I use the Eagle Claw Featherlight Kokanee Special 7'6' rods paired with Abu Garcia Max DLC's. They work great on a down rigger or using the sliding weight system. The action is fast enough so you an detect the slightest hit but they have enough backbone to handle larger fish. I have caught kokanee, Trout and landlocked Kings with them. Some people will say you need a $100+ rod but that's just them saying "Mine is bigger than yours and cost more, so it's better". If you pair the Eagle Claw with a descent reel that has a quality drag, you'll be fine.
Kevin

100% agree, The Casio's are relatively cheap and can take a ton of abuse. I always mounted one on the crossbar pad on my dirtbike. They never failed me through all the crashes, water, mud, blood and beer.

Nice going Joe, Congratulations!

I love my toys too, including the DR!  But I find that it's easy to use an inline weight to change the running depth of my top-line by a few feet. 

These are what I use:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YNJWTNW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B08YNJWTNW&pd_rd_w=a0gWA&content-id=amzn1.sym.386c274b-4bfe-4421-9052-a1a56db557ab&pf_rd_p=386c274b-4bfe-4421-9052-a1a56db557ab&pf_rd_r=CP6NSREHHHYMJBW3Y1XZ&pd_rd_wg=RukVa&pd_rd_r=78623682-f4ae-457a-8ec6-7991caa7b997&s=sporting-goods&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM

100%, I've messed around with down riggers and lead core setups but always end up going back to the sliding weight method. Not judging anyone that uses those systems, but for me, it's the KISS rule. No cables or clips. No having to tie mono to lead core. Just clip on the weight and drop'r down!
Kevin

Happened to me a few years back. Bastards stole 3 lighted wire deer off the front lawn. I have purchased them again but now I chain them to the patio post. They'd have cut the chain or half destroy the decorations to get them now!
Kevin

Tim, you are correct about them being near the surface. I use two rods and start my day with little or no weight, long lining 5 and 15' down. I fish one with a dodger and one without. Let the fish tell me what they want and then make depth and presentation adjustments. I was hoping to get out this weekend but it doesn't look like the weather is going to cooperate.
Kevin

John, KLX140? Had a 08 for my son. Did a little jetting, opened up the air box and added a Full FMF exhaust system. Fun little bike!
Kevin.

Sorry about the thread highjack!