Best Conventional Reels for Salmon Trolling and Ocean Jigging

Don't forget,  if you aren't able to do the upkeep on your reels yourself, there's Ollie Damons for reel service. Alan Tani used to do it too but not sure if he's still in the game or not.. Not aware of any  reel service shops in WA, tho there probably is one somewhere. 

I like my ancient Penn spinning reel, but wish it had a carbon drag.

You could probably make that happen -- look here:  http://www.smoothdrag.com/price.html  or call them, tell them what reel you have and they probably have carbontex drag washer set for you.

I'm thinking about getting a new spinning reel this year. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Oh hey, look at that! Thanks! I'm going to just order it and try it out.

Anyone have any experience with the Lexa line counter reel yet?

Ordered one a couple months ago, LH 300 Line Counter.  Still backordered.

Anyone have any experience with the Lexa line counter reel yet?

Ordered one a couple months ago, LH 300 Line Counter.  Still backordered.

Email arrived today saying it just shipped and should arrive in a week.  Will post photos when it arrives.

I got my first Lexa Line Counter in the mail a week or two ago so I haven't had a chance to fish it yet.  I can vouch for Lexa reels generally though as I have been fishing with the regular and HD models. The HD models are even more durable and smoother.  I've caught plenty of big bottom fish with them, several big halibut, and salmon too.  They are built to last, that's for sure, but you need to take care of them just like you would with any reel you fish the salt with from a kayak.  That means greasing them well and inspecting them regularly.  I've taken care of mine and they have zero problems.  I was all sorts of giddy when I got wind they were putting a line counter on them, left and right handed.  So far it's only the 300s, but they will have a 400 LC and 100 LC models out in 2017!  The 300LC will be my go-to reel for salmon.

Lexa casualties:

Don't forget,  if you aren't able to do the upkeep on your reels yourself, there's Ollie Damons for reel service. Alan Tani used to do it too but not sure if he's still in the game or not.. Not aware of any  reel service shops in WA, tho there probably is one somewhere.

NOOOOOO, do not take ur reels to ollie damons, unless u want shit work and months long wait with still shit service do not go there. i warned u!!!

I've had nothing but great interactions with Ollie Damon's.

1st bad review I've heard about Ollie Damon. Daiwa Lexa may be in my future also at some point.

I'm a Lexa fan as well.  I use the 300hsl models for my albacore jigging reels and they are tough!

May want to check out Penn Warfare. I got the 15 size left hand Line counter and really am impressed, especially at the price point of less than 80$$