Rod and reel for trolling cranks

[scott_r]

I am looking at buying a new rod and reel for trolling cranks and was wanting to know whats a good combo to get. For 99% of the time I fish I pull blades behind a bouncer or Lindy-rig and do quite well but Id like to try trolling cranks. Im not looking to go crazy spending on a rod and reel but have found a Zebco Rhino 8'6 rod and reel w/ line counter for around $100 CND. Do any of you guys use these rods/reels?? Are the line counters on these reels accurate?? What do you guys recommend??

Cheers!!

[SUPERTROLLER]

Not sure what reel you've found on that combo but the rod is fine. For most trolling applications, the rods don't need to be high end graphite type rods. A fiberglass model of 7' to 9' is usually what you'll want. After you've done it for awhile, you'll figure out what lengths work the best for you. It depends upon the size of your boat as much as what you want in a rod. I still feel that the very best idea is to buy the Daiwa SG series reels. The Accudepth (AD) Daiwa reels have not proven themselves yet for an extended period of time like the SG's. I have been using my SG's since the early 90's and not ever had a problem with them. Only yearly lubing and they work flawlessly. Many people have been using the Okuma brand reels now too. I have used the Magda line from Okuma and they are/were junk. Nothing but problems right from the start. They also have out a newer line called a Convector. I have not used them. At first they had glowing reports but lately that has fallen off a little. Not sure about them as far as reliability over time. They also have a higher end line now available but I'm not sure of the name or if people think they are a good value for the money. Could some of you Erie guys that are more informed on the Okuma's give us a report?

These are the 2 best selling brand names. I have used other reels too, but these are the best selling ones for a reason. They are better than the other stuff out there. You DO get what you pay for in a linecounter reel. You are far better off spending a slightly higher amount now than having to buy a better grade of reel later that will actually work as advertised and hold up for years to come. Buy it right the first time and you will be money ahead. What kind of reel is offered on the combo?

[Toolman]

ST gave some good tips. Any brand of linecounter (assuming it operates pretty well in respect to the drag, etc) will allow you to repeat line out lengths which is often critical in trolling. To follow up on his Okuma (Convector) vs Diawa (SG LCA)-I liked the Okumas equally well at first (I have 6 of each brand) but I'm seeing more and more people having problems with the Okumas. Very few problems with the SGs. I've personally never had any problems with either (other than the Okuma clutch lever tripping too easily) but from the ones I've used and from talk with fishing friends, the Okuma seems to have problems about 5:1 over Diawa.

Tim

[j9f]

I wouldn't touch the zebco line counters. I have seen a few of those and they don't feel very good in my opinion.

If you want a good trolling rod for the money.... look at either an ugly stick or my personal favorite... the fiberglass eagle claw (yellow). The 7.5' or 8.5' rods in ML action are as durable as you could ever hope for. You can buy them at Gander Mountain in the US for $20 every day. They have been around forever too.... I have bought about 30 of them over the past 20 years. The rods I bought last year match the rods I first bought. I have only broken two guides and snapped one in half which was totally my fault because I was reefing on it so hard to set a slider on a downrigger. They have good action at the tip, so you can tell if your crank is fouled.

If you want to spend more money, there are certainly better rods out there.

[scott_r]

The reel that comes on the combo is a Zebco Rhino XL Levalwind Trolling reel w/ built in line counter. I took a look at one at the local tackle shop and looks to be a solid reel. The reel itself sells for about the same as the Daiwa Accudepth or if you buy the combo you pay about $15 more and you get the rod too. After hearing all the positive things about the Daiwa series I think I'll buy one and pick up a rod to match.

Cheers!!

[WestMichiganEyes]

TM, glad to hear you haven't had any problems personally with the Okumas...bought a pair of them (Magda 20D) for $29/ea and have enjoyed them so far, mostly and unfortunately, on some over-sized sheephead. I figure that if they can handle 10-15lb sheephead then 5-10lb walleye should not be a problem. I guess we'll see how they perform over time? If they fail, will return them to the "major retailer" I bought them from and upgrade to the Daiwa AD at that time (that way the wife doesn't see big purchases all at once). I was advised heavily not to use them on "salmonoids" as they will eventually destroy them. That's what Penn 209's were made for, which by the way, last forever as well as the ABU Garcia 6000's. The latter 2 reels mentioned don't offer linecounters, however (except the top of the line LCD counters on some ABU Garcia models).