I have some 7ft medium heavy and a couple of heavy bass rods. All we did last summer was put 2 poles out, 1 out each side of our jon boats. I would love to get some rod holders and have been reading about planer boards, at the same time I am trying to stock up on a few cranks, I dont think my checkbook is gonna allow me to do much. Maybe someone who actually knows what they are doin will help you out, If I had the money I would be looking at some trolling rods and asking the same questions has you