Thought that I would give this a whirl. Don’t really have anything tackle wise to do it. I have 5 trolling setups but no bottom setups. Looking for a economical (cheap) setup that will get the job done. Need to know about rod, reel, line and tackle. Let me know what you guys are using.
I will throw out the cheapo, tried and true option as well as an option that costs a little more but would serve you with more than just bottom fishing and be more capable.
Search classifieds/craigslist for a used Penn 113H Senator. a.k.a. 4/0 high speed with the red side plate. Can also use a 6/0 114H, but they are a bit heavier of course, and if you are reeling up lots of smaller fish it will get old faster with a larger sized reel than with a smaller one. Fill with 60lb line, and put it on a 6’6" or 7’ Rod from a local shop that has a couple years warranty and cost under $70. I would not go with a wallyworld rod. Rods break when bottom fishing. I have my opinions on which brands break in the worst places, but none of that matters if you can walk in and swap for a new one or have something repaired under warranty. You cannot do that at wallyworld a few years after purchase. The warranty and service from the local shop is worth the extra money for what is usually a higher quality rod anyway.
You may see some Diawa Sealines that are the same size and price as the senators, and if you do I recommend the Diawas over the senators due to the metal inner frames instead of posts or half frames. The more rigid frames allow the gear sleeves and anti-reverses to hold up a little longer it seems. Consistent bottom fishing with the senators will mean they need to be overhauled every year or two. Gears, anti reverse dog, gear sleeve, etc. must all be thrown out and replaced. This costs about $50 usually to have done if not more. You can get the parts and do it yourself to save 15 bucks and not have to wait. Either way, it is something that must be done. For most folks, however, they do not fish a reel that often or that hard to have to worry about this service but maybe every 4 or 5 years unless the reel breaks during fishing. Penn makes (or used to make) tougher reels like the 113HN and metal senators, but they’re considerably more in $$$- especially versus a used 113H or 114H. Parts are also redily available for the
$50 for both a 4/0 Senator and rod of some sort…
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