Trolling rods...........

[Rigs]

What is a good rod for trolling cranks? I'm thinkin' about 7'6" medium action with a light tip to go with my line counter reels. I'll be usin' fireline. Also, would someone please tell me the pros and cons of planerboards.
Thanks
Rigs

[Surgen]

I use Gary Roach 7'10" trolling rods, but they're kind of overkill for trolling in that they're IM6 graphite rods. They're a flipping rod with "Trolling/Planer Board" written on them. I got a good deal on them so I use them. I really like them and would recommend them.

Many people on this board seem to be using Ugly Sticks. I can see where it would be a good choice. Ugly Sticks are tough, inexpensive and usually limber enough to handle trolling with boards. Someone else should be able to give you some specifics.

As for planer boards, the pros are that you can run more lines per side and get your lures away from the boat in shallow water (shallow water is relative). The cons are that you have to fight a fish and a board (inline boards) and you'll have to decide what to do with all the additional fish you'll be catching. :-) Good Luck!

[FJH1]

Rigs, I've used many, many different trolling rods. I'm currently using the St. Croix Pro Glass GT80M. This is a telescoping rod that telescopes down to about 6 1/2'. My rod locker holds 7' rods so this is a perfect size. This is a new rod for St. Croix this year and after several outings I feel this is a winner. The main thing that I llike is the telescoping feature. I always had to break down my 2 piece 8' rods to fit in the locker and it was a tangle fiasco. E-mail me if you have any questions.

Best Regards,

FJH

[captjack]

I just bought some 7'ugly sticks for planer board rods. So far I really like them. They seem indestructible and have a good backbone. I got them at Fleet farm for 27.00 each, so if one breaks I'm not out much.

[chuck]

We have been using ugly sticks, 7 foot med action for over 15 years. Would buy them again if had to start all over.
The reason behide "planer Boards" is to be able to present your lure to the of the boat more. The idea is if your come over a school of fish they will statter side ways and come back to the same area with the boards you are wider than if you just had a fishing rod setting out of the side.
Remeber there is 2 types of Boards Side planners, inline type. (they attach to your fishing line and then "Planner Boards" the ones you tow with the line attached to your boat.
The planner board style you should have a mast which will allow the boards to go out more because the tow line isn't touching the water. Also you will have to have some type of a realse set up. Also once the line is out you will have to bring it back when done, which means a reel or some method to store the tow line.
We have ran both types. We like the planner board style because we don't have any trouble with realese & having to reel in a fish and a board that didn't trip. Also we feel the boards are easy for a rookie fishing person.