I got a spider wire reel and rod the first year it came out[still have most of the original line], since then i have used braids from 8/1 to 90/?[downrigger], trhe most important tip I can give is this, loosen your drag,3# 2 dont over fill your spool 8 of my spinnings rod have braid,5 of my bait casters have braid, but I do use flouro, as a leader ec cept when surface fishing.