Sk8man

For walleyes and Spring browns and just running spoons and sticks they are fine but with the heavier stuff I think the Black releases are the way to go.

A 5 leader Seth Green rig can be run off BIG BOARDS depending on what you use as your main line (mine are SS wire so I don't do it) but if braid is used it can be done. The issue with inlines is that it is the amount of drag on the boards and especially if larger spoons or ones with a lot of action will sink the boards (even the TX44's). The drag weight (resistance) is substantially more than just the sinker and instead of just having one object horizontal behind you'd have 5 in the water column...very different principle than with just something at the end of one copper line. Whereas the jugs pull pretty much straight behind the boat (most of them) there is less resistance than the boards pulling all that weight to the SIDE. The bigger boards have enough pull to the outside (e.g. Otters) to pull it off.

You're right John. I was thinking along the lines of the Tekota 800 reel being nearly 20 oz. lighter, and should still be able to get 500 ft of 32 lb copper on with 300 yds of 30 lb braid, great drag and very smooth with roughly similar gear ratio and retrieval rate. I haven't used either reel and the only Solterras I've ever seen were in salt water applications. I've handled the Tekota in the store and it seemed like a very smooth system and very capable for Great Lakes use. Just thought it seemed a worthy contender to mention at least for consideration.

For that type of money I'd be considering the Tekota 800 LC. they seem like a better made reel and I think the gear ratio, line retrieval etc. are similar

Dave really hit the nail right on the head

He indicated 10A's (older models) and they have a 10 lb max the newer model 10 have a heavier duty and substantially faster motor

The color aspect is open to personal preference like a lot of things in this sport but Lucas is right about the 10 lb limit on the 10A's to be safe with the motors.

Credit Unions usually have good rates.

A couple things: the blades may "feel" sharp and yet they may be slightly off on the cutting edge itself and might not be apparent to the naked eye (always need to keep covered when not in use to keep truly sharp), and you may need to tighten the blade screws as they may be just ever so loose and "sliding" when they get to that point.....just something to check. I think fish307.com offers a sharpening service if you can't find one locally who knows what they are doing (important ).