Reel for the downrigger rod

[Crunchy]

I picked up the last rod (hopefully) I will need for a while.  This one will be for the downrigger, and looking for reel recommendations.  I am thinking Tekota 500 LC, as I am pretty happy with my two other 300LCs for jigging, but thinking they may be a tad small for the ocean.  Mainly use the downriggers in the ocean salmon fishing.  The rod its going on St Croix Wild River 10'6 Med Heavy.

[Rick]

Is it a casting rod or Canadian style with a short butt and long foregrip?

A Tekota is a good choice,but a 500 may not have the line capacity if you like 25lb+ mono.

My kids run 500s off the DR and with 20lb mono the capacity is fine.

[Crunchy]

Casting rod and i will be running 40lb braid to a 25lb top shot.

[Come Get Some]

I use Tekota 600's with line counters on all of my downrigger rods. I also use them for live bait fishing for tuna. the drag holds up well and they hold plenty of line for big kings that go deep. I run 65lb braid on all of them with mono leader.

[lostbackpacker]

Tekota 600lc

[Antlershed]

With 40lb braid, the 500LC will hold plenty of line. I'm running 500LC's with 65lb braid and they have about 240-250 yards on them. If I can't land a fish with 750' of line them I'm doing something wrong 

[Rick]

The 300 holds 210yds of 40lb braid. That's similar to what my 500s hold with 20lb mono. I'd be tempted to go with the 300.

The 500 may balance better on a 10'6" rod,but the difference between the 300 and 500 is only an ounce. Not sure you'd feel a difference.