Line Type and Rod Length QUESTION ?

[HUTCH]

For TROLLING application would braided line be a better choice for solid hook set for muskie over mono .Are braided lines more visable
than mono or would this be a factor when trolling 4 MPH ??
Again for TROLLING would you recomend short 4 foot Muskie rods
as part of your arsonal for bettter hook set ? THANKS

[rpieske]

I like braided super lines like PowerPro in 65 lb. test for trolling. It is about the diameter of 16 lb. test mono. Visibility has not been a factor. Drag must be set looser and you are much better off with at least a 7 foot rod or more. Fiberglass rods are preffered by many for trolling. They tend to be a bit more forgiving.

[Musky Fever]

Hutch,

First off, throw away all your mono........mono and Musky's do not mix. Use the braided lines, I use 80# Spectron on all my reels, mono will give (stretch) WAY too much, resulting in lost fish for lack of a hook set. The braided lines are small in diameter and are strong as nails.
As for rods, the longer the better for trolling, fiberglass rods are better for trolling especially in the cold months (more forgiving).
The only short rods I use are my down rods right off the back of the boat and they are at least 6'9".

[Hutch]

THANKS FOR THE HELP

[ski-troller]

If you like trolling slow and deep a braid might be OK but mono definitely has it's place! If you plan to troll short and fast, short line trolling almost requires mono, the forgiveness is what you are looking for here. You don't need a no stretch line when you have a 1500 lbs+ boat setting the hook at 6 mph. I rarely have lures more than 25' behind the boat, I want a little stretch to absorb some shock, even with glass rods. In my experience a braid tends to tear hooks free when trolling short and fast. I have used 40# Big Game, attached to a six feet of 80# flourocarbon leader for a long time with no failures and many fish.

Rod length should be dictated by the position of the rod, certain boats may require a 4-5 foot rod in some positions.

Take a look at Rocketman's site to see how a serious trolling rig should be set up: http://www.muskie-lures.com/rocketman/index1.htm