Trolling rod recommendations?

[Dave]

Hi. I am in the market for some rods. To be used mostly with
planer boards. Small cranks or bottom bouncer/spinner rigs. Something that has enough action so I can feel the fight of a Winnebago walleye. I would prefer cork handles. Two piece or telescopic, doesn't matter. This rod seems to be hard to find.
Any recommendations?

[Slameye]

I would recommend the St Croix Pro-Glass rods. They are light enough to feel the fight and not be too overpowering, yet more than capable for small boards. You can get them in two piece or one, cork or foam handles. If you are not using boards and straight lining, I would not recommend them. They are glass and don't have the sensativity of graphite. I like the GC70M with cork. Good Luck (Retail is about $90.00)

[steve(IL)]

Bass Pro Signature Series 7'6" or 8'6". Soft tips to feel the fight and show lures are running clean when flatlined. Foam handles which don't get chewed up when getting jerked out of the rod holders like cork handles will.

[Gone Again]

Dave
Everyone has an opinion on this subject and it comes down to what feels best for you and how much should you spend? I've tried many different rods of this type. Some cost $35. while others were over $100. Believe me, the more expensive were not the best! I prefer the Walleye Angler Signature Series endorsed by Parsons and Kavajecz and sold by Bass Pro. Graphite, more guides than most (10), a telescoping handle that is not too long and made with foam which takes the wear and tear of rod holders better than cork. Depending on model they only cost $50. Fine rods-but you decide-Tom

[Dave S]

I to have two of Bass Pros Walleye Signature Trolling rods. Come in either 7'6' or 8' 6" lengths and telescope down in length. I really like telescoping rods over 2 piece rods as rod pieces are always together and 7'6" will fit in my shorter rod locker. The trolling rods that I bought as I recall was designed specifically for "Planer Boards". Don't be surprised if rods are on back order as they are a very popular well constructed trolling rod for a good price.

[Eric Olson]

LAST EDITED ON Jan-09-01 AT 08:37AM (CST)[p]I think you guys would agree that there are less personal preferences in the action of the planer bd rods but, more so the handle style (cork, foam). Most like foam because the handles don't to get chewed up by the rod holders. I think you'll find that most rod holder companies, if not all have smoothed out the rough edges.
I prefer cork, the feel seems better (maybe?) The cork also doesn't retain fish slime as well as the foam does.(is that a good thing?)
I use the Shimano Convergence 8'6"mh.
Whatever brands you choose DON'T spend over $79 on a planer bd rod, spend the $'s on the Tattle Flags, Baits, and Hotels.
Good Shoppin'
EO

[ETT]

I agree that there is not one rod that stands above all others. My 2 cents worth is this. Take your time and choose a particular rod, then buy them all alike. Don't try one of these and one of those. Different rods react differently and standardizing really helps you learn how to read the rods and saves allot of confusion & problems. Shortens the learning curve I quess. Good luck and have a ball.

[REELMAN]

The P & K rods from Bass Pro work very well. They aren't overly expensive either.

[Jim Carroll]

I have 12 of the BPS P&K Signature trolling rods and they are excellent. The rods have the right combination of power and tip sensitivity and will handle either mono or superlines. I like their telescoping foam handles- very durable. I use the 8.5's for boards and the 7.5's for flat lining. FYI- the 7.5's retracted measure 76" and the 8.5's are 86". Rod companies should supply this info. There is a foam plug in the handle you can remove and shorten approximately 2" or so if space in your rod locker is a little tight. I've always said this is the best $50 fishing rod you can buy but I see they have raised the price to $60! ##### LOL JC

[TBO/MN]

Try finding those rods on ebay. There is a guy that sells under the name of "gatoraid" that has a great selection of rods, and he has them on ebay. I have bought a couple from him, all name brand rods, at really great prices. Check it out..........
http://listings.ebay.com/aw/listings/newtoday/all/category1495/index.html

Good Fishin'
TBO/MN

[HawkEyeMike]

Another vote for the P&K rods sold by Bass Pro. I own eight of them, and have been happy. Have four to use with dipsies, and four with boards.

[Boatnut]

TBO,
i bought a couple of Eagle Claw rods from this guy and was NOT impressed with them. Look carefully before ya buy!
Mike(boatnut)

[TBO/MN]

I know that buying rods can be tricky, especially on an auction. I have bought a couple of his Aurora spinning rods for my grandsons, and was impressed with the quality of the rods, for the price that I paid. As you know, life is a crap shoot, we just hope we are the shoot"er" rather than the shoot"ee"......hehehe

Good Fishin'
TBO/MN

[FreeByrd]

Dave,
I'd stay with foam handles VS cork because they will hold up better. My preference for mast & ski planar board setup is St.Croix Pro Glass 7' Medium Action. I like the 8'-6" Okuma Medium Action for big dipseys.Whatever rods you choose, I strongly second ETT's suggestion to buy all the same. Makes reading the rods a LOT easier. Learned the hard (expensive) way...
Steve

[Dave]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I have a pair of 8' St. Croix Pro Glass rods now and these are the ones I want to replace. The glass rod is a little heavy/clunky. I also love the feel of cork and am willing to give up some durability. My other rods are Aurora "Kevin Kraft" signature series Pro Team Walleye Rods. These I love and am trying to replicate. I got them second hand and am not sure if they are made anymore. Thanks for the help.