Does anyone on here use 12' trolling rods?

**duck38866** · 02-13-2012, 07:12 PM

It looks like the overwhelming majority on here use 14' and longer. The 12' rods look easier to handle to me. Is there a reason most of you like the 14' and longer rods?
Also, what size weights should I use for a 12' or 14' rod? I know the depth someone is fishing has alot to do with it, but I've heard you don't want to put too much weight on there because your rod tips will drag in the water.
I know I've asked alot of questions lately and thanks to all who have answered. This spider riggin is new to me. I have been a single poler all my life and am just wanting to give this thing a whirl.

**tritonman** · 02-13-2012, 07:25 PM

duck, not that this is the right way by any means, but I like the 12 footers myself. I do use 14 straight out the front but the others are 12.

**MEATGETTER** · 02-13-2012, 07:26 PM

i use 14 ft. c&c, mostly minners. most always use 1/2 oz bass cast sinker on the end of my rig with 2 hooks above. i use longer poles to get futher from the boat and most of the time i am not fishing deeper than my pole!!

**"G"** · 02-13-2012, 07:35 PM

I used to use 12 footers.....thought they were easier to handle. I have since switched to 14 footers.... the extra two feet away from the boat does make a difference. I use a single jig rig and use a half oz. egg sinker about a foot above my jig.....just loop the line through the egg sinker 3 or 4 wraps and it holds it in place.

**feelay** · 02-13-2012, 07:43 PM

Caught thousands of fish on 12'ers in the past, but I have gone to 14's.

**1MoreCrappie** · 02-13-2012, 07:48 PM

I thought I would add my views on the 12' poles. I prefer them unless the fish are easily scared by the boat due to very clear water, The 12' poles are nice because when your fishing in shallow depths of 8 feet or less you simply have to lift the rod, take the fish off and drop the hook back in, no need to reel the fish in which is nice because your not wasting time resetting the depth of your hook each time you catch a fish. But again it depends on how clear the water is, here most lakes are muddy from the red clay in the area so you can't scare fish until the boat's almost on top of them. The longer rods are harder to handle inside the boat as well if you break off or get lines tangled together catching a catfish while spider rigging.
Probably best you try a couple 12 footers then make up your own mind if you can handle 4, 6 or even 8 of them at once with multiple fish on at the same time.
That's what we all like to call fun fishing, good question duck.

**Handicrappie** · 02-13-2012, 08:22 PM

Started with 12's and moved to 14's. The 12's are easier to handle but once you get used to the 14's they are no problem. Good luck and you won't go wrong with either choice.

**talltimber** · 02-13-2012, 09:22 PM

I use 12'ers too. I can see the advantage of longer poles. Right now, the increase in aggravation doesn't outweigh the spooked fish or two.

**mobenzowner** · 02-14-2012, 09:26 AM

I have used 12's exclusively, but considering adding a couple 14's to the bag of tricks.

**Wannabe...** · 02-14-2012, 09:33 AM

12s easier to handle, 14s or 16s are manageable with baitcasters by hitting thumb release and letting line out as you raise the rod tips. Never used a 20 footer, but I'm sure they can be made manageable in the same way, although more or a handful.

Point is further from the boat. Doubt it makes much a difference at all 90% of the time, but that 10% it prolly makes all the difference in the world..such as clear water or spring time shallow water.

12s are fine for the most part. If they weren't, you wouldn't see anything but 20' poles in the catalogues.

Wannabe...

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Does anyone on here use 12' trolling rods?

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