All Around Trolling Rods

Matt I have been using Wally Marshall rod since Bass Pro was making them. I now use the Wally Marshall Troll-Tech made by Lews. I use hem them to pull cranks longline and spider-rig with. I have never broken one of these rods unless it was my fault by stepping on it or closing a door on them. But they ain't cheap.

Years ago before there was a term for "spider-rigging" my old dad and his friends caught tons of crappie on cane poles with jury rigged pole holders on Lake Nimrod.

14' vs 16' rods. Obviously the longer rod puts the bait further from the boat, resulting in fewer spooked fish. But, would a begening troller like me be able to handle 16' rods? What about my 6 year old son? I was thinking that I should start off with 14' rods so that we both cold handle them. This purchase is just as much for him as it is for me. Should I even consider getting some 12' rods for him? I know that I fumble around with one 12' jigging pole pretty good by itself. I don't want to get something that will end up being frustrating to the both of us. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by CrappiePro

Matt for spider rigging there is no finer rod than the BnM BGJP 16 footer/with the Chart Tip, Make sure you ask for that or you will get the Plain black tip.... Got to ask What will you feel like doing the most? Pulling cranks/long lining or spider rigging? My guess is spider rigging here in central Arkansas. What does your rod collection look like? Is there some trolling rods you have that could work for cranking and long lining until you can afford to pick up a few PST's.... really only need four to start with to substitute and buy some PST's later or as you can afford. What I am saying is with a short amount of time you could have the best of both worlds, but as already mentioned the PST's are the best choice for both tactics If you just got to have them now. More than one way to skin a crappie. BnM is a company that deserves your Business, when you think about all they have done for our sport. Good Luck Buddy on what ever you decide.

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Good point Russ. I will plan to mostly be spider rigging the local crappie holes in Central AR, with a little long lining on Greers mixed in. I would also like to get into cranking but one step at a time. You have to crawl before you walk (so I have been told anyway).

When fishing with a youth back down to 4 16 footers with a wide spread to help avoid snags, tangles and frustration until you both get comfortable then go to 6 and 8 rods after you get it down and stay away from double rigs for awhile till you both get ust to fighting and landing fish with the long rods. There is always going to be some frustration when spider rigging or heck even single poling...Teach your son to fight through the frustration and fish with the 16 footers. He will get ust to them and you two will be Tourney ready. There is nothing as fun as watching a young'in fight a two pound'er or better on a 16 foot rod. Good STuff

I would recommend go ahead and start with the 16's for 3 reasons 1st. Further from the boat = more bites #2 starting with the 16's once u get use to them u got it if u start with a shorter pole u still have that learning curve move up to 16's later! !!! #3 buying shorter rod then having to by 16's later no sence in buying twice! !!!

Good pointers and suggestions Russ and Jerry!

I am still using 10 and 12 footers for both trolling and spider rigging. I don't have a clue what brand they are but, they were the "bargain" brand when I bought them. Been a while since I have seen them. But, I chose the lengths because I fish from a stick steer. the only time they were damaged was when I let something bounce around on them in transit. I built some transit holders and have eliminated that problem. So, that is another recommendation. Invest in some "in transit" racks. DP

I'm with you Creekslick I really like my Lews rods. The first one I bought was a Wally Marshal Bass Pro rod. Ive had it for about ten years and never a problem.

Matt, Check IM