Trolling rods "Which one is best"

[JimmyG]

Can anyone sugest a good trolling rod for lead core, boards ect....

[FJH1]

Personally the best rod I've found is the St. Croix Pro Glass model GT80M. It's an 8' rod, medium action, moderate action with a telescoping handle. I've tried lots of different trolling rods and this is the best I've come across. I've been using them for flat line trolling, boards and leadcore. The telescoping handle is nice because unlike other rods I've used these actually fit into my 7' rod lockers. Plus the St. Croix warranty is second to none from my experience. Hope this helps in your search.

Best Regards,

FJH

[REELMAN]

I don't think you can go wrong for the money buying the
P&K trolling rods from Bass Pro. Team them with a Diawa 27LC and you have a great combination.

[Hawgeye]

I have always been told and I agree that spending a bunch of money on a cranking rod is a waste of money. If you are talking long lining, lindy rigging or live bait rigging, then you would want a good quality rod like a G-Loomis, St Croix or the like. If you are pulling cranks, find a good fiberglass or other cheaper relatively stiff rod. I have used Walmart/Kmart specials with a line counter reel and they have worked great.

[Bottomfeeder]

After using lots of rods, I have graduated to Berkley Gary Roach telescoping trolling rods. Not too expensive and a great match with Diawa SG27LC linecounter reels.

Bottomfeeder

[Dunn]

St. Croix GT70M's Pro Glass rods.
It's what I use, and great for planer boards. Nice soft tip, good backbone, and the great durability of St. Croix.
-----------------
Marshall J. Dunn

[Redskin]

I fish Lake Michigan alot and use nothing but Ugly Stiks for trolling. While they don't compare to graphite for sensitivity, thats not a prime requirement for trolling. I'd recommend the 7 ft med action or 7 1/2 med light (for down riggers) ugly stiks. They're very durable and inexpensive at $28 each.

[ss]

A second vote for the Roach trolling rods. They are 7-10s, telescoping, with plenty of backbone for boards. Currently using for leadcore rods also. Another key point is they are reasonably
priced.

[mnjimcarp]

figrigrods.com
kevin is making some really nice trolling rods this year. check them out.

[IaCraig]

I like Cabela's innerline depthmaster (white) rods for about $54. I have a 8'6" medium and a 8'6" heavy action. The medium is a little too whippy for planer boards in waves using deep cranks, but it is my favorite without boards. These rods have flexible tips that make reading strikes while in rod holders easier, plus the bend is real smooth since it doesn't have the eyes.

I'm curious what others think of these.

IaCraig

[Stotch]

LaCraig,
Would appreciate some feed back on the interine rods regarding the following.

- How do these intreline rods affect the line wear or abrasion.
- Do these rods clog up with debri at either opening.
- If useing them for large dipsys do you need to replace the rod tips with a " TWIRLLY TIP" (a flared out spring tip that takes up the shock).
- anything else you can add

Thanks, Stotch.

[Nick(Ia)]

Ditto the GT80M St Croix. I've just rec'd my second set and will continue to buy and use them for boards and longlining. I've also used the GT86M2 which is the downrigger rod. This rod is a great longline rod for superlines, bottombouncers and downriggers but maybe a little too slow for boards. The action/strength to weight ratio of these rods make them extremely attractive.
As a caveat to those who are concerned: I staff St. Croix rods proudly. I begged to get on staff because I love the rods and they were the one piece of gear that I could recommend without any concerns regarding my credibility. There are alot of great rods on the market-pick the gear that's best for you and your fishing. I believe in St. Croix. Good Luck.

[stingerND]

I like the Crankin Stick found in Bass Pro for $50 lots of choices the 7'6" is telescoping with 10 guides. You don't need a expensive rod to put in a holder.

[Goldpig]

You asked for which one is "the best." My opinion would be that the Loomis WTR941C is one of the better rods for the situations you describe.

[water_wolf]

I have 4 of the Walleye Angler trolling rods w/telescopic handles from Bass Pro. Designed by Parsons/Kajvecz. Used them for 2 years pulling inline boards & long lining. Not a bad rod for $59.00

Rich

[Stormsearch]

I am seconding Bottomfeeder's recommendation. I use the same Gary Roach Rods for planer boards, in-lines, flat-lining, and leadcore. They have a great action, telescope and are pretty durable. They have been out for about 7 or so years, but last year they dropped in price down to $50. Not sure if they were clearing out but feel it is a great price. I also stick the same Daiwa's on the rods for all same application including lead core. Good luck.

[4-given]

I have 2 of the white rods. I've used them on downriggers, in-line boards and with small dipsys. I like them.

[One or two]

The Diawa 27 -walleye or single handle? Which do you prefer?

[Dave in Mpls]

Mine came with both. It had the single one on from the factory. I switched it out to the walleye handle, but found that the mechanical advantage (ie distance from the handle to the point where it attached to the reel) was too small for my preference, and I really had to crank to bring in boards and/or deep diving cranks. I have since switched back to the single handle.

Regards

[Doug]

Another nod for the Gary Roach rods. I have tried others and still like the overall performance of these rods. Priced right, telescoping, and excellent action for advanced anglers and for the not-so advanced. It will be difficult for me to find a better trolling rod.

[SLIPKNOT]

Shimano TDR rods are my favorite in the 8ft model. Only $30 and they have the best action and foam handle I have found.

SLIPKNOT

[roc]

I run diawa heartland rods matched with 47lc's. for the price you can't beat 'em. 25-35$.