Advice on Longer Trolling Rods?

[Cleepshaw]

After fishing some fairly rough water on Saginaw Bay last weekend, it occurs to me that longer/softer rods may provide quite an advantage when dealing with bigger fish in surging waves. I have been using 7' and 8' Ugly Sticks with in-line boards for a few years with pretty good success. But am now considering adding some 9' or even 10' light to medium action sticks to the rod locker for situations like I just experienced. Would like some feedback on what you all are using in this category with the emphasis on performance slightly more than on price.

I would be using these rods to pull in-line boards with cranks, bouncers, mini disks and jets. I probably will only break them out on days when I'm dealing with rough water and the prospect of bigger fish - like the WC Get Together in Vermillion this Fall.

Thanks in advance for your sage advice!

Cleepshaw - "Good fishin usually comes from fishin good!"

[ETT.]

You don't say how big a boat you run, but if it's under 24', be a little careful...with 9 or 10' rods you'll have to back away from the transom, to net the fish. Good luck.

[Toolman]

Cleepshaw,

I agree with Jim (now that's some "sage" advice;)). Longer rods in smaller boats makes for a little tougher time netting fish.

As far as rough water trolling-I've never experienced problems with my 8' or 8'6" rods. I've trolled in some pretty rough stuff too (Erie). I am assuming that when the waves get bigger than 2' or so you are trolling with them? I think it more important to get your rods in matched pairs, or threes (depending on how many people/#rods and what methods you fish) and match the action to the type of line and technique. For example: I like longer 8'6" with a parabolic action (not too tip stiff) for pulling braids. I have a group of identical combos that do double duty for dipseys and boards. St. Croix in a telescopic model or Diawa Heartland in a 2-piece. Very similar rods with very different price tags IMO. I have another group of combos set up for mono. These have a little stiffer tip, so that I can read the action of the bait better with the stretch of the mono. BPS P&K 8' telescopics are my choice for this.

I've heard good things about the new Talora rods from Shimano, used a couple but don't have any. I've also heard good things about Ugly Sticks and a couple others-never tried them.

Tim

[Eyez]

I use 8'6" Diawa firewolf rods, soft tips and cheap at $20/each. Been thinking about getting some 10' to go with them.



Dusty

[WestMichiganEyes]

You may want to stick with the somewhat shorter and slighter stouter rods for inline planers. I have a St Croix 10'6" baitcaster that is great for flat-lines and even downriggers but I can't imagine running planer boards with it. The long, light action rods just weren't intended for planers. Daiwa Heartland gets my nod for an all around rod...stiff enough for planers and yet soft enough to keep a tight line when you are cranking in fish. If you do decide to try a longer rod, the Cabelas 10' Fish Eagle II baitcaster is an attractive rod that should handle planers well...BUT you can buy two Heartland rods for the price of one Cabelas rod.

[Cleepshaw]

Thanks All,

Actually, I have a couple of 7-1/2' Daiwa Heartlands that I haven't used in while, but do remember them being great rods for the price. I think I'll shop around for a couple of 8-1/2 footers to try out. I fish out of a 20' Crestliner Tournament Series, and am pretty sure we have room to handle the extra length without struggling too much. I guess I'll just have to check that theory on the Western Basin this weekend!

I knew the advice would be sage, but practical too?

Thanks,
Cleepshaw -

"Good fishin usually comes from fishin good!"

[Green Bay Angler]

8'6" ugly stick downrigger rods work great for rough water conditions. Also have a set of Firewolfs that I run on the outsides cause they are a little stiffer.

GBA

[Bob S]

I have rods from 7' to 9'. The best all around rod I've found that is reasonably priced is the Gander Guide Series 8'6" Downriger IM6 Medium Action. I use them with board, dipies, snap weights and downrigers for either salmon or walleyes. Priced at $39 and on sale for $29 at times.