shimano convergence 10.5 and shimano moocher plus on both down riggers for a long time now.

30lb maxima ultra green and 50 lb jen kai leaders.

You need a little deck space to get the rod out, step back and get it up in the air though. Ive got it so it perfect for my boat. Your right about the lead on landing a fish but I have landed lots of local fish no problem. just takes playing em out (more than the over geared meat haulers) before they get up, and having room to step back on deck.

You throw throw the rod back into the boat and yank line out when your setting the clip. you cant get spooled or slacked off when they run at you. you never have to set the drag or change any levers on the reel. the rod properly in the air while fighting soaks up so much slack, its awesome. The rod is way more sensitive than a typical all frp rod and pretty cheap to start with (80 bucks?)

The new moocher plus has more stainless and is cheap also.

I broke a tip off while auto retrieving the ball and not paying attention. put a new tip and have a 9.5ft convergence as a backup rod.

I was taught by a canadian friend while fishing west vancouver for kings. Hooking a 30lber on one of these and letting it burn out line feels awesome. always in control of the line slack. no spitting!

If you absolutly have to burn money, buy an islander and a super expensive rod, but just try this set up for trolling and you may never go back. I wont.

NUNYET