lead core

1) You don't need a special rod, but you will want a large reel because lead core line has a large diameter so to get more than a few colors on you will want a reel with a larger capacity. 2) Lead core is most effective when run off planner boards, but you can run them straight out the back but it's asking for trouble landing fish with that much line out the back. I like my Walleye boards but the Z-Boards look nice just haven't spent the $ for them. If you have yellow birds use em, but the smaller boards don't preform as well in the waves. 3) Cortland Kerplunk 27# is good, lead core line changes colors every ten yards so when you read about people using 4 color, 5 color etc. that means 4 color 40 yds., 5 color 50 yards. The knots used to connect the lead core to the backing and the lead core to the leader is thread of it's own. Hope this helps JJ

Special rod...not really. Specially made lead core rods help out with bigger line guides to let the bigger knots pass threw.

2-3 colors of lead core can run off your deepest rigger and is known as a SWR.

Most run it on inline boards IMHO the Walleye boards are the best out there.

I love Cortland Kurplunk.

I've shortened my leaders on my core rods to 15', and they seem to be out producing the longer leads of 20-35'...that is just me.