Michigan Muskie Alliance

A question for you zombies out there . 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

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

Slime,
Listen to the King.For 30.00 including tax,Those cat poles provide alota
bang for the buck.

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

Jason

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

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.

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.