Downrigger rod recommnedations

[hewesfisher]

My turn to ask a DR related question. We fish inland waters exclusively, and use our DRs primarily on Lake Roosevelt for trout and silvers during hot weather. I'm not real happy with the rods we currently use, and IMO, feel they are too short and have too much backbone for the fish we're chasing. I know there is supposed to be a good bend in the rod when using the DR and I can never get a good bend without tripping the release.

I'd like those of you with all this DR experience to share some of it with me so I can select the best rods for the species we chase - length, action, power, etc. I use Daiwa Sealine line counter reels on my trolling rods, whether surface troll or on the downrigger. My current DR rods are on my boat which is parked in my shop. I'll have to post the rod info later.

[Dave]

I use Shakespeare Ugly Stick light weight rods (up to 20 pound test line) for salmon fishing and use them exclusively with my down riggers. I find they are the perfect rod for this application. They have a great bend, they won't break, they are inexpensive, and you can feel the fish very well during the fight. They are great all around rods. Mine are 8' 6" in length and I use the Penn GT Level Wind reels with them. Great set up that is inexpensive, durable, and produces a solid performance.

[fishingmachine]

i prefer a 10'6 rod as you can get a better bend on the rod in the rigger for when the fish strike
Provides a lot of pressure on the fish

[Dave]

i prefer a 10'6 rod as you can get a better bend on the rod in the rigger for when the fish strike
Provides a lot of pressure on the fish

I agree.

[G-Man]

I reviewed a few rods last year on this site here is the link.

KokaneeTrout-Rod-Reviews

I'd go with the Daiwa rods for your fishery. The Heartland model has brought 8+ pound sockeye to the boat and for the price you can't beat it. The ultra light model can now be bought for about the same price and is just a blast to bring in fish with. Get one of each and try them out. The Heartland rods get the most of the action these days, trout, walleye and even pinks! If the fish are smaller I go with the spinmatic.

Also, the mini Scotty is a must have. It has two tension settings and works like a charm. There is a current thread on downrigger braided vs ss that shows how the tension is adjusted. Any questions just shoot them to me.

[fishing collector]

Fetha Styks Rods 8-6 t0 9-6..... One of the best graphite DR rods......Other than that I always liked Fenwick Fiberglass rods for DownRigging 8-6 to 9-6. Lots less chance of breaking these. You have to look for them on ebay. I don't think they make them any more. Try a Shimano Talora rod 9-6 for freshwater downrigging and planer board fishing. Good luck on your search.

[hewesfisher]

Great info! I checked the rods we currently use and one is an Abu Garcia Olympian Salmon/Steelhead rod 8' 6" MH and the other is a Berkley Air IM7 also 8' 6" and a MH casting rod. I like that rod a lot, but neither are really right for trolling on the DRs.

I think I'll check out the Daiwas and see how they play out. At their price I really can't lose.

[hewesfisher]

Wow, those Daiwa rods were hard to find, but I found 9 of them and bought 2. I wasn't aware of the fact that Daiwa had discontinued the kokanee special! If anyone else wants any I can give you the source info. :bball:

[mav186]

GREAT info G-Man...thanks Hewes for the thread! Those are exactly the type of rods I look for.

[hewesfisher]

Here's where I got mine at, $34.95ea and there are 7 left.

[Anonymous]

Hey, that's where I got my two! Gotta love E-Bay! Here's a pic of what you can expect those rods to look like when you load them up on your downrigger, it's a beautiful sight.

[hewesfisher]

Now that's a good bend!!!!