One of the
key selling features of the model we tested is the line counter. This mechanical
line counter is very reliable and easy to operate. We drew line in the lab and
found the line counter to be very accurate. To reset the line counter simply
press the orange button and the dials instantly move to “000.” We found the line
counter excellent for trolling because it helped us put our lines in perfect
position on the downrigger quicker, and at any given time we knew exactly how
much line was out there.
When it came time to test the reel for mooching
with bait we found another superb use for the line counter. Once we identified
bait balls below us we could instantly drop our bait to the exact depth without
delay, no more counting out line. This resulted in quicker positioning into the
strike zones, and ultimately more strikes.

|
We tested
the Tekota for a whole season trolling and mooching off the California coast
for King Salmon |
Drag:
On top of using barbless hooks
part of the challenge of bringing a fish in successfully is having to always
need to watch out for the resident sea lions which descend on the boats the
minute they see a net or catch glimpse of a “fish on” situation. I’ve lost tugs
of war with furbags before, once during the season I only brought back 30% of
the Salmon….the other 70% was ripped to shreds right in front of us not more
than 20 feet from the boat. The only benefit to having fish ripped off the end
of the line by a furbag is that I now have fully stress tested the Tekota’s drag
to the maximum! The fact that I was able to get back even a portion of the fish
is a testament to the Tekota’s quality drag. In our lab the Tekota 600LC was
able to deliver 16.7lbs of drag counter pressure which is very impressive for a
reel of this size.

|
The included
rod clamp provides peace of mind and added security when fighting big fish |
Durability: The
durability of saltwater reels is one of the critical areas of concern for most
inshore anglers. Having a reel fail usually means the loss of a big fish. I had
my doubts about the Tekota’s aluminum and graphite combo design, but after a
complete season of use I am convinced that this reel can take a beating and keep
on ticking. The reel exhibited no flex with big fish on, and the reinforcement
on the side panels is more than adequate. The graphite sideplates look and feel
more like metal than others I have tested before, and actually do a great job
holding up to the elements as well as warding off boat rash. The reel has very
durable oversized gearing and the levelwind is also rather large, both of which
help prolong reel life. If there were any area that could be improved it is
really the actual levelwind which would be stronger if it were an alloy versus
the plastic.

|
The TEK600LC
was ideal for Salmon trolling and mooching |
Ergonomics: In
the ergonomics department the Tekota is top notch. The reel isn’t very large for
the capacity it is capable of holding. The line counter is easy to operate and
more importantly, very reliable. The smaller sizes can easily be palmed, and we
felt our TEK600LC size reel was ideal for taking on Salmon here on the West Coast.
The oversized clicker is easy to engage and disengage on the fly. I have also
grown to love the Septon grips Shimano uses on numerous reels including the
Tekota, and the one on the Tekota is both oversized and ergonomic to fit the
curvature of your palm. Whether it is saltwater or fish slime the Septon grip
remains easy to grip. Icing on the cake is the inclusion of a reel seat. It
isn’t the prettiest reel seat, but it gets the job done, giving anglers more
confidence when trolling flashers or man-handling a big fish.

|
The TEK600LC
has become our favorite salmon trolling reel, and at a price of only 169.99
its a great value |
Applications & Price: The Tekota
600LC can be used in any freshwater trolling application, as well as a number of
lighter saltwater trolling applications. The smaller versions of the Tekota make
good rockfish reels and the very large versions are affordable big game
solutions. The reel is a solid performer in a wide range of applications but
what is best about this reel is the aggressive low price. The smallest TEK500
retails for 159.95 and the huge TEK800 costs only 30 bucks more at 189.99. At
this price these make brilliant backup reel choices!
Ratings:
Shimano
Tekota 600LC Ratings (?/10) |
Construction/Quality |
The TEK600LC is designed with a purpose. The
construction is top notch even if the reel is not 100% metal in construction
you wouldn't know it from the look, feel, or performance |
8.5 |
Performance |
The performance of this surpassed our
expectations. At a price of only 169.99 we expected a reel that performed
mediocre at best.....we were wrong |
9 |
Price |
At a MSRP of 169.99 the TEK600LC is a good
value. The series is among the most aggressively priced in the Shimano
lineup. The larger TEK800 for only 189.99 is a downright fantastic value |
9 |
Features |
The TEK600LC is feature packed. Whether you
look at the dartanium drag, A-RB bearings, line counter, or added value reel
seat...this is one solid package |
9 |
Design (Ergonomics) |
Overall the Tekota has excellent ergonomics
for a reel of this size...no complaints here |
9 |
Application |
A great reel to troll freshwater for stripers
or use for targeting river or ocean running salmon. This multi talented
performer can step up to a great many applications |
9 |
Total Score |
8.91 |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus Minus |
J
Excellent Value! |
L
Not 100% metal construction |
J
Multi-applications |
|
J
Dartanium drag performance |
|
J
Rod clamp included |
|
J
Great ergonomics |
|
Conclusion:
Shimano has done a better job than any other reel manufacturer
when it comes to bringing quality product to the mainstream angler. For a
reasonable investment of 159.00 the Tekota 500 will serve anglers for many
seasons. While the reel was designed to be one half of an excellent freshwater
trolling system, it proved to us that it has the guts to troll the big blue
ocean with the best of them. While you would want to step up to a TLD or Tiagra
for Tuna, the Tekota is the ideal reel to take on even the biggest
Salmon. The line counter is a very nice feature and proved to be useful while
trolling and mooching for Kings. I don’t think I have tested a reel that was
more balanced in terms of features, price, and performance in all the
categories. It is for this reason that the Tekota is a perfect recipient of our
Best Value Award. There are few reels at this price point that will serve you as
well as the Tekota can right out of the box.
