Line Counters

Are line counters a need or a preference?

I guess it depends on what species your fishing for, and what type of fishing you're doing.

Having never used one I'd put it in the preference column. 

Preference.

I apologize for the lack of info. New to the state, so not sure what all is out here for saltwater fishing. I've heard about Halibut, Sea Bass, Link. I guess whatever's out here that'll bite on artificial baits.

I'm looking for a reel to put on a Okuma 7'6" hvy baitcasting rod. What line size capacity would be a good for Halibut, Sea Bass, Link? 

I could be wrong. But that sounds like two different set ups.

LoL, I'm all eyes. I bought the rod from Fishermen's Warehouse for Stripers when I was in Cali. When I went Halibut fishing on a charter, I used a 6'9" Ugly Stick medium hvy baitcasting rod and caught 3 Halibut with it. Two were about 10-15lbs and the biggest was about 25lbs. So I figured this rod would surely be good enough. I may be mistaken though. I'm hoping to use the Okuma rod though, so it isn't just sitting collecting webs. I got $100 to spend, so if I can get a rod & reel combo for that price I'll do it.

What are we talking about? You asked about line counter reels and now you are talking about white sea bass and ugly sticks .....

Line counter reels are very useful for salmon fishing when exact line out is very important. Other than salmon fishing I don't think you need a line counter, but they are very nice to have.

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Very few instances in the salt where a line counter isn't useful. Weird how little they are used on the east coast. I have gotten so accustomed to them i habitually look at the reel even when i'm using a reel that doesn't have one.

You're not going to get a 'good' line counter for $100.

The one that lots of people say is the best is the shimano tekota 500lc.  Great size and great reliability.  It'll cost you a little under $200

I use line counters for trollling for salmon, trout and kokanee.  I don't use line counters when bottom fishing.  If I had to have one all around reel and pole for salt, salmon, etc. it would be an ugly stick tiger with a line counter on it.

You should be able to pick up an Okuma Cold Water for under $100 at Sportco in Fife.

You're not going to get a 'good' line counter for $100.

I have to disagree.  I have yet to spend more than around $100 for a reel and I have plenty of confidence in the reels I use.  If you keep your reels well maintained, they will pay dividends.  Then again, I'm pretty cheap.  At the time I started fishing from a kayak, cheap was the reason I got into it.  I also don't like spending too much on gear because of the possibility of handing it over to Davy Jones. 

I also don't like spending too much on gear because of the possibility of handing it over to Davy Jones.

I would agree with this.