Rod/Reel Suggestions

jrstables

Cadet
Joined
Feb 15, 2011
Messages
25
Looking for recommended Rod/Reel combos?? I am new to trolling and will be doing so in local lakes, (Camanche, Amador, etc) for trout in California. I am willing to spend a little money but don;t want to break the bank. Also, what is best to set it up with? Braided line to lead core then to mono for a leader? I will not be using a down rigger at this time. Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks, Jason.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,465
Re: Rod/Reel Suggestions

Ayuh,... I fell in Love with linear rods 10 years ago...
I buy 'em from Cabela's, in the 7' models...
Add a line counter reel, 'n you can always put yer baits back to Exactly where they were workin'...
 

j_k_bisson

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Oct 6, 2010
Messages
1,082
Re: Rod/Reel Suggestions

I'm a daiwa fan. I like the hartland rods and accudepth line counter reels. I use 7'6" medium light rods and 47lc reels. I find the ML rods give for when the fish tries to run so you do not pull the hook out and loose the fish as often. But you loose sensativity. But your not jiging with these rods either.
 

Eyeman

Seaman
Joined
Feb 8, 2011
Messages
71
Re: Rod/Reel Suggestions

I'm also a Diawa reel fan. I own 8 of the line counter models that are under $100 each. I also run the Shakespeare ugly stick's - they are tough and work great for inland trolling (I think they are called "Catfish" rods). Get yourself a couple of yellow planner boards, some Dipsey Divers, some lead core for at least one real (though I find it very difficult to manage, as I use my gear for walleye too). I use all 30# Fireline, it keeps my depths consistent with 12# mono and is really tough. Those are the very basics and should get you started without breaking the bank.
 

ChampionShip

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 18, 2010
Messages
202
Re: Rod/Reel Suggestions

Okuma Convector are a staple for us Great Lakes guys. 30LC and 45LC should take care of up to 10 colors of 27lb lead core. Braid backing is the easiest to manage, but I splice in a piece of 20-30 lb mono between lead and backing for attaching planer boards (we usually run 2-4 boards per side). 20 lb test Pline fluoroclear is the leader I personally use and I attach it to the leadcore with a Willis Knot- same for the mono splice to leadcore on the other end. Mono to braid gets uni to uni knots, be sure to wet the knots and leave them a tad loose till you join the knots together for the final cinching. http://www.chitown-angler.com/1tackle/fishingknots/willisk.pdf http://www.netknots.com/html/double_uni_knot.html
 

1980Coronado

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 8, 2010
Messages
699
Re: Rod/Reel Suggestions

Something to consider....the lead core line is very big in diameter and the resistance through the water keeps it from going as deep as it could. I troll for Northern Pike with Buck Perry Spoon Plugs and I use stainless wire with mono on the last 5' with a steel leader. The wire wont tend to ride higher because it's much smaller in dia...gets deeper without having to use down riggers and planner boards.

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ChampionShip

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 18, 2010
Messages
202
Re: Rod/Reel Suggestions

27lb test lead core will dive to roughly 5' per color (color= 30') with a standard size spoon. Do some research for Torpedo Divers, this might help your application to get down deep with precision.
 

1980Coronado

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 8, 2010
Messages
699
Re: Rod/Reel Suggestions

27lb test lead core will dive to roughly 5' per color (color= 30') with a standard size spoon. Do some research for Torpedo Divers, this might help your application to get down deep with precision.

In my experience, it takes less stainless line out to get to the same depth because it's so much smaller in diameter. You definatley have to watch your backlash though.....it kinks easy...you have to be careful with it. The lead core is easier to load on the reel....stainless can be a pain to load. my .02
 

rolmops

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
5,299
Re: Rod/Reel Suggestions

Leadcore and stainless are different animals.Part of the reason why I use both and in addition 7 stranded copper wire is the different depths in which they are effective.Most fish will flee from a boat and it is important to be able to fish far away from the boat while at the same time being in the strike depth.300 feet of lead core behind the boat will give a different depth range than copper or stainless.If you are using side riggers you can have your line 150 feet off to the side and then you can easily adjust depth range by using a longer or shorter length while still being at a safe distance from the lure.
 

Guthookd

Cadet
Joined
Mar 28, 2011
Messages
15
Re: Rod/Reel Suggestions

I'm new here, but I've been trolling or a while and my advice would be to use your money for the downrigger. I tried divers and lead core when I first started, then, once, I fished someone elses boat and discovered DRs. They are superior, IMO, to weighted line.

With that DR you could just use any spinning rod until you can get an ugly stick or something, with a trolling reel. A "regular" reel will work fine, it's just hard on the drag discs.
 
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