Teaser, Dredge, Planar Rod Build

[Killing_Time]

Hey guys. I am considering building myself a set of teaser rods to pull dredges with off my center console. Now I have heard arguments about using long boom downriggers that work better. I have not completely decided on building the teaser rods instead of buying a set of downriggers, I just haven't heard an argument that convinced me on the downriggers. My teaser rod would be a Pac Bay stubbie blank around 3.5' with a #18 swivel tip. I was thinking of finding a used 50w for a reel. Now my one question is pulling the dredge, which would be the easiest to retrieve. A two speed 50 would definitely be needed, but I have never used a downrigger and do not know much about them. Any ideas or advice or information would be greatly appreciated. Let me know what you guys think.
Thanks Killing Time

[Squidnation]

If you are going manual I would personally use the downrigger. the retrieve is faster then the 50w. The 50w may not be able to handle much more then a strip dredge. Especially if you need any serious amount of weight to keep the dredge down. the good thing about the rod system will be when you are sick of the manual reels seizing, being slow and generally sucking you will already have two rods to use with your new electric reels.