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Posts: 146
Location: Wayzata, MN | A question for the trollers out there... do you use line counter reels? If so, any preferences? Might as well throw rod preference in there too. Thanks in advance... |
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Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi | Lots of em use line counters. They are nice for consistency when you get on a pattern. You don't absolutely need them, as I have done well in the past without, but it makes consistency better. The other option is to count passes on your reels without the LCs.
I personally use the Tidewaters, but I know that alot of da boys are running Diawa Sealines I believe. I guess it depends on the water you are fishing. Orrrrr then again, maybe not. The Diawas are definitely proven. As for rods, I run both St Croixs and the Shimano TDRs.
Edited by tuffy1 7/22/2004 8:09 AM
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Posts: 294
Location: Suspended | I won't claim to be a Pro but I'll second the Daiwa Sealines. Most people recommend the SG47LCA but I went with a couple SG27LCA-W because they hold plenty of line (360yds/14lb)and have the double paddle handle, personal preference. Cabela's has a combo where you get the rod for an extra $17.00 and I went with the medium 7'6" trolling rod. I am very happy with the set-up, I went with 50lb Power Pro with 12lb mono backing and the limber rod works well with the no stretch line, a stiff rod requires the use of mono because you want some "give". I feel the most important feature for trolling reels is the spool clicker so you hear the line being taken on a hit. It sounds cool when they're ripping too! |
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Posts: 146
Location: Wayzata, MN | Thanks. Another excuse to by gear, right? :} I was leaning toward the Diawa... but wanted to ask... the limber rods are throwing me off a bit, I will admit. I'm not used to that. The East Ender rod holders look like a good deal. Anyone got a preference there? |
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Posts: 294
Location: Suspended | For rod holders I use the Down-East double clamp pistol grip units, I had a single clamp unit break once so now I use those bait fishing other species.
The limber rod is needed when using no stretch line to prevent the hooks from ripping out of a fishes mouth, also keep a loose drag setting for the same reason. |
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Posts: 20281
Location: oswego, il | My setups is this. For reels I use diawa sealine and okuma convector reels. I use a graphit bucktail rod. I want to look at the rod to see if my lures are running. Fiberglass is ok for planer board rods. For rod holders, I use scotty rod holders. |
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Posts: 1137
Location: Holly, MI | Line counters are not a must have if you know your line out as mentioned by counting your passes but they are quick and accurate for consistancy.
I go the opposite way as Todd on the glass vs graphite rods. I run long thin fast action graphite rods on the boards because the tip shows me the action or lack of meaning weeds on the lure. For my propwash and down rods I usually run the TDR's. 30 lb mono on the planer board rods is nice and thick to hold well in the release clips from strong pulling baits at 5 mph. I have switched from steel/titanium leaders to all trolling rods using mono leaders. I run a 4-5 ft 50 lb mono leader with just a clip (no swivel, lighter for lure action) at the lure end and a swivel at the other end. At the swivel end I can clip on 2-4 oz of weight if I want the lures a little deeper. The 50 lb mono leader is virtually bite proof, I have not lost a fish with it yet. If it gets nicked up I just tie up a new one on the spot. Mono is not as stiff as floro for action and way cheaper. |
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Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi | I also run the down easter rod holders. I believe the 2 clamp is the S-10 Salty. Great, durable rod holder. |
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Posts: 2691
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin | I use the Diawa LC27's and Walleye Extreme Planner Board rods for my planner board rods. I like the rods because I don't do much speed trolling. They have a good 3 to 5 guide tip bend so they will keep the line tight very easy when a fish is on. Clients have fun with the fight with this set-up, it also holds up well with big fish. They are at Bass Pro Shops for just under $50. I got 4 more of them when they were on sale for $29.95 this Spring. 8ft and 8ft 6inch in med heavy works for me.
As far as rod holders-Down East is the only one on my boat. I have 6 double clamp holders and 4 rail mounts. I use the rail mounts for a down rod and one board rod on each side, the back doubles I use for propwash or planner boards. Very versitile set-ups.
Use mono backing on your linecounters before you spool your line. I have had some of my LC27's for 15 years and they are still used every day on inland lakes and Lake Michigan.
I have tested these reels and they have passed. Just a great reel. If anything can be negitive about them it would be the counter window, sometimes it can get moisture in it. I just tip the reel upside down and shake out the dew. Then take them in side and let them dry out overnight, problem solved.
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Posts: 146
Location: Wayzata, MN | Thanks for all the tips... more to ponder I guess. I am leaning towards the East Ender double [Salty] model.
The plastic holders concern me in cold weather, not sure if they would hold up or not.
What is everyone's preference on leader length, if just straight trolling [no planers, etc...] Any thoughts there?
BTW, the two fish pic's I posted on the Metro thread were caught trolling. We were using my G Loomis rigs with a
light drag setting. First muskie's I've ever caught trolling. We were holding our rods [careful ;] ... nice to feel the
weeds, etc... but being able to put them in a holder would be a nice break. |
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Posts: 459
Location: New Baden IL | I have tried a few, Okuma's, and Diawa's. I love my new Diawa's, but having seen the new Shimano's they look real good too.
I wouldnt hesitate to recommend the Diawa Sealines though.
rodney |
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Posts: 1137
Location: Holly, MI | Thrasher330 - 7/26/2004 2:59 PM
What is everyone's preference on leader length, if just straight trolling [no planers, etc...] Any thoughts there?
By "just straight trolling" do you mean two rods longlining out the back of the boat or are you running "down rods" and "wash rods"? I don't normally run any lures far out the back so this might not apply but we always have lures on down rods wash rods and planer boards. All of the leaders I use are 50 lb mono about 4 ft long. I tie them up myself with just a ballbearing swivel at the rod end and just a snap (no swivel) at the lure end. The snap is lighter than having the bearing there and allows for more lure action. The swivel end allows for twist and gives me a spot to hang weight from. The 50 lb mono is virtually bite proof and we have not lost a single muskie due to the leader being cut. If it gets some good nicks just tie up another one, it is very inexpensive and fast. I used to use 80 lb mono but Capt Frank switched me to the 50 for the action I was losing with the 80 lb cable. Also mono is much more supple than florocarbon for action and knot tieing. Also if floating weeds are present or a problem hang a blunted 5/0 to 7/0 treble off the swivel and you will be amazed how much weeds it can collect. Be sure to remember it is there because it can still bite you. |
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Posts: 146
Location: Wayzata, MN | Good tips, thanks. Then 'straight trolling' I was referring to no planers, or downriggers. Good tip on the mono, I'll
have to tie a couple up. So far, I've been keeping the line 25' to 40' out - depending on lure, speed and structure.
I've been using trolling for 'scouting' long shores and mid-lake structures.... plus, we've picked up a couple fish~! |
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Location: Des Moines IA | I am sort of new to Muskie fishing ... but I have caught a few fish trolling... Here is what I use ... Okuma Magda 45's line counter reels got em on ebay (2)for 60$ ... For rods I use 9'6 dipsey diver rods... 65 lb Spider stealth line coupled with 100 lb mono leaders ..usually 4 - 6 ft long... I use these heavy rods because I have a few huge custom troliing baits that are meant to run at 7 + mph... I don't think smaller rods could take the abuse...... they work well with regular trolling baits too ... Jakes, Depthraiders,Believers all work good ... The only problem I have is this!! Once the fish is on he ain't gettin away, almost takes the fun out of it.... Heavy Duty rods and reels sure do make it easier for all the newbies I seem to have on the boat... Just lift the rod and reel down!!!!! Oh yeah Hands down best Rod holder Down East Salty S-10!!! .. Double clamp will hold up to 100 lb fish!!! What a record that would be ...I guess I just prefer heavy duty gear !!! |
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Posts: 393
Location: Kawarthas, Ontario | I use the Daiwa Sealine series and for my wire line rod - a Daiwa Accudepth. It's essentially the same as the Sealine, but with brass gears instead of bronze. I also use glass for the really big baits 12 - 18". For smaller baits 8 - 12", I use a Garcia IronHorse(?) I'd love to get a Loomis or St. Croix - just no $ for that right now!
Like someone else mentioned, line counters aren't a necessity, but they do make precision trolling a lot easier. For the small difference in cost get a line counter! |
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Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | I like the Diawa LCW's, though there are many like those mentioned above that will suffice for less money. I've also been eying up the clip on line counter for conventional reels just to have in the boat for 'just in case' purposes. I like my St. Croix Classic cat rod, but would also like to find a couple more cheaper glass rods that do the job. My buddy found some at Fleet farm that have served him well for three seasons or so now, and I may check them out too. Luck to you! |
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Location: Somewhere on the water!!!!!!!! | I use Okuma line counter reels and St. Croix 8' Classic Cat rods
For rod holders, the only ones on my boat are the Down East Salty's (double clamp).
Rememeber, when trolling one of the KEY things in setting your drag is to not have it cranked down. If you keep your drag too tight you will lose fish, the hooks will rip right out of the fishes mouth, you have to have some give in the set up somewhere. When I set my drag, I can pull line out with two fingers. Another way is to set the bait in the water and let your line out and loosen your drag just enough so that the lure doesn't take line out. I fish a lot of water that has stumps and trees and believe me you had better have your drag set or you will be breaking equipment.
Edited by Ralph Florio 11/26/2004 2:27 PM
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Line counter reels???