All Around Trolling Rods

This question is for everyone BUT Nimrod.[emoji12] Everyone knows you only need 2 poles to catch a limit!

I know that this question has been asked and answered probably a million times on this forum, but I will ask it anyway. What are the best all around trolling rods that can be used for spider rigging, longlining, and pulling cranks? I recently bought some used Drift Master rod holders and I want to expand my arsinal. I have done quite a bit of reading on the topic and it seems like everyone has an opinion. I have been looking at 14' B&M BGJPs but they are a little costly (~$360 for 8) and I wasn't sure if they had enough back bone to pull cranks. They seem to be one of the top choices for spider riggers.

Also, what are yalls thought on buying used rods to save money. Is this too much of a gamble?

I'm not sure how much trolling I will be doing, so I don't want to break the bank. If i had the choice, i would rather be verticle jigging all the time (I love that thump!). I just want to have more options when this method isn't working and I want to put my son on some fish.

So what would work best all around that isnt too expensive and why? Thanks!

Matt

I've broken more tips from BNM trolling rods than any other rod I've ever owned, by a far percentage. I also think the tips are too soft. Sure, I can get tips from BNM, which is great, but that just increases the TCO. I sure like these Southern Crappie rods I have, but I can't recall the cost...

FOR ALL KIND OF TROLLING, SPIDERRING, LONGLING AND CRANKS I RECOMMEND THE B N' M PRO STAFF IN 16FT. U CAN ALSO GET A SET OF CAPPS & COLMAN TIPS FOR EVEN MORE SENSITIVE SPIDERRING BUT STILL HAVE PLENTY OF BACKBONE! !!

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Originally Posted by MEATGETTER

FOR ALL KIND OF TROLLING, SPIDERRING, LONGLING AND CRANKS I RECOMMEND THE B N' M PRO STAFF IN 16FT. U CAN ALSO GET A SET OF CAPPS & COLMAN TIPS FOR EVEN MORE SENSITIVE SPIDERRING BUT STILL HAVE PLENTY OF BACKBONE! !!

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Those are even more expensive that the BGJPs! I'm looking for a blend of good rods that aren't too expensive and get the job done. So basically what are the best mid class rods? I know that you get what you pay for. I just don't want to lay down $400 and not use them enough to be worth it.

The BGJP are not strong enough to pull cranks ..That's why the PST are more of a all around rod !! Most fisherman make the same mistake in buying a cheaper rods to start with then they end up upgrading so u actually are buying twice go ahead and buy the best then if u decide trolling is not for u the better quality rods are easier to sell !!! Jmo.!!!! PS. You will be upgrading! !!

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Originally Posted by MEATGETTER

The BGJP are not strong enough to pull cranks ..That's why the PST are more of a all around rod !! Most fisherman make the same mistake in buying a cheaper rods to start with then they end up upgrading so u actually are buying twice go ahead and buy the best then if u decide trolling is not for u the better quality rods are easier to sell !!! Jmo.!!!! PS. You will be upgrading! !!

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I hear ya. I probably just need to save a little more and get what I need to get. Thanks for the advice! I have made this mistake before.

Jerry is right....I done the same thing when I started. I suggest exactly what you are saying, save and get the PST's..... I use Ozark for spider rigging and PST's for cranks. I know everyone don't want 2 sets of rods, but I got tired of going back and forth. But, if I were to go with one set for all, it would be the PST's

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Originally Posted by D10

I hear ya. I probably just need to save a little more and get what I need to get. Thanks for the advice! I have made this mistake before.

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Get you a set of Southern Crappie rods in 14 ft. Toughest rod around and a whole lot cheaper.

:hesaid MEATGETTER, i use the 14' PST got them from Grizzly Jig love um.

Everybody is building a better mouse trap these days. Better/Cheaper is usually NOT true. There are rare exceptions to that rule however. Suzuki Outboards are a prime example. They are the best for less, but that's because they don't spend the huge dollars advertising which You pay for in the overall price.

With that being said, if I buy poles, and I've owned and sold almost every brand at some point in my fishing career, I'm a BnM guy. Their customer service is outstanding, and they have a pole for every situation and style of fishing. If I were going for an all around pole, it would be the PST. If you can get a set of 8 16'ers for 360.00, that's a fair price. Those poles are 40.00 each Dealer Cost. To only make 5.00 per pole, someone is doing you a huge favor. That barely covers freight.

I've heard good reviews on the Southern Crappie rods, and the new Denali's (90.00 each), but I haven't tried either. The Ozark is a really good all around pole, but their customer service is a bit less than desirable. I have a friend that uses the Southern crappie rods to spider rig, but the tip is too soft to pull cranks I was told. He uses the PST's for that, and he recently bought the C&C tips for his PST's, and said it was just like the Southern pole with that tip on it. With a tip change, the PST's are the real deal for ANY trolling situation. That's my choice. I also have the BGJP's, and I love them. Can't pull cranks with them tho.

Save a few more bucks if you can't get the PST's right now Matt. You'll thank yourself for doing that later. After you get them, saving $$$ for a set of C&C tips will give you Everything you'll EVER need to troll, and you'll have a great company to stand behind them for the Long Haul.