Longline Trolling rod in hand

[alumalunker]

I long line troll a lot in the early spring with shad raps, flicker shad, huskey jerks, etc. I've been using my 6'6 st.criox avid jig rod. I'd like to get a rod and reel speicial for longlining that wont break the bank. What line should I get currently running 14lbs fireline.

What do you suggest?

Thanks

[rabbit]

Need some more info. Sounds like you are trolling a spinning reel and rod combo/ do you want to go to a trolling or baitcasting rod and reel combo? Whichever you choose you will want to balance your system seeing as how you are not using a rod holder and keeping it as lite as possible. Shimano has a durable baitcasting-trolling rod I believe called a Solara?,teamed up with a baitcasting reel should do the trick. It's hard to go from a spinning reel to a baitcasting levelwind though! if you want to stick with a spinning rod and reel check out fenwick or Berkleys...You will get more replies from others, but post exactly what you want your set-up to be and you will get expert advice from this board...Paul

[alumalunker]

yes currently I'm using a spinning reel with a 6'6 medium avid rod. I'm open to baitcasting or spinning. I should mention that I have trolling reels with linecounters which are my board rods. I am fishing a shallow river most of my trolling will be done in 5 to 10ft so a good cast will get you on bottom. If i get into 15ft linecounters come out. So should i stick with a spinning rod or baitcaster? Unless you think im better off just using my board rods?

[JOHN L. HECKLSMILLER]

Go to the "Strictly Fishing" forum & look-up "Filling a new line counter", dated 12/15/09. Scroll down to post #6 & I explain the basics of my "Longlining" equipment. I use 6 & 6 1/2ft baitcasting style rods with a medium fast tip. I fished the 2003 PWT as an amatuer & was introduced to "longlining" by Gary Parsons. I've been "Hooked" ever since!! I'm sure you will have multiple suggestions from the group. Experiment!

[chamookman]

The set-up I use for for a hand held, is a 7' St. Croix Premier crankbait rod teamed with a Cabela's Tounament ZX low profile baitcaster filled with 14 lb. Fireline. Works very well ! C-man

[Chad]

It is nice to get set ups that serve double duty. I would look into something that you can also use for bouncing. 7' M Fenwick HMX and a baitcaster w/ flipping switch. Line is certainly personal preference but your 14lb will work fine.

[Phil T]

Consider a rod with a long butt. You can tuck the butt along your ribs, reducing the strain on your wrist. Trolling rods don't need to be expensive high modulus graphite, and if you troll in snag-filled water, the tougher composites may last longer. Graphite can be brittle.
I use cheap tubular glass downrigger rods or composite flippin' sticks.

[Unioneyezed]

take a look at the 6.5' and 7' uglystick lites paired with an okuma 20 linecounter very inexpensive way to go and has held up nicely to erie eyes.

[alumalunker]

Alright so after doing alittle research I am looking at the BPS walleye angler series 7ft bouncer rod handles lures 1/2-2oz and medium power. The reel has a 6:4:1 gear ratio and handles 120yards of 12lbs. And runs $130. Yea or Nah?

[ColumbiaR]

I have heard good things about the BBS Walleye series rods. The combo you are looking at probably has the reel with the flipping switch which would be good for bottom bouncing. But a line counter would probably be better for trolling. Also I have seen these rods go on big sales before so it might be worth waiting a bit.