trolling equipment

[DCE]

Has anyone used the cabelas trolling rod/reel combinations (d10w reels with depthmaster rods) and what is a better overall combination - planer boards or a mast system? thanks for the advice

[gilman911]

I can't speak to the rod/reel setup but I have used the mast system and numerous planer boards. I would strongly suggest using Offshore boards not only because of the convenience but most of all because of the fact that they give you precise control of the distance from the entry point to the lure. Length of line from entry point to lure along with speed and line diameter determines how deep your lure will run.

[BobEaton1]

I have bought 5 rod/reel trolling combo's and sent them all back. The batteries in 3 of them went bad within 1 month and the normal person at home couldn't change one, let alone on the lake if one went bad. The other 2 reels were real noisey and sounded like they were going to fall apart. The drag system on the reel is not smooth and would hang up once in awhile. As far as the rods they are very heavy and the handles are way to big. All these problems happened within a 1 month time period. Cabelas sells great equipment and I buy tons of stuff from them and there customer service is great but I think these rods/reels are junk!
Just my opinion.
Bob
Omaha,NE

[BobEaton1]

I have bought 5 rod/reel trolling combo's and sent them all back. The batteries in 3 of them went bad within 1 month and the normal person at home couldn't change one, let alone on the lake if one went bad. The other 2 reels were real noisey and sounded like they were going to fall apart. The drag system on the reel is not smooth and would hang up once in awhile. As far as the rods they are very heavy and the handles are way to big. All these problems happened within a 1 month time period. Cabelas sells great equipment and I buy tons of stuff from them and there customer service is great but I think these rods/reels are junk!
Just my opinion.
Bob
Omaha,NE

[BobEaton1]

I have bought 5 rod/reel trolling combo's and sent them all back. The batteries in 3 of them went bad within 1 month and the normal person at home couldn't change one, let alone on the lake if one went bad. The other 2 reels were real noisey and sounded like they were going to fall apart. The drag system on the reel is not smooth and would hang up once in awhile. As far as the rods they are very heavy and the handles are wa

[rickt]

I have 4 D10w/depthmaster rod and reel combos. I use them both for trolling walleye and salmon/trout fishing on Lake Michigan. They are used on downriggers, Dipsy Divers and deep divers. They are 5 years old (and the maintenance hasnt been perfect) and have only had one problem. They wont withstand the wife slamming them in the tailgate of our truck. May I also add that in spring and fall they are used constantly. I have been dealing with Cabelas since the 80's and have never had a problem with any of their stuff. Try one and see if you like it. I also use some Okuma line counters and rods and they are equally good and priced about the same. Good luck and Great fishing.

[MIKE K]

The D10W is a good reel I have used them for two years now, they have a manual counter that works well, probably better than the lcd read out type mentioned above. Check out Diowa line counters I run them as well, very nice, but a little more money.

good fishing
Mike

[Airwave(OH)]

I think you'll find after all the post stop comin in that the general consensus will be to do it right the first time and buy the Diawa Line Counters. You will find this topic in previous messages many times. Not saying you can't get by but you'll wish you just went ahead and got the known good ones.

[wawalleye]

I think that if you fish a bunch (high use) or use the reels less often that the average fishermen but on large strong fish (high stress) you will regret not buying Daiwas. If you use the reels frequently on large strong fish your regret will only happen sooner.
I bought the Okumas mentioned above, and the cabelas, and had good service because in my area we don't have cause to use a counter reel all the time for walleye. When I began to use the reels on a regular basis for landlocked chinook I began to regret not buying the daiwas.
Decide what you will use the reels for, how often you will be using them, and buy accordingly.
My .02 worth
Wawalleye