"budget" Salmon downrigger set ups

[blackpowderhunter]

getting some new set ups..and for a "budget friendly" set up,
would a daiwa north coast 9' down rigger rod, heavy power, and an okuma coldwater 303dlx (i prefer left hand retrieve) be a good set up for staying right about 150 for rod/reel?

[WSU]

You want a rod that has some bend so you can really load it up in downrigger.  Oppinions may vary, but I like to take as much slack out of the line as possible when a fish hits and I set my clips tight.

[The Real Sisu]

getting some new set ups..and for a "budget friendly" set up,
would a daiwa north coast 9' down rigger rod, heavy power, and an okuma coldwater 303dlx (i prefer left hand retrieve) be a good set up for staying right about 150 for rod/reel?

I wait until the spring sales before buying(your spring probably is happening right now) and purchase the cheapest downrigger rods. They are downrigger rods not fly rods etc. I have one Ugly Stick, one brand I can't remember except that it was cheap and takes a beating and one Okuma. I've got two Okuma reels that probably will be replaced this season. The other reel is a Tekota which I like and may buy others to match it.
For the money though the downrigger Ugly Sticks  are probably the best buy and if anything happens to the other rod it'll be replaced by an Ugly Stick.


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[blackpowderhunter]

i would have gone for a tekota, but no left hand retrieve.

[Crunchy]

Shimano Convergence or Lamiglas Classic Glass are decent low to mid level downrigger rods.  Lots of reel options out there.  I run strictly Tekotas , but have a Shimano 6000 right hand gathering dust in the garage. 

[Stein]

Shimano TDR rods, $30.  Long, tough, nice bend and you don't cry too much when someone breaks one.