Free: Contests & Raffles.
Big question is: Are you outfitting boat for Albacore or just a couple rods? Go big or you're going to spend money on crap and it will fail and then you'll want to replace it immediately, ask me how I know this. lol It is an addiction: Way way way way cheaper to jump on one of the awesome six pac trips out of Westport. (Far Corners, All Rivers, Pole to Pole, Mitch Coleman, etc...)On my boat, I use FinNor Marquesa 12's matched with Shimano Terez rods, for my live bait rods, I normally bring 8-12 depending on how many on board (3-4 people) so if someone breaks off, etc..., grab another rod and tie later. Trolling I use (6 rods) FinNor 30's matched with Terez rods. I do bring two bigger FinNor 50's in case decide to troll way back for something unexpected that lurks the deep. Have a couple quality spinning outfits -I use Shimano Twin Power, so your able to throw swim bait, etc... Then you got to add slow pitch jigging set-ups (Shimano Oceana) for when you marking tuna at 50-100 feet that just haven't come up yet. Add about 200 different lures from feathers, to cedars, to Madmacs, to Rapalas, 50-100 jigs, (the 2nd biggest question or addiction) gaffs, bled tank, a couple spools of replacement line, 12 different bags of hooks, but you only use one type, kill bags if you need above deck storage, minimum 100 gallons of fuel, etc..... Halibut - nice and easy - 4 anglers, 4 Electrics and beer! Bait $100, Ice $50 a tote, that is before you leave the dock.