What Rod Blank Specs for Trolling Rod

[DocDug]

I live in Pensacola Florida and I'm looking for a rod blank to serve a dual purpose. I want to use it down here for trolling or live bait fishing for Grouper, Tarpon, Wahoo, King Macs, & etc. Then I want to use it for live bait and trolling on my annual trip to Minnesota and/or Canada to fish for Muskie. Gator Rods has a fiberglass blank that is 8' long, 1 piece, 20-50# line, MOD action, 14 tip, & .955 Butt. I'd appreciate comments and other blank recommendations with at least model numbers. I'm not locked in to fiberglass but I do want a MOD action or MOD-FAST. I'm going to match the rod to a PENN 321GT2 level wind that with the right drag stack I should be able to get to 20-25# of drag. Thanks in advance for any and all comments.

[KraTToR]

Originally Posted by DocDug

I live in Pensacola Florida and I'm looking for a rod blank to serve a dual purpose. I want to use it down here for trolling or live bait fishing for Grouper, Tarpon, Wahoo, King Macs, & etc. Then I want to use it for live bait and trolling on my annual trip to Minnesota and/or Canada to fish for Muskie. Gator Rods has a fiberglass blank that is 8' long, 1 piece, 20-50# line, MOD action, 14 tip, & .955 Butt. I'd appreciate comments and other blank recommendations with at least model numbers. I'm not locked in to fiberglass but I do want a MOD action or MOD-FAST. I'm going to match the rod to a PENN 321GT2 level wind that with the right drag stack I should be able to get to 20-25# of drag. Thanks in advance for any and all comments.

Both St Croix and Fenwick make glass rods that will fit this application. Although you may want something with a fast/x fast action for deep sea jigging.

Last year I found Fenwick Elite Tech Muskie trolling rods (obsolete, replaced by the predator series) for $60. Can't go wrong if you can locate one. Then p/u a Shimano Terez Waxwing for your salt water jigging and live bait application (use the same reel).

[zeebee]

Thorne Bros will make you an 8'6" trolling rod based on an E series blank. I dont own one, buddy does and its an exceptional rod. I do have the two piece Fenwick Predator rod....great for travelling. It too is mod action and will handle hard pullers like 12" headlocks with no issue. The predator can be had for around $100 making it a great value rod.

[tewwbulltom]

Fiberglass boat rod. Your looking for trouble with anything else. Your inshore should work fine. A rod with no bend will shatter on a strong hit or break with a snag. My biggest came on salmon $40 rod 57 rod. You can land 30# salmon. 30# mono w wire leader. Again you need a shock absorber