Rod for use as deadstick?

[Lindy Rig]

I like to drag a lindyrig as a deadstick. I am looking for a 7' to 7.5' with a light to medium action. What do you recommend?

[TBO/MN]

This isn't what you are looking for, but consider it. I was looking for a good deadstick a couple of years ago, and posted it on WC. I got a bunch of replys and considered all of them, but tried something different. I build all of my own rods, so I built a 9 foot #7-8 line weight spinning rod. Now what is a #7-8 line weight spinning rod???? A spinning rod made with a #7-8 line weight fly blank. Now mind you, I just did it to try it, but this is the greatest deadstick possible. Lots of flex, yet some backbone. I use circle hooks on the deadstick with split shot, so no real hookset is necessary, and the fight is great. I made this rod with a St. Croix blank, but that wouldn't be needed. I would guess you could have one made up for about $60-$80..still a great price for a super deadstick.

Just something to consider.....
Good Fishin'
TBO/MN

[Phil T.]

How about a cheap fiberglass downrigger rod? Soft tip, strong butt, and very hard to break if the sinker gets snagged.

[Grampa_Joe]

I run the same thing for deadstick rods. 9' flyrods. I'm not sure what weight I use, I just went and picked out a blank that felt right and had the guys at Thorne Bros build it into a spinning rod for me. I'm sure they have what weight blank I used in my file.
One thing TBO didn't mention was that a flyrod has almost no sensitivity. If you can't feel them, they can't feel you! You know those days on Mille Lacs when the fish pick up your bait, you feel them, then they drop it time after time? That's when the deadstick comes out to play. I just put the rod in the holder and watch the tip. Circle hooks are a perfect choice for this rig.

-Joe Carlson

[SUPERTROLLER]

Sounds like a job for the Ugly Stik. I own several and think this is the perfect spot to use them.

[Big Fin]

I do a lot of deadsticking. The best thing I have found are steelhead rods 8'-10'. G. Loomis makes great ones, but a very spendy. I have just ordered two "walleye deadsticks" from Bass Pro Shop designed by P/K. I am excited to see how they work.

My experience says the softer the better. Also, try a kahle or circle hook on your deadstick. It is amazing what a difference it makes.

Happy fishing!

[REW]

joe,
I 2nd your comment on the flyrods. Yes, I have seen exactly the situation that you speak of on Mille Lacs. Lots of light bites - but no fish in the boats - except for the fellow withe the 9 foot fly rod - that doesn't let the fish feel the weight of the rod. It works great.

Take Care

REW

[Heye5]

For 49.95 you might check out the Zander/Walleye rod from Cabelas. 9 ft. 2 piece rated for 2-8 pound line and 1/16 to 3/8 lures. Advertised as "finesse with fis fighting power". I picked one up a couple weeks ago and put a Shimano 250 baitrunner on it. Feels like it will be great for the job. Now, COME ON SPRING!

[Rapala-Dude]

I bought two of the deadsticks from bass pro last year and they were great. They also make a great liteweight trolling rod for spiners with lindy no snagg weights. I caught an eight pounder with one last year.

[HONEST DON]

I AS WELL AS THE GUYS I FISH WITH HAVE HAD A LOT OF LUCK WITH THE FOLLOWING SET UP. PURCHASE A CRAPPIE ROD WITH GUIDES AND REEL SEATS, MINE WAS PURCHASED FROM BASS PRO FOR AROUND $15.00, IN THE LENGHTH THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO USE. I RUN A 10 FOOT WITH A GOOD QUALITY REEL AND LINE. RIG THIS WITH A LIVE BAIT SET UP AND PLACE IN A RODHOLDER. THIS IS A DEADLY SETUP ON MISSOURI RIVER WALLEYES IN SD. THE BEST THING ABOUT THIS SET UP IS ITS CHEAP. HOPE THIS HELPS YOU OUT AND GOOD LUCK.

[James]

I have already purchased a 9' "noodle rod" that I plan to use for crappies and deadsticking a lindy rig with circle hooks. The question I have is what to do in case of a snag. I have a Shimano Symmetry, so do I leave the drag really light, or do I simply have to pay more attention.

BTW. I just purchase my first "major" boat, I bought a 1800 Lund Pro V. I am so excited, I simply cannot wait for soft water.

[James]

I have already purchased a 9' "noodle rod" that I plan to use for crappies and deadsticking a lindy rig with circle hooks. The question I have is what to do in case of a snag. I have a Shimano Symmetry, so do I leave the drag really light, or do I simply have to pay more attention.

BTW. I just purchase my first "major" boat, I bought a 1800 Lund Pro V. I am so excited, I simply cannot wait for soft water.

[Sammy]

When you guys say deadsticking is this your second line and you just let it drag a lindy rig on the bottom and you just watch the tip? Not familiar with it and would like a little more info.
Thanks

[HONEST DON]

AS I MENTIONED EARLIER THIS IS A GREAT SET UP. I RUN MINE FROM A BOW MOUNT ROD HOLDER AND JIG WITH A SECOND ROD. A LITTLE PRACTICE AND YOU WILL NOTICE IF YOU HAVE A FISH ON OR A POSSIBLE SNAG. IN EITHER CASE SIMPLY OPEN THE BAIL WHICH GIVES YOU TIME TO REEL IN YOUR JIG ROD AND THEN CONCENTRATE ON THE DEAD ROD. THE NEAT THING ABOUT THE CRAPPIE ROD/LIVE BAIT RIG IS THAT IS VERY FORGIVING. WHAT I MEAN IS THAT IF YOU SNAG YOU WILL FIND THAT MANY TIMES THE LIMP ROD WILL PULL IT SELF FREE. I ALSO USE A VERY INEXPENSIVE LIVE BAIT RIG WHICH CONSISTS OF A EGG SINKER, SWIVEL,LEADER OF APPX 4 FEET,A SINGLE BEAD, AND A RAZOR SHARP HOOK. HOPE THAT THIS ANSWERS SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS.