The Workhorse of the Trolling World: A Look at the Daiwa Accudepth Series

The Workhorse of the Trolling World: An In-Depth Look at the Daiwa Accudepth Series

For anglers who rely on precision trolling, a dependable line counter reel isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s the tool that ensures your lures are running in the strike zone, every single time. In this crowded market, the Daiwa Accudepth series has carved out a formidable reputation as a rugged, no-nonsense workhorse that delivers accuracy and reliability without the premium price tag.

This article dives deep into what makes the Accudepth a mainstay in boats targeting everything from Great Lakes walleye and salmon to deep-water trout and striped bass.

Understanding the Accudepth Family: “LC” vs. “Plus-B”

If you’re shopping for an Accudepth, you’ll likely see two names: the Accudepth Plus-B and the newer Accudepth LC.

For all practical purposes, these are the same reel. The “LC” (Line Counter) is the current branding for the series, which features a modern, gray finish. The “Plus-B” was the previous generation’s name. Daiwa updated the cosmetics and model numbers (e.g., ADP27LCB became ACDP27LCB), but the internal mechanics—the brass gears, composite frame, and drag system—remain the trusted design that anglers have relied on for years.

The series is offered in several key sizes to match your target species and line capacity needs.

Common Daiwa Accudepth LC Models:

Model	Gear Ratio	Line Retrieve	Bearings	Max Drag	Mono Capacity (lb/yds)	Braid Capacity (lb/yds)
ACDP15LCB	5.1:1	24.8″	1BB	8.8 lbs	10/290, 12/250	30/330, 40/220
ACDP20LCB/LCBW	4.2:1	24.4″	1BB	15.4 lbs	12/450, 14/360	40/330, 50/260
ACDP40LCB	4.2:1	24.4″	1BB	15.4 lbs	14/480, 20/280	40/450, 50/370
ACDP50LCB	6.1:1	42.9″	1BB	20.0 lbs	20/580, 25/430	50/650, 65/550

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Handle Note: You may see models ending in “W” (e.g., ACDP20LCBW). This “W” typically designates a model equipped with a dual-paddle handle, which many walleye anglers prefer for its balanced feel. Standard models come with a single, counter-balanced power handle.

Core Features: The “Guts” of the Accudepth

The Accudepth’s design philosophy is built on durability and function over flash.

One-Piece Composite Frame: The reel is built on a rigid, one-piece composite (graphite) frame. This design keeps all internal components in perfect alignment under heavy load, preventing torque and binding when fighting a large fish. It’s also lightweight and completely corrosion-proof, making it ideal for harsh freshwater and saltwater environments.
Machine-Cut Brass Gears: At this price point, stamped or “pot metal” gears are common. The Accudepth features precisely machine-cut brass gears. This results in better gear meshing, smoother power transfer, and significantly longer life.
Direct-Drive Line Counter: The reel’s namesake feature is its mechanical, direct-drive line counter, which measures line out in feet. It’s driven directly by the spool’s rotation, offering a simple and reliable readout. A simple push-button reset instantly returns the counter to “000”.
Teflon-Impregnated Felt Drag: The Accudepth uses a multi-disc drag system with felt washers impregnated with Teflon. This system provides a very smooth, low start-up inertia. This is a key benefit when running lighter lines for species like walleye, as it reduces the “jerk” that can pop a hook or break a line on a sudden run.

The Critical Skill: Why You MUST Calibrate Your Line Counter

This is the most important, and most misunderstood, aspect of any line counter reel.

Fact: The counter does not measure feet. It measures spool rotations and estimates feet based on those rotations.

This means its accuracy is 100% dependent on the diameter of your spool.

An under-filled spool will let out more line than the counter reads (it takes more rotations to let out 100 feet).
An over-filled spool will let out less line than the counter reads.

To get “trolling book” accuracy and ensure all your reels are identical, you must calibrate them.

How to Calibrate Your Accudepth Reel:

Measure a Course: Measure a precise 100-foot distance on flat ground. Mark a “Start” and “Finish” line.
Spool Your Reel: Spool the reel with your backing and mainline, filling it to about 1/8 inch below the spool rim. Do not cut the filler spool line yet.
Set the Hook: Attach the end of your fishing line to the “Start” line anchor.
Zero and Walk: Reel up to the start line, engage the clicker, and press the button to zero the counter. Now, walk to the 100-foot “Finish” line.
Check the Counter:
- If your counter reads less than 100 (e.g., 95): Your spool is too full. You need to remove line.
- If your counter reads more than 100 (e.g., 108): Your spool is under-filled. You need to add more line.
Adjust and Repeat: Add or remove line and repeat the 100-foot walk until your counter reads exactly “100” (or 99/101, depending on your tolerance) when you hit the 100-foot mark.
Repeat for All Reels: Calibrate every single trolling reel you own to this exact same standard. Now, when your buddy says “the fish are at 120 feet back,” you know your 120 is the same as his.

Pros and Cons: The Real-World Verdict

No reel is perfect, but the Accudepth strikes an impressive balance.

Pros:

Excellent Value: This is arguably the reel’s biggest selling point. It offers features (brass gears, one-piece frame) found in more expensive models.
Proven Durability: These reels are known to last for years, handling the repetitive strain of trolling with downriggers, Dipsy Divers, and planer boards. Fishing guides often rely on them for their “client” rods.
Simple and Reliable: The mechanical counter, single ball-bearing, and tough gears create a simple system with fewer points of failure.
Smooth Start-Up Drag: The felt drag system is very smooth on the initial pull, which is ideal for protecting lighter leaders.

Cons:

Drag Maintenance: The felt drag system requires care. It can “pack down” and become sticky if you store the reel with the star drag tightened. It can also be compromised by water or improper lubrication, whereas a carbon drag is more resilient.
Occasional Quality Control: Some user reports mention issues out of the box, such as the auto-engage clutch failing to catch the spool. This is not widespread but is a risk at this price point.
Basic Bearing System: With only one ball bearing, it won’t feel as “silky” smooth on the retrieve as a premium reel with 4-5 bearings.

The Market: Accudepth vs. The Competition

The Accudepth lives in a competitive space, and it’s helpful to know how it stacks up.

vs. Okuma Cold Water: The Cold Water is often seen as the next “step up.” It typically features a more robust multi-disc Carbonite (carbon fiber) drag system, more bearings (3BB+1RB), and a more rigid frame. However, it comes at a higher price, and some users find it more difficult to service.
vs. Shimano Tekota: The Tekota is a premium, high-end line counter. It is legendary for its build quality, durability, and smooth, powerful drag system. It is also two to three times the price of an Accudepth. It’s a professional-grade tool, but the Accudepth provides 90% of the function for a fraction of the cost.

Final Verdict: Who is the Accudepth For?

The Daiwa Accudepth Line Counter series is for the angler who needs a reliable, accurate, and tough-as-nails trolling reel that won’t break the bank.

It is the perfect choice for:

The serious walleye or trout troller building a full spread of 4, 6, or 8+ matching rods.
The charter captain needing durable “workhorse” reels for clients.
The budget-conscious angler who values function and longevity over a high bearing count or the latest technology.

If you are looking for a reel that simply works, day in and day out, the Accudepth is a proven and intelligent investment.