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.

FYI--- The tip change from PST tip to the C&C tip only works on the PST 16' model.

I do NOT recommend the B&M pro staff trolling rods, they will not break but they have far too much bend in them, my 14 foot Lews Trolling rods actually stick out further than the 16 foot B&Ms once the weigh is on them. I do however use a 3 ounce weight which is different from some.

Not a BnM fan either, use Southern Crappie Rods and have been well pleased with them and yes they will pull cranks, stuck a couple of 14s in my line up last summer and they worked well.
There is no perfect combo, pile of PSTs sold every year and they do the job well I just don't like having to replace tips all the time, gave my last one (had a broke tip section) away not long ago.
Get in the boat with folks that have different rods and figure it out for yourself, everyones preference is different.

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Originally Posted by coachcrappie870

I do NOT recommend the B&M pro staff trolling rods, they will not break but they have far too much bend in them, my 14 foot Lews Trolling rods actually stick out further than the 16 foot B&Ms once the weigh is on them. I do however use a 3 ounce weight which is different from some.

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The Lew's pole is similar to the Crappiemaxx rod. I use the Crappiemaxx for power trolling 3oz weights. I haven't use my PST's for that yet, but I'm going to. I've heard the PST's do have more bend with that amount of weight on them.

I agree with Meatgetter. Save the money and buy the Trolling rods. They are great and you will probably regret going cheaper in the long run. The trolling rods will last you for many years to come and are rugged enough to take the punishment we typically put our gear through. Also they make a good vertical jigging rod as well. You want plenty of backbone jerk a 2 pound slob to top of water and a soft tip to detect light bites on those tough days. Good advice would be save another month and buy the trolling rods. Good luck and live for the thump.

I know they're cheap but my pinnacle limit 12 footers work just fine for me. Think they were $60 for 4! Lol. Heck at that price if they do break I'm not gonna get feelings hurt.

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Originally Posted by slabcrazy

I know they're cheap but my pinnacle limit 12 footers work just fine for me. Think they were $60 for 4! Lol. Heck at that price if they do break I'm not gonna get feelings hurt.

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Im like you haha im to cheap to buy more expensive rods. I have 4 pinnacle 12 footers and 4 west point 12 footers and they do fine spider rigging or pulling cranks! Its all in personal preferance on what rod you like.

I'm glad you posted this. Good to read some different opinions about them. I'm about to invest some money into some rods myself

I love my 14 ft southern crappie rods. And if your looking for something a little stiffer Ed has come out with a stiffer version to handle 2oz of weight this year.

Matt for spider rigging there is no finer rod than the BnM BGJP 16 footer/with the Chart Tip, Make sure you ask for that or you will get the Plain black tip.... Got to ask What will you feel like doing the most? Pulling cranks/long lining or spider rigging? My guess is spider rigging here in central Arkansas. What does your rod collection look like? Is there some trolling rods you have that could work for cranking and long lining until you can afford to pick up a few PST's.... really only need four to start with to substitute and buy some PST's later or as you can afford. What I am saying is with a short amount of time you could have the best of both worlds, but as already mentioned the PST's are the best choice for both tactics If you just got to have them now. More than one way to skin a crappie. BnM is a company that deserves your Business, when you think about all they have done for our sport. Good Luck Buddy on what ever you decide.

Matt I have been using Wally Marshall rod since Bass Pro was making them. I now use the Wally Marshall Troll-Tech made by Lews. I use hem them to pull cranks longline and spider-rig with. I have never broken one of these rods unless it was my fault by stepping on it or closing a door on them. But they ain't cheap.

Years ago before there was a term for "spider-rigging" my old dad and his friends caught tons of crappie on cane poles with jury rigged pole holders on Lake Nimrod.

14' vs 16' rods. Obviously the longer rod puts the bait further from the boat, resulting in fewer spooked fish. But, would a begening troller like me be able to handle 16' rods? What about my 6 year old son? I was thinking that I should start off with 14' rods so that we both cold handle them. This purchase is just as much for him as it is for me. Should I even consider getting some 12' rods for him? I know that I fumble around with one 12' jigging pole pretty good by itself. I don't want to get something that will end up being frustrating to the both of us. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by CrappiePro

Matt for spider rigging there is no finer rod than the BnM BGJP 16 footer/with the Chart Tip, Make sure you ask for that or you will get the Plain black tip.... Got to ask What will you feel like doing the most? Pulling cranks/long lining or spider rigging? My guess is spider rigging here in central Arkansas. What does your rod collection look like? Is there some trolling rods you have that could work for cranking and long lining until you can afford to pick up a few PST's.... really only need four to start with to substitute and buy some PST's later or as you can afford. What I am saying is with a short amount of time you could have the best of both worlds, but as already mentioned the PST's are the best choice for both tactics If you just got to have them now. More than one way to skin a crappie. BnM is a company that deserves your Business, when you think about all they have done for our sport. Good Luck Buddy on what ever you decide.

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Good point Russ. I will plan to mostly be spider rigging the local crappie holes in Central AR, with a little long lining on Greers mixed in. I would also like to get into cranking but one step at a time. You have to crawl before you walk (so I have been told anyway).

When fishing with a youth back down to 4 16 footers with a wide spread to help avoid snags, tangles and frustration until you both get comfortable then go to 6 and 8 rods after you get it down and stay away from double rigs for awhile till you both get ust to fighting and landing fish with the long rods. There is always going to be some frustration when spider rigging or heck even single poling...Teach your son to fight through the frustration and fish with the 16 footers. He will get ust to them and you two will be Tourney ready. There is nothing as fun as watching a young'in fight a two pound'er or better on a 16 foot rod. Good STuff

I would recommend go ahead and start with the 16's for 3 reasons 1st. Further from the boat = more bites #2 starting with the 16's once u get use to them u got it if u start with a shorter pole u still have that learning curve move up to 16's later! !!! #3 buying shorter rod then having to by 16's later no sence in buying twice! !!!

Good pointers and suggestions Russ and Jerry!

I am still using 10 and 12 footers for both trolling and spider rigging. I don't have a clue what brand they are but, they were the "bargain" brand when I bought them. Been a while since I have seen them. But, I chose the lengths because I fish from a stick steer. the only time they were damaged was when I let something bounce around on them in transit. I built some transit holders and have eliminated that problem. So, that is another recommendation. Invest in some "in transit" racks. DP

I'm with you Creekslick I really like my Lews rods. The first one I bought was a Wally Marshal Bass Pro rod. Ive had it for about ten years and never a problem.

Matt, Check IM

Have any of you guys used the BnM black widow rods? That could be an option to get started

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Originally Posted by MEATGETTER

I would recommend go ahead and start with the 16's for 3 reasons 1st. Further from the boat = more bites #2 starting with the 16's once u get use to them u got it if u start with a shorter pole u still have that learning curve move up to 16's later! !!! #3 buying shorter rod then having to by 16's later no sence in buying twice! !!!

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Agree fishing father from boat equals more bites! I started with 10 then went to 12 and currently at 14 foot BNM PST's! Your fishing in front of that trolling motor! Do the math.

I've pulled cranks with 2oz weights ahead of them, using 14' collapsible rods (a buddy's rods) and had no problems with them. I push jigs with 1/2oz - 3/4oz weights on BnM PST's & Capps & Coleman 14' rods (& have pulled cranks with them) ... and the Capps/Coleman rod is just a tad bit softer in the tip.

That being said ... if the Southern Crappie rods are as good as the people that own them say they are ... they'd be worth a serious look IMHO. Their 14' rods are in the $45/ea range, where the BnM 14' rods (like I have) are closer to the $75/ea range (thru BnM) .... but, can be had thru Grizzly Jigs at the $45/ea range (if you buy 3).

All three fishing methods can be done with "off brand" rods, at a cheaper cost ... but, if it were my money, I'd just buy fewer quality rods to start with, then add to them as the budget allowed. I'm currently pushing jigs with just three 14' rods & one 10' rod (sometimes). I'm relatively new to the long rod fishing methods, myself, and not ready to put down my jig casting rods ... so I'm waiting until I get more water time with the long rods, before I commit to adding more of them to my spread.

Cheapest way I know of to get the BnM PST's or C/C rods ... is to know someone that fishes the CUSA tournaments, and have them purchase them for you at the sponsor's booths, prior to the tourney. The only other way to get them cheaper than that ... is to win them at one of the Crappie Camps or get togethers put on by site members.

Used rods "can" be purchased from the Classifieds forums. I've purchased a DI unit, rod holders, and several reels from members ... all good deals & in good condition (as advertised). Can't say about the rods, as I've not made such a purchase from a member.

... cp :kewl

Went into the Walmart on Parker Road here in Jonesboro the other day and they had 14' B&M PST rods for $49.95, not sure if there is a difference, but that is 25 bucks cheaper than the B&M web site price.

Everyone has their choice and their reasons for making them.
I just swapped this year from a fiberglass rod to a graphite rod. I chose Southern Crappie Rods. I have not been disappointed at all. I chose these rods after reading great reviews on them and a point that was made to me. You don't see Southern Crappie Rods for sale in the classifieds here. I now understand why people keep them.
Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

I use B N' M PRO STAFF 16FT Trolling poles also have a set of capps and coleman tips. With the pro staff tips I can use 2oz weights to pro troll or pull cranks and with the C & C tip I have the extra sensitive for spiderring with the back bone! !!! So is really like 2 sets of poles in one Plus their customers service is 2nd to none !!!!!

Gotta throw the HT panfish special pros in the mix. Really good rods. I got 10 and 11 ft great for trolling. I only troll a 1/8 once jig. Ever. So I can't speak for them as far as double minnow. And you can deff feel the thump when single pole brush jigging. Really good rods.