Light Trolling Rods

[Pond scum]

I just picked up a few Abu C3 5500's to add to my trolling inventory. Now I have to get rods for them. Plan on using them for light trolling such as in-line boards, snap weights, small jets, plus a little bottom bouncing when I do not need to use my heavier Okuma's and big Shimano rods. The heavier stuff is primarily for pulling dipsey's. What would be a sufficient rod length and action for this purpose. I was thinking about a 7 to 7 1/2 foot rod in medium heavy action, but thought I would ask the experts. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[ebijack]

i use uglysticks light action in 7 and 9 ft lenghts. very light tip with plenty of backbone....i also use braided line so the soft tip is required. i used to use them with mono before switching to braided.
plenty of other rods out there if you don't like uglysticks tough.

[Chevy4sur]

I'd recommend the 7ft medium St Croix glass rods either with the cork casting handle or the neoprene trolling handle...same rod different handle. The casting handle works well for trolling and casting.

I have 4 with the trolling handle and 2 with the casting handle. I have Abu Garcia 6500C3s and 5500C3s on them. I use them for walleye, steelhead and salmon fishing (highlines, inline boards, and downrigger lines) and use them with mono (Trilene Big Game) and no stretch braids (Power Pro). They are tough rods, great action for handling fish from walleyes to 30 pound chinooks, and they are light!

Jack.

[FreeByrd]

Pond Scum,
New Okuma rod for this year. 7 foot medium action planar board rod would work great for everything you describe. I've been using them this spring and they are nice - even nicer is they are less than $30 each. I have several of the 7 foot St. Croix Pro Glass rods that are described in another post - have been using them for years and they are a great rod but they are likely $80 or more - I haven't bought any in a few years so I'm not positive on the prices. I like the Okumas just as much if not more. I've run them with inline boards and also with big mast & ski boards with big cranks, small cranks and size 20 jets so far. Handle everything pretty well.

Give Denny Braun at The Sportsman's Outpost in Vermillion, OH a call and talk to him about what you want to do. He will have a couple choices for you. Will give you good solid advice and will ship them to you if you aren't local. 888 855 9032

Good Luck,
Steve

[pwrfshn]

I'll second the St. Croix suggestion.

Their Pro Glass stuff is great for the money. Heartland S if that is a little steep for the budget.

Good luck,

[MUSKRAT]

I just purchased a Shimano Clarus 7.0' medium action fast taper for similar application with a left hand C3. It feels nice and light in my hand. Like the lifetime warranty.

[Pond scum]

Thanks for the input guys. For pulling heavier stuff, I have four Okuma Convector 20D's on an 8 foot Shimano TDR rod. I just thought it might be nice to be able to troll with a little lighter gear when not pulling the heavy stuff. I would like to be able to feel the fish on the end of the line once in a while. I picked up the C3 5500's for just that reason. No reason to use the 8 foot heavy rods all the time if I am just pulling inline boards and cranks. I am interested in seeing the new 7 foot Okuma's you are referring to Steve. I will stop by Denny's place soon, as my boat is just down the road on Catawba. Thanks again everyone for your input.