View Full Version : Trolling rod question.
Jig Master
03-13-2002, 10:20 PM
I'm new to trolling, and this past weekend I bought a couple of trolling rods. They are "heavy" action, and I'm now reading about needing a soft-tipped rod. Will these work, or was it a waste of money?
If you are trolling dipsey's - they might be fine.
If you are simply trolling a crank bait - I suspect that you will find the action too heavy.
The thing that you quikly learn about trolling - is to "read the tips" i.e. the tips need to be soft enough - so their actions can telegraph to you - what is going on with your crank bait. If you have a heavy or sometimes even a medium heavy action rod - the tip is so stiff - that it simply sits there and conveys no information to you.
If you were fortunate enough to get a heavy action rod - that still has a light tip - you would be fine. Other wise - you might thing about getting a different rod.
Take care
REW
4given
03-14-2002, 03:50 AM
Lighten up, even on the dipsy rods. I had some heavy rods for Dipsys but with Fireline, and especially close to the boat, there was no give. Every time the fish moved I felt like the hooks were ripping out of it. I mostly run small dipsys with the ring. I use 8'6" UL downrigger rods. (Eagle Claw SF-407)They make it easier to detect bites, too. Even a small fish puts a bend in the rod.
Airwave(OH)
03-14-2002, 05:22 AM
I too would go no higher than a Medium rod. You want alittle give. Let your rod do the work not your arms.
Schrof
03-14-2002, 07:01 AM
Agree with everyone, however, if you are using for planner boards these should work
Jig Master
03-14-2002, 03:26 PM
Thanks guys!
CarpetBagger
03-14-2002, 05:58 PM
I definatly support the use of lighter rods for dipsy's. Especially on the small dipsy's. I use an 8'6'' Daiwa Heartland Downrigger rod for my small dipsys and i uses a little heavier one for the bigger dipsys.
CB
luvtotroll
03-14-2002, 08:49 PM
Even with planer boards you want a softer tip. It gives some added action to the boards as the rods bends. I look for rods that have similar action top a good jigging rod. A softer tip with good back bone. I use the Gander Guide Series 8'6" 2 piece trolling rod and have had no trouble pulling everything from a small shallow crank to a board a 3 ounce snap weight and a number 18 Rapala. The rods is only $59 also.
Good luck
Scott
Moose
03-14-2002, 09:14 PM
luvtotroll,
I just bought some from there for $39.00. I hope they are as good as you say they are.:7
luvtotroll
03-15-2002, 03:59 PM
For $39.00 how can you go wrong. I have had mine for two years now and I was on the water just under 100 days last year. My brother and father also use them.
Scott