Thread: Question about Trolling Rods and heavy weights

Not wanting to get into an argument about best trolling rods. Simply need some suggestions. I've found a place on Lake Cumberland where the big crappie hangout in the wintertime. The water is 35ft to 45ft deep. I've caught some nice fish there the past three years slow trolling, but it's a fairly large area and the fish are usually scattered, so, I've decided to push jigs there using some 2 oz and 3 oz weights to cover more territory faster. Going to buy a new set of 16 ft trolling rods. Just wondered if some of you jig-pushers would share your thoughts on good rods able to handle that sort of weight. I've got a set of the old 14 ft Wally Marshall's. They handle up to 1 oz pretty well, but not the 2oz and 3oz weights.

Stick to the slow trolling, the fish ain't going to chase a bait in the winter time. As far as best rods for those kind of weights there are tons of them. Southern T series, BnM PST, or Power Trollers, Denalis's etc..

BnM Power Trollers

Thanks for the replies. Have you guys fished with the rods you've mentioned using the heavy weights? I should have mentioned I've got a set of B'n'M PST's 14 ft as well. I'm hoping to hear from folks who use any rods in the 16 ft lengths with the 2 to 3 oz weights and how they like them. Should of made that clearer, sorry.

Originally Posted by kyfishman

I'm hoping to hear from folks who use any rods in the 16 ft lengths with the 2 to 3 oz weights and how they like them. Should of made that clearer, sorry.

I own 16 footers in both Denali and PST's and have used up to 3 ounces on both and they handle the weight well. I like the Denali's better, they are a good all around rod. I've heard great things about the Southern Crappie T series and I own a set of the regulars and they are tough as nails. Never had the chance to fish with the Power Trollers, but the heavier weights is what they were designed for.

I agree with "G" bnm power trollers
. I have not tried pushing jigs with them but I do use them pushing cranks. I run 3 and 4oz. Sinkers on them. They have less bend then pro staff with 2oz. On them. I use 16 footers. I am going to have to disagree with snubby. I dont slow troll anytime of the year. Only have had to slow down a couple of times in 10 years to catch fish. And I probably push jigs faster than anybody. With that being said the one thing you will have to watch out for with the stiff poles is pulling the fish off. I have pulled off lots of big fish at Cumberland pushing. So much I stop using stiff rods pushing jigs.

One thing to think about is that the poled being bowed up does not hurt anything, key is seeing a bite that deep, still have to have a good tip.
I won't say they are the best but I fish Denalis for a reason, I push cranks, minners and longline with them. When pushing I use from 1/4 oz to 3ozs of weight on them. The longer pole will help you a ton when fishing deep and I do know that Rickie at Crappie Depot in Batesville has a good deal on some 18s right now, he is out of 16s. I prefer the 18 myself for fishing that deep.
Disclaimer: This is my opinion, that is all, take it for what it is worth. No affiliation with any pole company, these just work best for me.

Originally Posted by Rees Guide

One thing to think about is that the poled being bowed up does not hurt anything, key is seeing a bite that deep, still have to have a good tip.
I won't say they are the best but I fish Denalis for a reason, I push cranks, minners and longline with them. When pushing I use from 1/4 oz to 3ozs of weight on them. The longer pole will help you a ton when fishing deep and I do know that Rickie at Crappie Depot in Batesville has a good deal on some 18s right now, he is out of 16s. I prefer the 18 myself for fishing that deep.
Disclaimer: This is my opinion, that is all, take it for what it is worth. No affiliation with any pole company, these just work best for me.

Curious... Why the longer poles for deeper water. I was under the impression that longer poles for shallow water to get away from the boat, and deeper water that wasn't much of a factor.

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Originally Posted by Tristan Bladon

Curious... Why the longer poles for deeper water. I was under the impression that longer poles for shallow water to get away from the boat, and deeper water that wasn't much of a factor.

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When fishing deep if you are moving at all, .4 mph or up, the lines will get under the boat pretty good. I find that the longer poles help you stay clear of the trolling motor and it spreads the lines out pretty good too, helping keep down on tangled lines.

I wouldn’t look any further than Southern Crappie T series rods. Best performance, best price and best customer service in the business. Look for SCR163T.


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