Here is one industry insider’s opinion.

I’ve been using a level wind reel and 8 ft medium lite rod to pull bottom rigs of all kinds since the mid 90’s. Having a longer rod with a lite tip let’s me see the bite and let’s the fish have enough time to get hooked up. I found a Longer Fenwick 8 ft rod back then and I’m still using it. Gone through a few reels over the years. Love the flipping switch so I can let line out while holding the rig in my right hand allowing my left hand to run my tiller motor. That along with a left hand reel handle makes this combo so easy to fish with. I also troll cranks with a 9 ft rod made for trolling and a level wind line reel with a line counter. Okuma reel. 20 lb mono. I like to have the extra give in the line and don’t have as many fish shake off. I’ve caught big walleye and even musky using this set up and able to land them no problem.