For blackmouth fishing, electrics are the way to go.......especially when there are lots of shakers. Nothing like bringing the riggers up from 150' 20-30 times in a day. I've also found when the action is fast and furious (like Sekiu) you will get more fishing time when the bite is on because your downrigger weight will be coming up at the same time you are bringing your line/fish in.

I started with a manual rigger and upgraded when money permitted.