Downrigger rod

[Bobby]

I'm looking to buy a decent downrigger rod. St Croix seems to make a few, but I know nothing about them. Obviously, the St Croix rods are more expensive than the alternative models.

I want one for 10-20lb Lakers about 60-80 feet down. Any suggestions as to what I should be looking for?

[Noel]

I just bought 3 Eagle Claw downrigger rods from E-Bay and got a great price. Go look there. I now have 6 of them. I have been using Eagle Claw downrigger rods for years and for the price they are a really good investment.

[SeaFlea]

I found Eagle Claw downrigger and Dispy Rods at the K Marts that are closing. They ranged in price from$15 to $20. If there are any stores closing in your area check them out.

[Capt. Paul]

Bought 4 Ugly Stick Light 8 1/2 footers for clients to use, have been very impressed. light action, lots of backbone, and they do not break after a few fish as several other brands have done in clients hands.

[SUPERTROLLER]

Take a look at the Ugly Stik BWD (Big Water Downrigger) light action 1101 rods in either 8'3" or 9' models. These are what a lot of people use for downrigger fishing on Lake Michigan. Don't let the light action designation fool you, it has plenty of backbone for King Salmon, Steelhead, or Lake Trout. They run about $50 at most stores.

[Boatnut]

Noel,
I saw several of those eagle claw rods on ebay but when i tried to match up the model number given to eagle claws website, i couldnt reference them for some reason. seems the # given on the ebay ad was a "wef" or something like that, while all the starfire series on eagle claws websites start with "SF". wasnt sure exactly what i was bidding on , so I passed. Are these indeed the "starfire" series and if so, which ones?

[vetspet(ind)]

fiberglass is the way to go...not graphite...when using downrigger rods...the fiberglass is indestructible...the constant bending over and stresses would not be good for graphite....when downrigging you have no sense of the "feel" which graphite would enhance...very few charters use graphite that i'm aware of..the eagle claws last forever and are cheap and do the job...steve heckler

[Noel]

Boatnut,
Yea, I had that problem too. I checked the ones I already have and they are WE504. Eagle Claw must have changed the rod numbered sequence. Anyway there are only two WE504 for sale right now on e-bay. The auction will end in 6 hours. Those are the ones I was talking about. Last week there was a huge auction on E-bay for downrigger rods and the guy must have had 30 of them for sale. I see they are all gone now except for these two. I bought 3 last week and am waiting for them to show up.
If you don't get the e-bay ones then buy them from a retailer in your area. You will pay full price but they are good rods for the price. Fiberglass and lots of strength. Good fishing man.
Adios

[Boatnut]

Noel,
do you know what line test these are rated for and what "action" they are? I have three of the SF407, light action rods and i love them for downrigging for trout.