Counting the level wind passes is a great way to measure the amount of line out but it only works if people are paying attention. I use the bobber stops at 50 feet so you can fire off the plugs in a hurry at the top of a riffle as you drop into the hole. You'd be surprised how many people will lose count and then have to start over or they don't tell you and they are in too close or out to far by the time they put the rod in the holder. If you don't use the bobber stops, then use a black permanent marker.