Trolling Rod Length / Reels

[Dave in Mpls]

This post may go in a couple different directions, so please bear with me!

I am in need of a couple more trolling rods. These rods will be used for pulling cranks (with and without boards) with mono, as well as pulling cranks with leadcore. I have decided to give the P & K Bass Pro trolling rods a shot, particularily since they are currently $20 off. My question is, which length would you suggest - 8' or 8 1/2'. Either (collapsed) will fit in my rod locker, so no problem there. I am currently using a cheapie 8 1/2' fiberglass rod. The one thing I have found with it is that it tends to get a bit tip heavy when I am holding the rod for long periods of time. I'm not sure if I would experience the same effect with the 8 1/2' P & K rods, as they are graphite (IM6), and should be somewhat lighter. I will be teaming these with Daiwa SG27LCs loaded with 10# XT.

As I stated, I would also like to use the same rods for leadcore. Currently, I am considering using Abu Garcia 6500s for this (simply switching out the reels on the rods), however, that will leave me short two reels on muskie outfits. Has anyone tried the Abu Garcia 6600ABs for leadcore? These can be had for 1/2 price (buy one, get one free deal) which would make them about $55/each. Are these basically the same as the 6500s internally? Or, am I better off buying a couple more 6500s for $75/each for leadcore?

Finally, I'm also gonna try one of the 7' P & K bottom bouncer rods for BBs. If anyone has tried these, what is your impression?

Thanks for any recommendations!

Regards

[Paul]

I am interested in hearing opinions regarding these rods as well. Thanks for posting the question, Dave.

[Eyeowa]

I've tried both trolling rods mentioned and I'd buy the 8'6" model if I were you. Both are very good trolling rods for the money, but I feel the longer rod seems to have a better "tip action". They are a "lighter" weight trolling rod in my opinion and can be easily held all day in comfort. I have one of the 6 1/2 ft. bouncer rods also. It is a good rod, but I like to have a slightly heavier tip for the bouncers I use most often. Good Luck.

Eyeowa

[Heye5]

Just got 2 of the 8'6" p&ks with SG27LCWs after info I recieved from a previous post. Rods are really nice and light and the balance point is about 21/2-3" ahead of the reel or right at the bottom end of the fore grip. Nice outfit and like you say, can't beat the price. Heye5

[eyechaser]

Please forgive my ignorance, but, what is the P&K bass pro shops trolling rods? I looked on their web page and could not find them. Thanks for any help.

[Daev in Mpls]

Thanks for the suggestions thus far!

Eyechaser - From the BPS home page, go to "Fishing", then to "Rods Trigger". Scroll all the way to the last item, and you will see "Walleye Angler Signature Series XPS Walleye Trigger Rods". The prices shown ($39 and $49) are $20 off the listed price in the catalog. Not sure if that is a sale price and, if it is, not sure how long it's good for. I had heard they were a good rod for the $$, so they must be a REALLY good rod for the $$ now :)

Regards

[Bottomfeefder]

Eyechaser - Did you find you have enough line capacity using core on 6500's. I used to us them but when I wanted to use 3 colors, I would just barely have enough room. Since I do mostly trolling, I switched to SG27LC's. Although I am still sucking wind from the cost ($89 each) they are the best trolling reels I have ever used. I kept my 6500's, just in case I go Musky hunting some day.

Good Luck
Bottomfeeder

[REELMAN]

I have the 8'6" P&K rod. To me for the money they are one of the finest trolling rods you can buy. I recently purchased the 8 footer and anxiously am waiting to give it a try. Either rod I am sure will work fine for all applications. Personally I would use the 8'6" for the leadcore. Teamed with the Diawa line counter reels you have an unbeatable combo.
On using the 6500 reels for leadcore. They will work fine using a segmented set up. With this I mean a 50 foot leader{or say a 35 foot fire line leader which I have been using lately with good success} 3 colors of leadcore{18 pound} and then 10 pound XT backing or fire line backing. If you are going to be running a full reel of leadcore{10 colors} I would recommend buying something like a PENN 310 GTI or 320.

[Popia]

I would consider another reel than the Diawa 27 line counter for trolling with lead core. Since you can use leadcore that is color coded (new color every 30 ft) you dont need a line counter reel to determine how much line you have out. The Penn reels are excellent for use with leadcore 3 or more colors. Use the Diawa LCG27 with mono or fireline when you need to know the amount of line out.