Trolling Rods

I’m a single pole guy so I’m new to spider rigging I just ordered some Jenko Slab city 12’ trolling rods. There’s a lot of different company’s out there and rods ranging from 10’ to 16’. What is a all around good length or does it really even matter!? Also what are the better types of trolling rods?!


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Depends on the layout of the bow of your boat, and if you intend to fish other ways besides "just" Spider Rigging ... IMHO

I think the general population uses 14' rods as the "all around good length".

Be careful when getting "trolling rods" to Spider Rig with ... as they may have stiffer tips & not be limber enough to show lite bites. Take for instance my 14' rods ... one BnM PST and two BnM Capps/Coleman rods: 1/2oz weight = about the same tip bend -- 1.5oz weight and the more limber tipped Capps/Coleman rods will bend down farther. That's what I mean by the "trolling rods" comment, since PST means Pro Staff Trolling ... and are meant for trolling with heavy weights. The Capps/Coleman rods, on the other hand, are signature rods from tourney pros that primarily use the Spider Rigging technique.

By "better types" of trolling rods I will have to assume you're actually asking about "brands" ... and you're right, there are many to choose from. And on that, I will only say that you will get many different answers as to which one is "better/best". Jenko, ACC Crappie Stix, BnM, Ozark, and Southern Crappie rods are the name brands most often discussed. I've only used BnM long poles, so I have no way to compare & therefore recommend another brand. And I don't actually "Spider Rig" ... I "push" jigs & cranks or cast jigs, depending on the lake and/or time of year.

Thanks for the reply I appreciate it!! I’ve heard good things about Bnm and jenko I figured it would be a good to start out with. It’ll be a learning curve that’s for sure. I’ve always did the single pole casting away. I’m just wanting to learn a new technique for some of the lakes I fish...


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Another thing to think about is dirty water you can use shorter rods clearer water use longer rods.

Good thinking Makes sense!!


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You take those 12's and go fishing. Much more forgiving for someone just starting out. Learn about rigging and how to handle fish. Then later you can graduate to longer rods if you feel it's necessary. I now fish 14's but still have 3 sets of 12's.that have caught a lot of fish.

Ya I figured 12’ would be good to start out with. Just gotta get out on the lake!! Another week and I’ll let them poles eat!!


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I started with B&M 12 PST’s I have 14’ Southerner Crappie rods and 16’ jenko power trolling rods I tried some Denalis didn’t care for them myself It’s like ford vs Chevy vs dodge Depends on your style and since your new you don’t know what that is yet. You made a good choice to start out like Cray said


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