I just got a couple downriggers from a fishing/bar buddy on permanent loan and now I need to get a couple rod setups for them. I'm on a big time budget, and all of the "trolling combos" I've seen in stores are a little pricey for me to start out with. Sure, when I learn a little more how to use them, I'll probably upgrade and buy some quality equipment. But for now, I don't want to waste money on something that I might now stick with.
So whats stopping me from putting any cheap level wind reel in a baitcast rod? Is there anything specific about something dubbed a trolling rod that sets it apart from any other rod?
And I really don't plan on using these setups on any really large fish, so a heavy rod isn't important at all.