter..I wouldn’t buy it again

Answer: 453-d

I purchased a 153 and a 203. Cannot see any difference at all. Both have a bag of parts, what in the world are they for?

Answer:

Answer: The bag of parts is the clamp assembly that will secure your reel to the rod.

What size for 10 colors of lead core line? thinking of getting one and putting suffix 832 lead core, but i don't want a huge reel, using it for trout

Answer:

Answer: As a real it’s not bad but the counter on both reels I bought failed so I went back to the attachable line counter..I wouldn’t buy it again

Answer: 453-d

Is this reel good for led core line and trolling?

Answer: I have over 50 of these reels for the boat and fish April though October every weekend and 3 weeks of vacation. these reels for the money are the best reels and properly sized will handle all line types

what is the max drag of CW-303D

Answer: 20 pounds at max.

Answer: 20 pounds.

wich model would work best for striped bass

Answer:

Answer: 203

Answer: Any one will work I preferr the small

Answer: Let me put it line capacity. I bought the 203. It takes about 150 yards of 65# Power Pro. This works good for Chinook salmon in the Pacific Northwest. I found the 303 a lil big, but maybe be okay for Stripers

Answer: I use the 153 with 300 yards of 10lb test for Kokanee, I love the reels some if the smoothest drags I have ever had. The line counter is right on at 300 feet according to my sonar. I have 4 and will be buying 2 more in a couple of weeks.

Answer: These reels are not designed for casting. It will strip out the linecounter

Just wondering? Why my reel started to slip and i just bougth it over a month ago! Whent to halfmoon bay yesterday and somethi g wrong inside the gear

Answer: I have several of these reels and have never had that problem. It may be a defect in the gears. Make sure your drag is tightened up.

Answer: I had same issue , found out plastic gears were used on this low end model.

Can you remove the line counter?

Answer: I don't know what you mean move the counter?

Answer: no, you can not remove it, but if it breaks Okuma wil fix or replace it for no cost to you

Answer: No you can not, you very need to know for line out for trolling. I like my

Answer: No

Answer: No.

Answer: No

What model reel is the right hand reel being sold in this add?

Answer: 203

Is a double handle accessory available for the 203. (two knobs)

Answer: Yes

can reels be used with steel wire to troll for stripers

Answer: Well, I am not sure if you can use steel wire as your main line or not. I have never heard of steel main line, but then again, I fish for mainly Chinook, Coho, Steelhead and some Stripers. I can't imagine a need to use steel main line here, with an occasional Striper going to 40 pounds, I have not needed it. I can tell you that the Okuma Cold Water reels work great on large Chinook. Hope that helps......Dale H

Answer: Yes they are used with wire for salmon

Is this reek good for led core line and trilling?

Answer: Very good reel for lead core and trolling, that is what I use it for.

Do you crank the Ambidextrous reel with the right hand?

Answer:

Answer: I’m not sure what you mean by ambidextrous. There is a left hand version and a right hand version

Answer: Yes

Does this work well for bottom fishig

Answer: should work well for bottom fishing or trolling.

Answer: I guess it depends upon the species. If you were going for a really big strong fighter like g grouper....might want an all metal frame reel with more drag. It's great for bottom generally. Line counter seems pretty accurate. I use it for controlled depth trolling with heavy jigs / mojos to get the lure back to the same dist/depth. I have caught lots of striped bass and big blueish with ease. I also spooled with braid that changes color every 30 feet further enhancing my ability to redeploy to the key depth fish are holding / hitting.

Answer: We used it to catch sharks and bull reds.

Answer: Should be fine. Gunna use mine to go rock fishing for ling cod and reds pretty soon.

Answer: I'm positive it would be just fine

Answer: Don't know, I use it exclusively for trolling

wich model would work best for striped bass

Answer:

Answer: 203

Answer: Any one will work I preferr the small

Answer: These reels are not designed for casting. It will strip out the linecounter

Would these work good in Florida?

Answer:

Answer: Good quality product well made

Is this a levelwond reel?

Answer: Yes, it is a levelwind reel

Answer: Yes

What does Ambidextrous mean for this reel?

Answer: The Coldwater line counter reel comes in left and right hand models. You would have to pick one or the other, we do not have an ambidextrous model which is probably the description that Amazon used for our right hand model.

Answer:

Answer: you can use it if you are right or left handed.

Answer: I don’t know much but I like it I buy 2 or 3 years ago still working good

what is the max drag of CW-303D

Answer: 20 pounds at max.

Answer: 20 pounds.

Read?Okuma Cold Water Low-Profile Line Counter Casting Reel.They can be used for trolling, casting floats....

Answer: Yes, they are used for trolling mostly but can work for whatever you need them to do.

Answer: I use mine for trolling.

What size line is the CW-203D calibrated for?

Answer: For the most accurate reading, the spool should be filled as close to capacity as possible. 15-20lb mono line is the best line for the CW-203d

Answer: I would not depend on factory recommendations. The best way to make sure your reel is calibrated is to calibrate it yourself. YouTube can show you the procedure. I’ve done this a number of times without too much trouble. I use these reels for Chinook salmon fishing in the PNW. Using 65# power pro line, about 165 yards will calibrate to 100 feet.

Answer: I calibrated mine with trilene 10lb xt

Answer: I’m not sue but now I use 15 pounds for trolling

Is there a screw or a rivet under the cap on the handel? i want to know if it is easily replaced with a power knob

Answer: I

is this reel for saltwater?

Answer: This reel is designed for large game fish in deep, cold lakes.

Answer: I think it can be used in salt but I would confirm with the Okuma company

what model iam i buying? i have a cw203d, its 5.1:1 discription says 4.2:1 ?

Answer: This item at Amazon certainly has caused a lot of confusion for people, myself included. I thought when I ordered I was getting a CW-203DLX (left handed line counter reel. The only place I could find the size of the reel Amazon was offering was in the pictures which show a 203. What I received was a CW-303DLX. It's much larger than I wanted. I didn't return it because I needed it right away. Besides being somewhat larger than the 203, the 303 has a 4.2:1 gear ratio. Although the price was good, the confusion Amazon has created is not. Hope this helps a bit.

how many yard for 30 lb mono on 303D

what size of rod ?

Answer: The rod would depend which size line and lure size you will be using.

Answer: I put this reel on a 9’ 20-80# Heavy action Berkeley rod for fall Chinook

Answer: I use these on a 7' and the weight of the rod depends on what your fishing for

Answer: Rod size is 8 feet 6 inches medium action

Answer: I use a 7 foot downrigger rod

How does it do casting?

Answer: Line counter reels are designed for trolling applications. Casting with a line counter is possible but it may cause damage to the transmission gear causing the line counter to fail.

Answer: It is a trolling reel, not a casting reel.

Answer: We do not use these to cast, they are for targeted trolling and specific depth

what is the price on the cw 203 right hand model ?

Is this also used for salt water

Answer: The Coldwater reels can be used in salt water. We recommend rinsing the reel with fresh water after using it in the saltwater.

Answer: I used it in salt water with great success.

Answer: We have used this for deep sea fishing and we like it, we rinse the unit after each use.

Do both reals included the ladies have level wind

Answer: My CW-303D has wind level ... would think the 203 does too.

Answer: Yes, every cold water that I have is level wind

Answer: Yes, it has level wind , but, the winding broke after few trips of rockcod fishing.

Answer: Yes, these reels have level wind

Answer: The Coldwater reels feature a levelwind on all sizes except for the CW-553ls

Answer: yes

Is the cw-153d able to handle salmon or do you need the cw-203d for that size of fish?

Answer: Okuma might not recommend it, but I have used the 153 salmon and bottom fish just fine. I can't remember landing any really large fish, but some in the 25 lb range. I think either the 153 or the 203 would be ok for salmon, depending on how you intend to use them. I use the 153 for 360 flashers with up to 16 oz of lead. Seems to work just fine.

Will this reel handle fish up to 60lbs?

Answer: 60lbs might be a bit much for it, kinda depends on what kind of fish though..I’ve caught large salmon,lake trout walleye and musky with mine and had no issues. It’s a really nice reel

Answer: It handles Musky trolling very easily. I would think it would be good for a 60#er

Answer: 30 pounders all day but for 60 pounders you'll need a lot of line and replacement drag disks.

Answer: yes, no problem

I want to fish walleye with leadcore line in 30 feet of water. What size Okuma line counter reel should I buy?

Answer: the 303d and 453d are commonly used for lead core applications. If you are trying to fit 10 colors, the 453d would be the right size.

Answer: Honestly if your going to use leadcore I don’t think there’s a need to have such a nice line counter real. Leadcore is segmented by different colors, depending on what brand leadcore your using you’ll let out X number of colors to achieve your desired depth. You do that visually so no need for the line counter. I use cheaper reels for when I’m running leadcore and these Okuma cold waters for when I’m long lining mono, then how much line you have out makes a huge difference on the depth the lure is running.

Answer: 303

wich model would work best for striped bass

Answer:

Answer: 203

Answer: Any one will work I preferr the small

Answer: These reels are not designed for casting. It will strip out the linecounter

I am a novice. cannot find instructions on how to use this reel. contacted okuma. they sent me the same worthless instructions that came with it?

Answer: It wasn't very nice for wayde to suggest you take up gardening. That reply was disappointing. You have purchased the reel and should have some good information provided to you on how to use it. I would suggest you keep it on your night stand and if a burglar should break in at night, you could throw it at him. I further suggest you aim for his head and throw it as hard as you can. Hope this helps.

Answer: if you do not know how to use the reel I suggest you take up gardening!

Product reviews of Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Reel 2+1BB 4.2:1 20lb/420yd

Ivan B : Perfect reel.

Very well made trolling reel. Great for deepwater trout and salmon. Pair it with a okuma classic pro GLT rod and you have a nice setup. It takes years to find a perfect setup and this is mine. The line counter works very well too. I am still impressed with it. No more tangled lines trolling either. It lets out the perfect amount of line and slack. No over spin so no bird nests.

reader59 : NICE Reel

My brother LOVES me even more now that I got him such a nice trolling reel! it looks well made and he should enjoy it.

al : not recommand

poor quality, nylon gear strip on handle after 5 rock cad trips.

Fotoguyga : Wrong Reel

This reel was sent to me wrong twice
sent ot back twice wrong model
bought it somewhere else for a leaser price and the correct one was sent.

Ron Duecker : What you expect

Love the real. Well made and sturdy

John : Dont buy!!!

The drag was very sticky and with it loose all the way it still veryhard to pull the line out. i returned it and picked up one of the low profiles lc from okuma. This is the second reel by okuma that i have had problems with In the last three years.

Sheila : great product

my husband liked this so well he purchased three additional. very easy to use and takes away the quess work how deep you are at

P. Coe : Great reel for the money

Great reels for striper fishing. No more guess work about how much line is out to get a bait at a certain depth. Iv'e caught catfish and this reel handled them fine. Drag doesn't seem to tighten down as much as it should but that hasn't been a problem yet. In fact, it will probable keep me from losing a bigger fish as I tend to get a little aggressive with the drag on bigger fish.

Fotoguyga : Wrong Reel

This reel was sent to me wrong twice
sent ot back twice wrong model
bought it somewhere else for a leaser price and the correct one was sent.

mb_qa : Overall good quality for the price

Overall good quality for the price , the rest button on the feet gauge gets sticky after a couple of uses.

Susan Garritano : Nice Salmon Reel

Haven't fished with it yet, but the construction is sturdy. Filled the spool with 150yrds of 65# Power Pro line good enough for Chinook salmon in the PNW. The line counter is accurate with this load of line

W. Clark : Good Salmon Reel

I bought one of these a few years back for our annual Salmon fishing trip to Ketchikan. Bought a second one for my wife. This is a decent reel and has never failed me. It's well made and can take some abuse. I've caught more than a few Coho on this reel and for the price I think it's a great reel. You can spend a lot more but that won't help you catch any more fish.

Donald A Owens : They seem to be a great reel. Time will tell on how long they ...

I use these reels for walleye trolling. They seem to be a great reel. Time will tell on how long they last. So far so good.

Robin Otis : smooth and accurate for the price

love it

Mel : Great reel, but hasn't been used yet

Bought this for my wife. Great reel, but hasn't been used yet. I have one and like it a lot!

Made_N_Michigan : Worth every penny

Solid upgrade to my cabelas units.

Christopher Dejlitko : Nice reels.

I’ve been using these for black sea bass and haven’t had a problem.
I recently did a king salmon trip to Lake Ontario and the charter boat was using the same reel.

Amazon Customer : Very bad quality

I purchased this reel at 01/2020. I only used it couple times. Today, I go salmon fishing with this. Somehow, when I reel it in, I heard strange noise. I did not pay too much attention and I continue to use it for salmon. And then, fish is on. I tired to reel it in. And suddenly this reel stops working. No matter how I reel, the line does not go back. I tried to pull the line back and then the fish went away. I will no recommend this to anybody. I guess I only use this reel for less than ten times. As COVID sheltered in place, I cannot use it for too much.

Rocky : Five Stars

Works perfectly as described!

mb_qa : Overall good quality for the price

Overall good quality for the price , the rest button on the feet gauge gets sticky after a couple of uses.

Oliver Nunes : Five Stars

Even better than I expected. Great reel.

Amazon Customer : This reel didn’t last 4 months. Let be guide ...

This reel didn’t last 4 months. Let be guide quit moving 3 months in. Only used about 10 times.

Amazon Customer : Great reel. Solid construction. Amazing price

I troll for both musky and striped bass. Super helpful to know when trolling how much line is out. So far seems like a great setup.

Amazon Customer : This reel didn’t last 4 months. Let be guide ...

This reel didn’t last 4 months. Let be guide quit moving 3 months in. Only used about 10 times.

Mike Perry : Topgun

It’s has a great drag but my only complaint is that the line counter does great when it’s full of line but when it’s not a completely full the line counter doesn’t keep a correct count on the depth

RoKS : but the product is really nice. Great gearing

Took a while to get the order right, but the product is really nice. Great gearing.

Christopher Dejlitko : Nice reels.

I’ve been using these for black sea bass and haven’t had a problem.
I recently did a king salmon trip to Lake Ontario and the charter boat was using the same reel.

Cody Baker : excellent buy

Excellent Multi-Species reel. Smooth crank with extremely loud clicker. Fits very nicely in your hand easy to manipulate. Loaded my 8 cold waters with 17lb Stren to fish for walleye (Erie) steelhead (Erie Michigan) Musky and striper (Norris Cumberland). Outstanding diversity accompanied with accurate counter makes for a great buy especially in the Midwest. Would encourage anyone to purchase these reels..... oh yeah they also look pretty sweet too :)

Robin Otis : smooth and accurate for the price

love it

Amazon Customer : Great reel! Used them on my buddy's boat and ...

Great reel! Used them on my buddy's boat and fell in love with them.

Floydo : Five Stars

It's awesome reel

Cat242b : Reel fits perfectly

Those reels fit perfect!

W. Clark : Good Salmon Reel

Donald A Owens : They seem to be a great reel. Time will tell on how long they ...

I use these reels for walleye trolling. They seem to be a great reel. Time will tell on how long they last. So far so good.

Client1a : Five Stars

Fantastic trolling reel. Heavy duty for all occasions.

Joe Akins : OH YOU NEED THIS REEL

Very nice reel you will be very pleased with. Great price and nicely built.

Steve : Cw 303DLX and 203DLX

Great to get a level wine reel with line counter at a great price! Even better it’s left hand reel. Solid reel with a super smooth drag system! The clicker system is loud for strike indicator I turn it off. This reel is so good I bought 2!

Amazon Customer : This reel didn’t last 4 months. Let be guide ...

This reel didn’t last 4 months. Let be guide quit moving 3 months in. Only used about 10 times.

juan : Four Stars

Nice and we'll make !!

Donald A Owens : They seem to be a great reel. Time will tell on how long they ...

I use these reels for walleye trolling. They seem to be a great reel. Time will tell on how long they last. So far so good.

Turtle : Good reel; great value.

This is my second Okuma Coldwater line counter reel. The first one has performed very well; I've had no problems with durability or performance. I use it for salmon trolling and ocean bottom fishing. It is not the same quality as the Shimano Tekota A line counter, but it's only half the price. It's a tough, good performing reel, especially for someone who doesn't fish all the time.

Kent : Buy one

I use this reel for bumping for Blue Catfish

Susan Garritano : Nice Salmon Reel

DKEN : Very Solid

I haven’t been using it long so can’t comment on the long term durability but it feels rock solid. I bought two of these after hiring a Catfish guide on the Mississippi. And seeing this is what he used. Great reel can handle big big fish.

Ross W Schuler : A

Ill eddy : Not the best choice

I was excited about getting this reel but once I recieved it I wondered why? It sounds like a pea thrasher. Very loud and cranks like a frozen ice maker. Bad decision on this one.

Christopher Dejlitko : Nice reels.

I’ve been using these for black sea bass and haven’t had a problem.
I recently did a king salmon trip to Lake Ontario and the charter boat was using the same reel.

Made_N_Michigan : Worth every penny

Solid upgrade to my cabelas units.

Robin Otis : smooth and accurate for the price

love it

Somebody : Very nice

Very nice real

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