Thread: Reel/Rod combination for long lining

There are a bunch of choices out there, and you usually get what you pay for. You'll probably get several responses recommending several different rods according to their preference. Here is my "opinion".... When it comes to long lining, you will want a rod with some back bone to it and not extremely flimsy at the tip. You don't want a rod that looks like you are dragging a fish on it when there is nothing on it but the jig and jig head. This is just my opinion, but get what you want the first time and be done with it. No need in throwing good $$ away and buying rods that you want be happy with. Personally, I think that Wally Marshall, Crappie Max, BnM PST and Southern Pro are about as good as any rod out there for long lining. My choices might be a little different for pushing. Here is my "preference".... All I fish with is Wally Marshall IM6 rods from 8 ft to 18 ft long. I found that the cheaper rods do not hold up well for long lining and they break too easy. As far as reels go, you can find several makes of decent reels in the $15-$20 range that will work. I just bought some Mitchell Avocet reels from Cabelas for $19 each. Going to try them out for the first time this weekend. I have a few Diawa Sweepfire 1500 and 2500 reels that I have been using for years that were only about $15 when I bought them. I have 8 Browning reels that I bought at BPS in the reconditioned area of the store that I bought for $15 each that are good reels. On the other end of the spectrum, the Pflueger Presidential reel is a very nice reel, but it is a lot more expensive. I think I would be more concerned with getting the right rod than I would the reel. Good Luck!!

I long line with Uncle Bucks Deluxe Crappie Rods...I have yet to break one ( I have broke several B'n M's in hangups) and paired with BPS Tiny lites ( one of the best reels on the market IMHO) they will handle everything from crappie to big cats and Stripers and this setup will not break the bank. I spider rig with B 'n M Black Widow Slow troller rods and Shakespear Microspins.

Heres some GoPro footage of me whooping a big cat I caught while longlining with a Uncle Bucks Crappie Rod and 6lb Mr. Crappie line.

Here's some more footage of the deluxe crappie rod in action...the short rods in the video are Shakespear Microlite Rods

I guess I used the wrong terminology in my post. I said long lining, but I meant the ones that are for the front of the boat (pushing?). I've always called long lining trolling. From what I'm reading, they need to be 12' plus long.
Actually I need both, for the front and the back. LOL just learning the lingo is sometimes a chore for me, but at my age, seems like just about the time I learn it, I'll forget it and call it something else.
I've still got to get the rod holders, but I'm trying to get my boat straightened out first. I guess I'll get rigged up and ready to go before next winter.

The crappie max tightline specials are awesome for pushing...get 14 fters or 16 fters....any small reel will do....you can get el cheapos for $6.00 on ebay or check grizzly jig co. the rods are gonna be expensive...prob run you $500 for 8 of em...ball park... If you want cheaper ones but are real durable...12 ft...(THAT'S AS LONG AS THEY MAKE EM) PINNACLE LIMIT RODS FROM GRIZZLY JIG...$60.00 for 4 of em... I have a bunch of em from 8 ft to 12 ft for customer fishing...have not had one break in 3+ years...and if its lost...broken..smashed...NO BIG LOSS!!!! They are real tip soft though...so anything heavier than a 1/2 oz weight while pushing will really bend that tip down.... Can't beat em for the money...bet Grizzly has sold 15,000 of these things over the years....

I use 16' BnM rods. Never had a issue with them. They have a good back bone to them and the tips are sensitive. For the reel, I use the shimano IX1000. Best little reel for the price ($13 at bass pro) or sometimes you can find them on the internet cheaper. Like TNT said, don't skimp on the rods. Get a good quality rod and then a nice little reel of your choosing.

Southern crappie rods. 12-14 ft.

Originally Posted by doodlebug

I guess I used the wrong terminology in my post. I said long lining, but I meant the ones that are for the front of the boat (pushing?). I've always called long lining trolling. From what I'm reading, they need to be 12' plus long.
Actually I need both, for the front and the back. LOL just learning the lingo is sometimes a chore for me, but at my age, seems like just about the time I learn it, I'll forget it and call it something else.
I've still got to get the rod holders, but I'm trying to get my boat straightened out first. I guess I'll get rigged up and ready to go before next winter.

You talking about spider rigging????? If so, see Cray's post, heck see it anyway, good all around rods and tuff too, price is good too.