when it comes to downrigger rods you can really spend as much as you want. I have bought rods that work just fine for $25 and some that are more sensitive and can really be cranked down on the ball for upwards of $100. All depends on what you want, as someone else stated 20# will catch anything you want. I usually use berkly big game 20#, you can get a spool of 3000 yard for around $30 i believe, but there are alot lines that are good. I wouldn't recommend any less than 300 yards per reel. i have atleast 1000" on all my reels. Seems like overkill but when you think of the # of times you retie or get a tangle and have to cut some in a year its good to have plenty. Plus the extra few $ you spend on a few hundred more feet is well worth it when you get a 20# screamer on and he doesn't want to stop. We got a fresh 12 pounder this morning that had 550' out before my cousin was able to get him turned around, and thats not a real big fish