Quote Originally Posted by My Way View Post
Good morning,
I own a 1983 23’ Sea Ox, Cuddy Cabin with a 1991 225 HP Yamaha V6 outboard, nothing fancy but a great fishing boat. I purchased my boat in August 2014, so this is only my second full season fishing on it. I also have a 2011 Mercury 9.9 kicker/trolling motor, never mounted. I read the forum at least 3 x’s a week, in reading the posts I have become very interested in trolling, I’ve never trolled in my life, but I want to begin next season. I am somewhat familiar with some of the terms but still a lot to learn. My question to you experienced boaters; can someone please advise me on some beginning equipment that I can use to get started? Also where is a good place to shop for trolling equipment? Although I go out by myself a lot, my boat can fish four adults comfortably, so I guess I would start with enough equipment for four, if it’s expensive I will begin with two. I don’t necessarily have to have the best equipment on the market, but I never go with the cheapest. Time is not really an issue as I plan on purchasing the equipment over the winter. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
With this in mind, I would recommend that you spend your money on better reels and do the cost cutting or savings on the rods. The more expensive reels will serve you for many years but the entry level reels may only last a season or 2 depending on how much you fish. The main problem is line counter accuracy and reliability of the reels. You can always go to Wal Mart if need be and replace a broken rod for a small amount of money and be back in business in short order but a line counter reel not so much.