Rod or Downrigger First?

My soul for a 12v battery powered lightweight compact electric downrigger

I always thought Doug’s downrigger invention was an excellent alternative. Check this out: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=30006

just use a real electric downrigger like i did to win that tahoe tournament

Doug's project looks pretty bad ass! It's a great idea that I might have to try to copy! Ive been wanting one but it seems most downriggers are way too big and bulky for a kayak and would get in the way.

Like everyone else (except those guys that have electric DD), I go for rod first.
I usually wait until fish comes to surface to bring my DD up.
I've been using the Lake Troller for about 8yrs, and I think I only lost one fish due to wrap up on the DD line. Other times I was able to unwrap the fish, but most of time I can work fish away from the DD.

I have my rod on my left with a left handed reel. My downrigger is on my right. When the dr pops I start cranking the reel with my left hand (probably couldn’t do this with a right handed reel) while cranking the downrigger with my right hand. I usually don’t peddle forward because it always seems like I just end up in a circle if I’m not holding my rudder.

I am opposite of you do. I have my rod on right across my body & dd on left.0
I use all left hand reels, so I can go back & forth w/ reel, ladder control & dd (even a net or boga) while holding the rod on right hand. This way I will never have to switch the hand when I'm fighting fish. 

Not sure what you are talking about?
I just press a button and it comes up on it's own.
Isn't this how we all do it? 

Not sure what you are talking about?
I just press a button and it comes up on it's own.
Isn't this how we all do it? 

Yeah this guy...