TOPIC:

Since I am new my rod and reel set up is lacking. I don't have any down riggers,  so I am thinking a weighted line. I guess the question is lead core, copper or steel? I know everyone has a preference but if you had to get one this year. 

Thanks in advance.

Starting out I would go leadcore.  Its the easiest to manage.  If you get Suffix 832 leadcore, the depth per foot is really close to copper, thus goes deeper than standard leadcore.  I cant speak to the weighted steel.  I hear good things but have not tried it personally.

You can't go wrong with copper or leadcore but leadcore will be a little easier to work with. 

Thank you for your help

How about running pump handles?

I never thought of them. Great more things to think about. Do you run them and if so, how do you like them?

If you go leadcore and you can afford the reels get yourself 3 spools. 
1 spool-10 color
2nd spool- 5 color, 2 color, 3 color
3rd spool- 7 color and 3 color.

Spring will be great for the 2-3 colors along with some flatlines. Late spring and the 5 goes in, pulling flatlines out the deeper I go. Moving further offshore would bring the 7 and 10 colors and switching one of the 3's to a swr. 

You can save money with pump weights, say skip the 10 color and add more weight to the leadcore you have on hand by using the weights. 

Not to ramble on too much but I nailed a coho last weekend on a 3 color with 3oz pump handle weight  and dodger fly. Only reason this went out was simply because I ran out of deeper lines.

To use the pump handle weights there's a great video on YouTube from Russell Gahagan on how to use them.

Interesting! I'll check it out. When I started reading this it got me thinking about starting with a 3 color and make it so I can add whatever I want versus having so many different rod and real setups

Thanks, I will definitely check out the video. 

So if I understand I need 1-10 color, 1-7 color, 1-5, and 1-3? 

There are a bunch of videos that I need to get to.

Kingme, are you doing the 50/50 method from the endpoint of your leadcore?  Or just lead weight right next to your leadcore + 50’ + board?  Very interested in doing this later in the season for my leads/coppers, save for the 2 color that catches steelies all summer long.