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| Looking to purchase some trolling rods, just wanted some input on what works the best, and also what kind of line works the best. Thanks! |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | I use 9 footers thorn bros rods I have I have shimano tekota 600 with 100 #braid |
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Posts: 148
| Shimano tekota line counter 130 pound braid 36 inch leaders and a 9ft rod in the XH size and your in business..... No need to spend a ton on a Thorne bros custom rod for trolling several of the local guides recommended to me the shimano compre rods there cheap, or use a musky innovations rod they work great also |
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Posts: 371
Location: Dixon, IL | I am thinking about to buy two 8 ft musky rods for trolling. Is Okuma 8 ft 2-6 oz okay? |
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Posts: 62
| I run the Okuma EVX-T-801H trolling rods, and I've been pleased with their use. Trolling super shad raps up to 13" grandma's.
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Posts: 1060
Location: Palm Coast, FL | Walker,
If you can afford it and like the better "things" in life, custom is definitely the way to go...whether it is a Migizi, Thorn, or whatever your liking may be. I know of a 57.5" that was recently caught on one of my trolling rods.
Thanks,
Vince |
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Posts: 752
| Mtn Hunter - 9/8/2013 10:03 PM
No need to spend a ton on a Thorne bros custom rod for trolling
In the realm of expense a custom trolling rod from TB or Vince or any other quality outlet is pretty reasonable; in the neighborhood of $225.00. Like any other custom its simply a mater of whether you want the best of something that works.
I have 8'6 and 9 Footers from TB paired with 500 LC Tekota's and use 100LBS masterbraid or mono (50LBS Big Game) depending onthe application. Cheap rods work too but it is always nice having something built to your specs that will last a lifetime... |
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Posts: 332
Location: Neenah, WI | I use Black River Live trolls 8' Heavy Power Moderate Action Paired with Shimano Tekota 500 LC's Whole package is $300
$200 for the reel 100 for the rod. Great set up.
SAINT |
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| Thanks for everyone's input! |
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Posts: 92
| You can check out Custom X Rods. My 8' Heavy was introduced a few years ago. Since then I have had alot of happy clients. All made in the USA including the blank. Check out my Facebook page Custom X Lures and Rods. You will see some of the fish caught on them. Also check out Fins and Grins Musky Charters page. They have their boat outfitted with them and they put over 900 muskies in the boat between last year and this year. All of their trolling fish have come on Custom X Rods. If you have questions I would be happy to answer them and tell yo more about our products. Thanks:
Chuck DiVito
Custom X Lures and Rods
630-991-7012
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Posts: 134
| Ok ill put my neck out on the line and ask...Some of the best local trollers I know swear by ugly sticks, wilderness, okuma and tdr. Im not saying the rods above mentioned are a waste of money but what are the advantages to these higher end trolling rods? I was very pleased when I made the move from old graphite rods to glass rods and for me they really take a beating...My mindset was spend the big bucks on a rod that I cast with. Mayb im just trying to justify not forking out the money on more gear for myself. haha.
Thanks! |
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Posts: 1247
Location: Walker, MN | I have no complaints about my Shimano TDR 8' Heavies. I can't remember the last time I spent only $75 bucks on one rod, let alone two. Great value.
Maybe more expensive rods are "better" for trolling but I can't really see how. |
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| Masqui-ninja - 9/10/2013 6:44 PM
I have no complaints about my Shimano TDR 8' Heavies. I can't remember the last time I spent only $75 bucks on one rod, let alone two. Great value.
Maybe more expensive rods are "better" for trolling but I can't really see how.
Are those rods a solid blank or a two piece?QUOTE] |
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| Walker - 9/10/2013 8:07 PM Masqui-ninja - 9/10/2013 6:44 PM
I have no complaints about my Shimano TDR 8' Heavies. I can't remember the last time I spent only $75 bucks on one rod, let alone two. Great value.
Maybe more expensive rods are "better" for trolling but I can't really see how.
Are those rods a solid blank or a two piece?QUOTE] 2 piece.. very good trolling rods for the money $35.00.. ugly sticks are beast also but cost more.. |
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Posts: 92
| There are many advantages to having good equipment. Not saying that the lesser expensive rods are bad at all.. I tell all my clients to buy the best that you can afford. I never want anyone to overspend or extend themselves past that. I have been there and its nothing but trouble. If any of you would like to know the difference you can call me and I will be happy to tell you about how the Custom X Rods are different and about the components used. Thank you.
Chuck DiVito
Custom X Lures and Rods
630-991-7012
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 Trolling rods.jpg (57KB - 437 downloads)
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Posts: 1224
Location: Okoboji | how are the tdr heavies for sucker fishing?? i currently run a custom x 8'H (love it) and my old reliable fenwick elite 9' two piece...
was looking at getting a rod to replace my fenwick for full time duty and a backup rod or two for my nephew (TDR) |
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Posts: 833
| I have the 8'6" Custom Thorne rod and it handles everything from 13s at 5.5MPH to 16" Custom X at 4+ MPH. Also works really well for smaller stuff. 500 Tekota / 100# Tuffline. Love having one rod that can be used for all of my trolling applications.
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Posts: 1247
Location: Walker, MN | kodiak - 9/11/2013 11:33 AM
how are the tdr heavies for sucker fishing?? i currently run a custom x 8'H (love it) and my old reliable fenwick elite 9' two piece...
was looking at getting a rod to replace my fenwick for full time duty and a backup rod or two for my nephew (TDR)
I'm not much of a sucker fisherman but these rods will bend from tip to handle when a lot of pressure is applied. It would seem to me you might want a more parabolic action with a softer tip and a stiff butt for hookets while sucker fishing??
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Posts: 1224
Location: Okoboji | if i am using one rod its gonna be my customX 8'H hands down...i just need some cheaper alternatives for additional bodies in the boat. |
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Posts: 42
Location: Pewaukee Lake | Can't say enough good things about the 8' Tackle Industry Trolling/Sucker rods. |
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Posts: 1224
Location: Okoboji | jarrod0607 - 9/11/2013 4:48 PM
Can't say enough good things about the 8' Tackle Industry Trolling/Sucker rods.
Where?? They aren't on the site |
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| http://www.south-bend.com/products/rods/castingtrigger/mudville-cat... |
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Posts: 371
Location: Dixon, IL | |
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Posts: 1529
| ugly stik tiger blank. soft tip-see the lure thump
eva foam handles-rodholders eat cork
7ft for baits6-7inch
9ft dipsey rods-fall big baits |
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| 8 foot ....mine says to 4 oz....don't let that crap fool you....perfect for 14 inch jakes...
much better than my 8..6 thorn custom trolling...buy two and if you don't like them i will buy them from you... thought i seen them for 24.00... free shipping... good luck... |
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| ray - 9/10/2013 8:17 PM
Walker - 9/10/2013 8:07 PM Masqui-ninja - 9/10/2013 6:44 PM
I have no complaints about my Shimano TDR 8' Heavies. I can't remember the last time I spent only $75 bucks on one rod, let alone two. Great value.
Maybe more expensive rods are "better" for trolling but I can't really see how.
Are those rods a solid blank or a two piece?QUOTE] 2 piece.. very good trolling rods for the money $35.00.. ugly sticks are beast also but cost more..
Is the 8' heavy to much for trolling 6/7 inch crank baits or would you step down to meduim heavy? Do you have any of the 8' 6 meduim heavy rods? I think I would like the 8h for trolling D10's. |
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Posts: 134
| Still havn't heard any solid evidence how 200-300 dollar plus trolling rods are worth their money as opposed to the cheaper trolling rods. Honestly very interested..... |
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Posts: 457
Location: Minneconia | TDR 8' Heavy is $30 at Thorne's right now FYI... |
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| andreula - 9/14/2013 8:37 PM
Still havn't heard any solid evidence how 200-300 dollar plus trolling rods are worth their money as opposed to the cheaper trolling rods. Honestly very interested.....
But you'll spend a grand on a casting set up? Are the musky your casting different then the ones you troll? Please explain that I explain that one.
A trolling rod should be better then your caster, I takes a hell of a beating more then any casting rod. If your a part time caster on small lakes by all means tdr, ugly sticks...... are great. If your a hard core troller in the fall and summer like I am that rod is the best of the best I fish trophy waters for big fish my rods pull from 8" baits up to 16" baits through all elements. I run wire leaders best line possible not MONO as guys state on other threads (don't understand that on either) that's my opinion take it how you like. I buy the best set up as I can. |
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Posts: 173
Location: Green Bay, Titletown, WI | Guest.... There's a huge difference using manpower to burn bucktails, rather than having a boat pull baits around. I'll pay extra money for lighter rods, or reels that make cranking in baits easier. With trolling, i could careless about how much a set-up weighs, gear ratios, rod action, etc.... |
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| black_dawg - 9/15/2013 11:40 AM
Guest.... There's a huge difference using manpower to burn bucktails, rather than having a boat pull baits around. I'll pay extra money for lighter rods, or reels that make cranking in baits easier. With trolling, i could careless about how much a set-up weighs, gear ratios, rod action, etc....
Absolutely. Only thing I'd take issue with is "rod action." For banging rocks on the shield rod action is critical, and some rod actions are much better than others. You want a moderate-slow action so the baits can bounce back off the rocks instead of grabbing them. But you still need a powerful mid-section on the rod to pull your jakes and believers etc. The TDR and similar glass rods (dipsy, salt boat rods, etc.) rods have this in spades.
No reason why people shouldn't buy a really sweet high-end rod for trolling. But plenty of reasons why they don't need to.
Thread is about rods not reels, but with the money you save on the rod, splurge on a dedicated trolling line counter reel like a convector instead of using one of your casting reels and counting line passes. Also, the trolling reels have louder clickers....nice for trolling. |
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| ugly stick at 30 to 40 bucks will do everything you want.keep your money for some good cranks or a tekota.expensive trolling rod is useless |
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| The guys that don't want to spend money on trolling equipment are the guys that don't know anything about trolling. I buy good trolling equipment because I'm a troller, just like a caster that buys good casting equipment. For example, I just bought two Migizi trolling rods with carboloy guides for trolling big cranks, fast, on wire line. Snapped an Ugly Stick clean in half the last time I tried banging shoals on wire line at the bay. I'm a believer in you get what you pay for with fishing equipment. |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | Longevity is the reason you would pay more. Cheap rods last a little while, then guides start cracking or popping off, reel seats bust loose, EVA deteriorates, blanks get softer or fail all together.
Having said that, if you get the power and action and guides you require out of a $30 rod, go for it. You can replace it 4-5 times for $120 or $150. Hopefully it doesn't cost you a lure or big fish. |
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| black_dawg - 9/15/2013 11:40 AM
Guest.... There's a huge difference using manpower to burn bucktails, rather than having a boat pull baits around. I'll pay extra money for lighter rods, or reels that make cranking in baits easier. With trolling, i could careless about how much a set-up weighs, gear ratios, rod action, etc....
Wow...you have alot to learn.... more than what meets the eye... |
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| btw all the guides i know are using ugly stick for steel line and they last for years.you should try at least one before telling so many bs.they are built to last and btw you will not get anything more with a 200 bucks rod.guys are using this for 40 pounder + flathead that fight ten times harder than any musky you can dream of so........... |
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Posts: 580
| If you're big into trolling structure and intend to make bottom contact, and using larger lures, then proper rod action can be pretty darn important. I wouldn't blame anyone for going with a high-end setup for that application. On the other hand, if you only troll open water with medium-sized baits, it's probably not as important to go high-end on your trolling rod. As Flambeauski noted, it is mostly about longevity. All that said, I troll a fair amount and like to bang structure too; and I haven't found a reason yet to upgrade from the BPS Catmaxx rods in 8-10' that I use, which are durable and quite affordable. |
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Posts: 173
Location: Green Bay, Titletown, WI | Rick Wolff - 9/16/2013 5:08 PM
black_dawg - 9/15/2013 11:40 AM
Guest.... There's a huge difference using manpower to burn bucktails, rather than having a boat pull baits around. I'll pay extra money for lighter rods, or reels that make cranking in baits easier. With trolling, i could careless about how much a set-up weighs, gear ratios, rod action, etc....
Wow...you have alot to learn.... more than what meets the eye...
Doesn't everybody?
I know what works for me. I spend quite a bit of time trolling GB all season long. My $80 TI trolling rods and $100 Daiwa line counters hold up just fine. Not a single issue with either. And I have zero problem paying top dollar for gear. And a trolling rod is nothing you have to pay top dollar for. |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Between jano and Rick, it's a dead heat for jerk of the week. |
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| the troll claim to be a master troller not me:) |
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| I use TDR's to troll for the most part and spend far too much on custom rods for casting. Casting is my passion, trolling is a craft I work on and realize takes as much skill as casting. I guess when thinking it through, I actually caught quite a few musky casting with cheaper equipment, but enjoy it more with my custom set ups now. I am guessing if trolling is your passion, getting the best gear all blinged out probably adds to the experience and performs better as well. BR |
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| LOL... guess your right... I use my tranx with a custom 6 foot rod just to throw weagles....guess i betesraaeop noner step up.....lol... |
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| Quit typing late night....lol |
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Posts: 1224
Location: Okoboji | Ordered a tdr for my nephew. |
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| BenR - 9/16/2013 9:59 PM
I use TDR's to troll for the most part and spend far too much on custom rods for casting. Casting is my passion, trolling is a craft I work on and realize takes as much skill as casting. I guess when thinking it through, I actually caught quite a few musky casting with cheaper equipment, but enjoy it more with my custom set ups now. I am guessing if trolling is your passion, getting the best gear all blinged out probably adds to the experience and performs better as well. BR
What kind of tdr do you use to troll with? Do you have the medium heavy or the heavy. Just wondering if I should mix it up a few heavys for trolling bucktail and a few medium heavy for mid size cranks. |
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| I use med for smaller shad type baits, med heavy for 10 inch jakes. If I am trolling heavier lures, I use one of my extra heavy casting rods. BR |
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| To add to BenR's post, I've used the TDR 8' heavy to troll many many hours with jakes and believers pounding fall rocks. I don't doubt that the med heavy works great, but just so you know, the heavy is no where near TOO heavy for jakes and such. IMO anything much larger than a 10" jake and the heavy verges on not heavy enough. Maybe fine, but not sure I'd pull a plow with it. |
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| also in my experience the TDR heavy isn't too heavy for 8" believers and SS shad raps. tip has a lot of flex even on the heavy |
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Posts: 1060
Location: Palm Coast, FL | andreula - 9/14/2013 9:37 PM
Still havn't heard any solid evidence how 200-300 dollar plus trolling rods are worth their money as opposed to the cheaper trolling rods. Honestly very interested.....
Upgraded blanks. My blanks have Kevlar built into the rod butt section for better hook setting power and better lifting power. The components that go on my blanks are also of much higher quality. For instance, solid marine grade stainless steel guides (or upgrade to the carboloy guides); better shrinkwrapped handle that won't come loose after a years use; check out the reel seats that are on my trolling rods that are nickel plated brass with double locking nuts so your reel doesn't come loose and fits into those down east rod holders with ease! |
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Posts: 18
Location: Oshkosh, WI | Really loving the TDR info! Looking at picking up 4 for pulling boards, thinking the 8'6" mh is a nice choice. Hoping for double duty with small baits(5"-8") in summer and bigger baits(8"-12") in the fall. Was looking into the custom x rods for some time and just deciding against spending the money. Picked up one of his casting rods instead, definitely top notch. Thanks for the info! |
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| KurtsHookedUp - 9/18/2013 5:43 PM
Really loving the TDR info! Looking at picking up 4 for pulling boards, thinking the 8'6" mh is a nice choice. Hoping for double duty with small baits(5"-8") in summer and bigger baits(8"-12") in the fall. Was looking into the custom x rods for some time and just deciding against spending the money. Picked up one of his casting rods instead, definitely top notch. Thanks for the info!
maybe buy a mh and a h and try both before you buy 4 x mh -- jmo, mh too light for a 12" crank. your milage may very |
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Posts: 18
Location: Oshkosh, WI | I would only troll those big baits behind boards and at 3mph or less.. I have a couple heavier trolling rods for straight lines. Just want to be sure to have some flex with my boards I guess. Any other advice is appreciated! Really want to make the right call this time. |
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Posts: 2024
| Heavy TDR with a TX-44 and lockjaw clips worked well with spinnerbaits and 10" and 13" crankbaits. Good flex and handled 3-4 mph and some BIG fish just fine. |
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Posts: 84
| Regarding Ugly Stiks, I'm trying to understand which one(s) folks are recommending.
Are the Ugly Stik TIGER rods the ones that folks tend to use; specifically the BWC2201 or 2201-2pc but NOT the 2202 as it may be considered way too stiff...it's rated 30lb-60lb line?
Or, are other model Ugly Stik rods the ones suggested? |
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| Guest - 9/18/2013 5:59 PM
KurtsHookedUp - 9/18/2013 5:43 PM
Really loving the TDR info! Looking at picking up 4 for pulling boards, thinking the 8'6" mh is a nice choice. Hoping for double duty with small baits(5"-8") in summer and bigger baits(8"-12") in the fall. Was looking into the custom x rods for some time and just deciding against spending the money. Picked up one of his casting rods instead, definitely top notch. Thanks for the info!
maybe buy a mh and a h and try both before you buy 4 x mh -- jmo, mh too light for a 12" crank. your milage may very
So would you recommend just buying the heavy's for all around baits?? |
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| Guest - 9/19/2013 5:23 PM
Guest - 9/18/2013 5:59 PM
KurtsHookedUp - 9/18/2013 5:43 PM
Really loving the TDR info! Looking at picking up 4 for pulling boards, thinking the 8'6" mh is a nice choice. Hoping for double duty with small baits(5"-8") in summer and bigger baits(8"-12") in the fall. Was looking into the custom x rods for some time and just deciding against spending the money. Picked up one of his casting rods instead, definitely top notch. Thanks for the info!
maybe buy a mh and a h and try both before you buy 4 x mh -- jmo, mh too light for a 12" crank. your milage may very
So would you recommend just buying the heavy's for all around baits??
yup |
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Posts: 360
Location: Algonac, MI | We do a ton of trolling on LSC, and the trolling gives rods a workout. (fish, weather, lures, abuse, stepped on, dropped, etc) Mono line, and flouro leaders.
Best advice - Stay in your budget, but get a rod with solid ring guides, NOT inserted guides for trolling. Carbaloy tip tops, also. Trolling LSC - Medium action is perfect. For Geo Bay, where you run Parrys and Hookers....MH to Heavy.
$ for $: Ugly Stik Tiger Rod - 7' one piece Medium action (BWC-2201). IMO - best trolling rod made. If you prefer a MH action, BWC-2202.
2nd for the money - Shimano Talora with solid ring guides.
Higher end - go with RP2, Custom X, St Croix, etc...
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| Rick - I know you've been doing it for years before anyone knew what was going on in MN and remember your name from Twin Cities Chapter in early 00s and before. I am relatively new to trolling. Just never spent time doing it. Could you please take five minutes and post a recommended set up. It would be very helpful to me and others. Thanks you in advance and good luck this fall. |
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| There is alot of good advice on this thread by others....a good set-up...may of may not have to be costly...if you troll medium sized baits...anything will work....scaled down hooks...less pull....less leader diameter...I haven't trolled a 10 inch jake since 2005....and have mostly used the 17 inch custom x baits the last 4 years....never put down a 14 inch jake last year....have been using okuma convector 30 series....reels and using big game leaders from 150 to 300 lb....to control depth and change action of lures...using my cheap mudville cat-master rods...8 foot....but will be running...new 10 foot Berkeley glow sticks....perfect for the big x baits...100 pound power pro...and will be trying a saltist line counter also....my old bulletproof diawa 27 are getting old and subject to failure in extreme cold...retiring them...
And i have the biggest net made... |
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| I find you that you get what you pay for with rods in the reel seets... If your trolling trophy water, might not be the best idea to go cheap. If your a serious troller, do it once n' do it right... Tekota reels are ok not worth the $$ in my opinion, the clickers aren't loud enough for my likings. I run Convectors, and Sealine 47s only.. Both have served me well.. I did just pick up a pair of Cabelas depthmaster reels, metal frames and loud nice try clickers, and Ive heard there strong as heck. Cant wait to give em a try.. - As for rods I know guys use TRDs and ugly sticks etc etc.. But for some reason I just dont like using 2pc rods, dont ask me why its just something Id rather not do. If I'm on trophy water I don't want the fish to have any advantage if the rod goes off... I have been very pleased with bass pro cat max rods...for 70-80$ you cant go wrong. The custom X trolling rods I use are simply amazing but ($180eac).. I have also heard nothing but GREAT things about migizi rods but up there in price but has a lifetime warranty..Fenwick trolling rods are great!!! At the end of the day they'll all boat fish... I will have about a 30min video trolling for skis whenever it gets edited.. --- Ryan |
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Posts: 216
Location: Belleville, WI | Lots of ellipses lately, but lots of good info too.
I don't have the experience of many posting in this thread, but I will give a hearty recommendation for the Daiwa Accudepth 9'6", 2 piece trolling rods. Great price, and flawless functionality in 4 years of use. I pair them with an Okuma Convector 30. This setup has handled some pretty nice fish for my partners and me. |
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| I use my Tackle Industries XH and its a great rod for trolling. Used it down to about 25F and caught fish at that temperature and no issues. Good rod. |
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Posts: 791
Location: North Central IL USA | MuskyMulisha - 9/28/2013 11:30 AM
I have been very pleased with bass pro cat max rods...for 70-80$ you cant go wrong.
Which one are you using? |
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