I am in the process of changing over from a paddle kayak to a hobie outback. Now that I can control my line while I free spool I would like to try trolling with lead line. I have a bait caster with a level wind but I know it cant take more than two or three colors and some backing. First question how much backing do you think I need? 100 200 yards etc.? secondly if I have to go with only two or three colors how deep can I reasonably troll (is their a rough formula for depth to amt of colors out?) I know that with the kayak I have greater control of the speed of the lure as opposed to a conventional boat. Lastly if I decide to really get into lead trolling could some one recommend a reel and is it worth it to get a reel that has a line counter thanks Charlie

In my opinion, lead core is not required when trolling from a kayak. When I had my kayak I trolled tube and worm with 40lb braid, but if i needed more depth I would clip on a keel weight ahead of the tube and adjust the weight accordingly. The keel weight and a quality swivel will also control line twist.

I'll snap a pic of the rig I use.

I like about an 18" tube like T-Man or Santini's, 3 ft of fluorocarbon, and the keel weight in front. As you can see, the keel weight unclips so you can change the size of the weight.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/bospa/IMGP0674_zps603b4b4e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bospa/media/IMGP0674_zps603b4b4e.jpg.html)

I like that, it is simple and quite effective.

Good looking setup!

I like that, it is simple and quite effective.

Good looking setup!
It really is quite simple and I believe you can get them pre-rigged like this right from T-Man.

Agree that you don't need leadcore, BUT if you want to fish deep (say over 30 feet) it may be useful. Almost all of my trolling is done in 8-15 feet of water and I use a tube with a weight built into it on the front.

If you opt for leadcore.... get it spooled at Santinis shop. They load your reels for short money. The leadcore line can be used for 2 seasons if you rinse it with FW every till you use it.

nice rig Bo - shorter and sweeter

I like about an 18" tube like T-Man or Santini's, 3 ft of fluorocarbon, and the keel weight in front. As you can see, the keel weight unclips so you can change the size of the weight.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/bospa/IMGP0674_zps603b4b4e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bospa/media/IMGP0674_zps603b4b4e.jpg.html)

ALL THAT'S MISSING IS A SMALL WAD OF COTTON IN THE HOOK END TO HOLD IN THE COUPLE OF SAND WORMS YOU STUFF INSIDE FOR SCENT. I'VE HEARD A FEW DROPS OF POGIE OIL WORKS AS WELL.

ALL THAT'S MISSING IS A SMALL WAD OF COTTON IN THE HOOK END TO HOLD IN THE COUPLE OF SAND WORMS YOU STUFF INSIDE FOR SCENT. I'VE HEARD A FEW DROPS OF POGIE OIL WORKS AS WELL.
Funny you mention that. The Santini tubes come with a cutout, but I do the same to other tubes as well.
And, no seaworms? Stuff a piece of sponge or cotton in there and give it a shot of seaworm potion or pogie oil as you mentioned. :uhuh: Killer!!!!! :drevil:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/bospa/IMGP0683_zps4a3be0e8.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bospa/media/IMGP0683_zps4a3be0e8.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/bospa/IMGP0682_zps2fa896cd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bospa/media/IMGP0682_zps2fa896cd.jpg.html)

If I'm not mistaken the cut out is for creating a trail of bubbles while you troll....
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

No you're not mistaken Kevin, but I use it for the scent trail too.

personally i prefer leadcore,it is easy to controll how deep you are fishing.one of the most important pieces of equipment is a gps that has a speed function,you want to stay within 1.8 and 2.0 mph.at this speed leadcore sinks app.5 ft per color.if you want to use braid i would go with one that is color coded so you know how much line you have out.i was never a fan of the keel type weights they are a weed catcher,a simple inline weight would be my choice. as far a reels go,aline counter is just another thing to brake,i use a penn 2/0 senator it will hold 10 colors and about 20 yds of backing.i stay away from levelwinds,another feature that is prone to failure.a jigmaster is also a reel i would trust.as far as tubes go i make my own.i get the tubing and wire from Redtop