trolling rod suggestions

[mattttt25]

i'm looking for suggestions on trolling rods to be used for striper...<br /><br />i received soem nice, high-end reels for a gift- four shimano ld200 charter specials. awesome reels, expensive, etc. i want to match them to decent rods.<br /><br />based on my current rods, i think i'm looking at 6 - 7' length, medium-heavy action, etc. something that sits well and can be managed around the boat when a strike hits.<br /><br />i was looking at the penn long beach rods, but they sell for so cheap- i can get them new on ebay for less than $20 a pop, and at other places for around $25. seems kind of cheap for a penn reel. opinions?

 

[dingbat]

Re: trolling rod suggestions

Matt,<br />The Penn Senator, Penn Mariner, and the Ugly Stick BWB1140 66 are pretty typical of the rods used for trolling the Bay. I run nothing but 4/0 stuff but you can get by with 3/0 equipment if you prefer. Just keep in mind that you will be under gunned when the big boys show up. <br /><br />You may also what to think about your reel. While the Charter Special is a fine reel, it’s only a 20 lb. reel which is a little on the light side for Bay duty. I certainly wouldn’t try and pull umbrellas with it and you could get into trouble with it if bubba decided to show up. <br /><br />I’m running all 6' customs now but before I moved over to the dark side my favorite combo was a 4/0 Penn Senator paired up with a Penn 330 GTi spooled up with 40 lb. mono. That combo will do just about anything you need to do in the Bay.

 

[myotherjob2]

Re: trolling rod suggestions

I use a Penn peer stick but wish I had a Daiwa Beefstick or any rod with a medium action.It hurts,so next time I will match the rod say medium/heavy to my reel utilizing their recommendations printed on the rod and reel.I wish I had roller tips for trolling too.Also wish I had gimbels-that little cross to keep the rod in my holders and a better rubber grip/bottom for cushion.Oh well I'm learning...

 

[Capt.Skid]

Re: trolling rod suggestions

Matt, my suggestion is set up your outfit to what is comfortable to you. You can easily go overboard with too heavier gear. Ive been fishing<br />the CBBT and waters off Va.Beach for the last 25yrs. Wire-lineing,jigging,live-baiting and plug trolling with Tomics and Mo-Jos. I use Penn 320GTIs down to 501-peen Jigmasters. Remember its still a sport. What fun is it to use a block and tackle on 30-40 lb. fish?<br />Capt.Skid

 

[rolmops]

Re: trolling rod suggestions

I use a Penn jig master 500 for wire line jigging and a 330 for blues.Remember though.It is neither the rod nor the reel.It is you.