Trolling Rod

General musky fishing discussions and questions.

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Slimeball
Posts: 314
Joined: Fri Apr 22, 2005 1:47 am

Trolling Rod

Post by Slimeball »

A question for you zombies out there :wink: . I rarely troll. But may start a little more this fall. I'm looking for a good trolling rod under $150 and a 7 footer so I can keep it in my rod locker. Something that can handle big baits like a Legend perch...

Thanks,
Jason
Kingfisher
Posts: 2473
Joined: Sat Apr 23, 2005 10:45 am
Location: Muskegon, MI
Contact:

Trolling rods

Post by Kingfisher »

Kid Coulson should second this. I have been using the Shakespere Catfish rods. Wallmart $29.99 . They are 7 foot one piece nice guides and reel seat. I put a 30 dx Okuma spooled with 17,20 and 30 lb mono. I can pull any bait up to 10" jakes with them and pull doubles out on Lake St. Claire. The best thing about these rods besides the price is the way they load from the pull of the baits. I like to set them at a 45 degree angle facing the lure. the entire first third of the rod loads and when a fish hits they bend the rest of the way to the handle where the meat is. The results? the best hook sets Ive ever had. They handle big fish very well and last several good years. I just had 4 of them retied with stainless boat guides because I love the blanks so much. Kid Coulson got a pair of them last year. I have heard no complaints. Kingfisher
kid coulson
Posts: 1976
Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2005 11:20 pm
Location: grandville MI

Post by kid coulson »

Slime,
Listen to the King.For 30.00 including tax,Those cat poles provide alota
bang for the buck.
Slimeball
Posts: 314
Joined: Fri Apr 22, 2005 1:47 am

Post by Slimeball »

Thanks, I'll definitely check them out. Great price too!

Jason
Kingfisher
Posts: 2473
Joined: Sat Apr 23, 2005 10:45 am
Location: Muskegon, MI
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Tough is where its at for a trolling rod

Post by Kingfisher »

Another thing about these and any other trolling rod. They get stuffed into rod lockers ,tossed up in the bow when clearing lines(fish on) they take very severe savage hits from fish and snags. I suggested to Michelle that we have some good custom rods tied up for trolling and she about hit me with my net. We are rough on trolling rods and it would be a crime to put expensive ones on my boat. Ugly sticks are very tough rods(durable ) scratches,bent guides, and many other boo boos and Ugly sticks just keep on working. We also use the bigger Ugly stick Tiger Rods to pull our 12 thru 21" cranks. They are a little more money around 60 bucks each but worth every penny. But for most Musky trolling lures 10" and under the Cat rods rule. Walmart has them for 29.99 they are white with black and brown wraps. Kingfisher
pikerule2
Posts: 785
Joined: Mon Nov 21, 2005 1:57 pm
Location: Battle Creek, MI

Post by pikerule2 »

Thanks Kingfisher and Kid C., my first reaction was those Ugly Stik catfish rods which I really like for trolling too, but I wimped out of saying so since they are so cheap to buy I almost feel guilty or something. I also like a 7' heavy Tyger for trolling, seems like it can handle anything but I haven't pulled anything beyond a 13" Grandma with it.
Charlie Williams
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Apr 25, 2005 9:36 am
Location: Grand Ledge, MI

Trolling rods

Post by Charlie Williams »

Another vote for ugly stiks. The tiger rods have solid stainless guides that handle more abuse. No inner shock ring to fail. I also use a couple of Verstex 10' Muskie Specials. (Lakeside Fishing Shop) They are ugly stiks with stainless guides. They do get kicked around alot.
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