Totally agree. Saltiest and Tekotas are top shelf reels. No question. However you can get 2 high speed Convector CV30DS's for the price of one of the others. Whenever I try to justify a new fishing purchase, I remind myself we fish the Great Lakes for maybe 4-5 months. It's not Key West.
You probably could run mono, 20-30lb?, because of the short leads. Trying to release any dipsey with longer leads would be difficult or impossible because of line stretch. Braid or wire is the preferred way to go.
Highly recommend the Boat US Unlimited Trailer Tow Assist for $14.00. Have used it on trips to 1000 Islands several times. Coupled with the Boat US app on your phone it made contact very easy.
Jimski makes a good point about on the water towing. Find out where they will be dispatched from before you decide to go for unlimited water towing.
Rolmops- I am not an expert, but you state a few misconceptions. Cormorants have been federally protected since 1972 under the Migratory Bird Act. Decisions on culling are made by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Animal rights groups got a federal injunction on culling/shooting, oiling and whatever 4-5 yrs ago. This may be what you are referring to. Only in 2019 did the USFWS allow some limited shooting permits on aquaculture fish farms down south. Our DEC has their hands tied.
As far as nest oiling, cormorants roost/nest in trees. Not practical.
I agree it is a major problem not only with fish stocks, but these winged rats have destroyed several islands in Irondequoit Bay with others severely damaged. Gallo and Stoney saw this years ago.
Trolling off Webster Park summer of 2017 we spotted a floating decomposing king. As we got next to it we saw something flashing 2 ft underneath it. Made a swing back and netted the stinky thing and found a new 2 Face Pro Troll attached to a stud fly in it's mouth. And it has been the hot combo since then.