[Matt1121]

Thanks, guys. My buddy YOSHI can build me a custom wire line rod with those carbon-alloy (whatever you call them) guides for $200. Not sure what type of blank he uses but I will find out.

As far as how much wire is concerned, I think I will need about 175-200ft of wire for my normal fishing off of Newburyport. From what I read (and please correct me if I am wrong), you get ten feet of depth for every 100 feet of wire. oOf course the weight of the umbrella rig and any drail weights will add to that depth.

One last question, is the Penn Master Mariner reel compatible with wire, or will the wire wear grooves on the guide?

I did think about using my two Penn Long Beach rods as sacrificial lambs for trolling wire, but I think I will just save them for when I get a downrigger.