My current tackle once I leave the pass is a Torium 30 on a good snapper rod and a Penn 320 LW on a 30-60 Medium w/roller tip (I don't feel like this is a great matchup).

So, I'm a big enough boy to admit don't know a dang thing about rods and reels outside of inshore stuff and need some suggestions.  I've never been one to buy the most expensive or high tech of things like fishing tackle, guns, etc.  My dad bought me a $1,500 shotgun for X-mas one year and then proceeded to kick my butt in the back yard throwing skeet with and old 1930's Model 12 pump.  I've always looked at fishing tackle the same way.  I've seen dudes with a cane pole that can catch more fish in an hour than I can all day.

In any combination of what I've already got and new gear:

I'd like to have 2 good trolling setups that are big enough to handle a occasional Dophin and/or Wahoo because I will eventually be that far out.  I see it coming.

And 2 good bottom fishing setups.

Not really wanting to spend much over $250 for any one setup.

I don't know that there's anything wrong with my Torium, and I like it.  Just been looking at TLD 25's, Okuma Titus (SP?) and of course your old school Penn Senators.

I hope I'm on the right track.  Anybody got any advice they'd like to offer I'd appreciate it.

- THX

For trolling the stuff you indicate, I would think the TLD 25 is the way to go.  That would easily pull all the Ilanders with ballyhoo you want.  We do have two Tiagra 30W but are looking at getting some more trolling rigs and the TLD 25 is on the list.  We trolled a 5 line spread a week ago with the Tiagras, 113h's, and the shotgun was the poor old Penn 330 GTi.  They all had enough drag to pull Ilanders and ballyhoo.  I know from past experience though that to pull the big wahoo lures, the drag on the 113h has to be tightened all the way down at speed.

Just my inexperienced opinion.  If you want to handle the trolling and the bottom fishing all in one, the TLD 25 or a 114 would probably get it all done.  We pull at least 5 lines with the riggers so we need at least that many good trolling setups.  Still buying....

Mako 284 w/ twin 250 verados

There is nothing wrong with a Torium for trolling for kings and it can even handle a decent wahoo. I stay away from the old school penns unless they are the old ones. The TLDs will also work wonders. The best way to find out what will fit you and your budget is to go to outcast or where ever you prefer and tell the person you have x amount of dollars to spend and you want such and such and have them fit your price range with the best that they can. Just don't let that Torium fool you, it is the real deal. I have cought a 4' king on my Torium 20 while jigging with no problem at all.

there are some TLD 25 set ups in the for sale section that look like a good price

I've got one more question:

Has anyone used any of the Pflueger Contender Trolling Reels?  I was thinking I'd get a G40L and replace the Penn 320 I've got mismatched and try one of those out.