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I am getting into slow trolling and spider rigging. Will only use 4 rods for now.
I bought a 12' BnM Westpoint rod at wally world for 25 bucks to try it out. To me it seems pretty flimsy for trolling but then again I haven't ever done it.
I need 4 rod/reels(baitcast) and not looking to spend a fortune. I fish stained lakes so I figured 12' is long enough? Someone point me in the right direction.
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I only use 3 rods, myself ... but, they're 14' rods. I started with 10' rods, but they don't work so well if pointed forward & moving at any speed. I "Push" jigs out the front of my boat ("pushing" is like Spider Rigging at a higher speed).
I don't have any, and have never fished with any, but Southern Crappie Rods are used by several members ... and they seem pleased with them. They're Kevlar, not graphite, so they should be quite light & strong. They're also fairly inexpensive, in comparison to other major brands of equal length.
You might want to check them out : Southern Crappie Rods - Southern Crappie Rods
Thanks Pappy.
I know you get what you pay for but I was hoping to stay under $30 each. I'll spend a little more for quality, though. What flex would be good for slow trolling and spider rigging or do they make them in different flex?
Also, as far as baitcast reels, what would you recommend?
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I use low profile baitcast reels with a thumbar. I'm just using what I had on hand & what I bought "used" off the Personal Classifieds Forum on this site. All three of them are different brands (Diawa, Shakespeare, Quantum) and are spooled with different colors & types of line.Quote:
Originally Posted by mathewjp
I don't know as to long rods having different "tip actions" in the same model. But, different brands do have slightly different degrees of bend with the same weights used. For instance .. my BnM PST rod will not bend quite as far down with a 1/2oz weight, as my Capps/Coleman rods do ... but, it's almost an imperceptible distance, unless you measure it. The C/C rods have just a little softer tip action. I just adjust each rod holder angle to keep all the tips at the same distance above the water.
I rarely get "lite bites" when pushing jigs (0.6-0.8mph) ... but, my Spider Rigging buddy likes the Capps/Coleman rods, over the PST's, because he says he can see lite bites better, due to the softer action tips. He's using 16' rods & 3/4oz weights, and normally moves at <0.4mph. (and he's tipping his jig/plastics with a minnow)
Another problem I had with my 10' rods, was they were kinda stiff and didn't bend easily with lite biters. That's probably due to the fact that they're taylored to use as jigging rods, rather than trolling or Spider Rigging rods. I would expect a 12' rod, with a softer tip action, would show lite bites a little better.
Definantly look into the southern crappie rods. I started out with 12' west points and they are tough and will get the job done but they leave you wanting something better. I would recommend you go ahead and get the 14' southern crappie rods. I dont use bait casters myself i stick with spinning reels.
I started out using BnM Westpoint poles. They are effective, though a little flimsy for landing big crappie. I used Shakespeare Alpha spinning reels that I bought a Wal Mart. This setup lasted me a year, and then I upgraded significantly. I know it is cliche, but...You get what you pay for.
I have 4 BnM Black Widow 13.5 foot telescoping fiberglass poles with mini Bucks level wind reels. Have been using them for years. They are a good cheap setup that you can get from BnM website. They are especially good if you want/need to store them off the deck. I also run a max of 4 poles up here in MI.
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14 footers I forgot to say work for me
Thanks for the pointers, fellas. Keep them coming. I can't wait to try this out.
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B&M 14 foot pst rods and 4 bait casters is what I started with grizzly jig has best prices from what I've seen good luck
I use 14 ft BGJP and me crappie spinning reels .
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Think about used rods. I bought 8- 14 foot b&m rods on here for $25 each in great shape which is over half off new price. I have also seen some good deals on craigslist. If you want new and cheap, the 12 pinnacle rods that grizzly jig sells are probably a good bet. They are a little heavy compared to my other rods, but I still use some I have had for years.
I like 14' poles and fish 4 to 8 depending on the conditions. If any substantial wind or thick cover while pushing bait the more poles out, the bigger the mess if a stiff breeze pushes the boat to hard.
also, to keep your baits at the depth you want, suggest rigging with heavy weight (which is a matter of opinion and preference). I rig a 1/2 egg sinker above a swivel with an 18-22" leader underneath. The leader should be lighter test so when you get hung you don't lose the entire rig. The bites can be real subtle with this rig and you gotta pay close attention to your rod tips.
X2 on the Pinnacles. I have 2-12',2-10', 2-8' that I use longlining. I have B&Ms and Southern Crappie, all good rods, but the Pinnacles won't break easily if you snag a jig while trolling. Caught a 4# Striped Bass on one last time out. They are just a bit heavier than the others but they ride in rod holders when long lining so weight isn't a factor. $15 each when you buy 4 or more from Grizzly Jig.Quote:
Originally Posted by cwright
I have BGJP's and a few others mixed, some of different length above 8', that I use trolling and pushing and whatever. I also have a couple of west point rods and while not great, they can help you through the learning curve. And they will take about any punishment you can dish out. Keep a good net handy for the dinner plate looking fish no matter what rods you have. Get a setup to use and try to get some hands on with the different rods and wait for the deal on the rods you want to come along. Someone will want whatever you have to begin their trip down the learning curve so don't be concerned about being stuck with them.
I use Shakespeare Sigma reels and for the $20 or so I spent on them used they do a great job and have a good drag. I have like 8 of them and don't see the need to spend more for another reel that will do the same job. Others are good as well, and I prefer to stay with one reel in particular to avoid any operational differences. Makes it simpler when the big fish are on and you aren't thinking quite right. Have fun, went through this myself a few years back.
If you want pinnacles or more westpoints I have 8 that I need to get rid of... Lemme know if you want em
14 ft Southern Crappie Rods is what I use. I've used pinnacles, BnM PST, Mr. Crappie Tightline Specials, and a few others but I prefer the SCR. The Mr. Crappies are great rods (the old green model I don't think they make anymore) but I think they quit making them and they were pricey. You won't regret the SC rods. They are the best bang for the buck out there and to me they are just as good as PSTs
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buy what you want the first time, cheaper in the long run
Can I ask why you went to scr if you had the pst and liked them just asking because I'm getting ready to buy a set and I'm stuck between scr and pst thanks. I use the pst for long lining and really like them for that.
The SCR has a tip designed for fishing a 1/2 weight. Very sensitive tip yet plenty of back bone for bringing in heavier fish. I have 12 ft PST, Pinnacle, 12 ft SCR and 14 ft SCR. Like them the best and they are toughest rod out there far as I'm concerned. And for the money there is no comparison.
Found Walmart has a spinning reel
with rear drag for about $12. Works good.
Adding some Shakespeare ATS15LC for
trolling. These have line counters. They
are about $35 from grizzlyjigs.com.
Not to hijack this thread,but what is the difference between spider rigging and pushing ? For that matter,what is the difference between trolling and long lining ?
Difference between Spider Rigging & Pushing is mostly speed, and the lack of live bait use when Pushing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Yaker
Difference between Trolling & Long Lining is definition specifics .... Long Lining is a specific type of trolling. "Trolling" is a general term that encompasses Slow Trolling, Spider Rigging, Pushing/Pulling, Side Pulling, Long Lining, and any other name given to fishing from a moving boat. The "specific" names are used to tell exactly HOW a person is "trolling".
That's how I look at it, anyway.
I am torn between the 12 and 14 foot rods. I want to slow troll shallow water during the spawn as well as deeper water in off season and I fish stained water. Will 12 footers be long enough to not spook fish? I want the BnM PST and would like to stay with a 2 piece.
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Get the 14s and don't look back
I started with 4 hi tech 12s. Then added 4 scr 14. Like the 14s much better. You will probably need a rod transport rack with longer rods. 14s in a smaller boat can be a boat load. Sometimes I have to break them down for security reasons, bring inside, carry in truck, etc. the 3 pic 14s a pain deal with as compared to 2 pic 12s. Does anyone know a good way to break down 3 pc rods without undoing everything?
Use the small clips and pre-rigged rigs. Just unclip the rig and place it back on the noodle, take the rod apart and I use rubber bands or velcro straps to hold together and then tighten up the line. Not perfect, but does work. Usually to be honest, I leave them together in the boat and tie them together so they don't flop around and get damaged and I have a place overhead to hang them.
I break mine down & put them in "rod socks" ... they stay that way at home and while traveling to/from the lake in the rod locker. And since I put my weights on the main lines, that terminate in a duo-lock snap, all my leader lines could be removed and stored, if needed.Quote:
Originally Posted by jp2
And actually, I don't remove the leader line with the jighead/plastics when breaking the rods down & putting them in the rod socks ... after breaking them down, I just hook the jig hook on the baitcast reel (above & to the front of the spool) and wind the line in until it's "snug" (but not bending the tip section) and slide them into the "sock".
"IF" ... I were using double rigs, and leaving them on the rods when breaking them down ... I WOULD NOT use rod socks !! They are either nylon material or weaved plastic ... and any exposed hook point WILL eventually poke through them & are a pain to extract.
The first 500 crappie I caught were on cane poles with a carolina rig style with one hook . Have owned pst, ozark, ans southern crappie rods . all work as well as cane . lol . Drink the cool-aid! whats in the water is all the same . cheap line and a minnow . It works .:biggrin
Anyone using the Southern SCR143T. Are they too heavy a rod for 1/2 to 3/4 oz rig?
Bob, Ducker uses them he went from the 143 to the 143t. He has told me he can't tell the difference when spider rigging with the lighter weights. They just load up a little farther forward when you put a load on them.Quote:
Originally Posted by BobB
What's the biggest advantage to the 14 foot rods vs the 12? Is it practical to say that the 14s won't spook as many fish? Is 2 feet making that much difference?
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I use the 143t and 3/4 is what I troll with! They do great with the 3/4 oz weights!Quote:
Originally Posted by BobB
That's part of the reason. And yes, 2ft can make "that much difference" ... at times. It can also make a difference depending on the location of your rod holders, as not all boats are initially set up for that type of fishing. Take my boat, for example :Quote:
Originally Posted by mathewjp
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42...dasboat003.jpg
The rounded but pointed nose, location of the trolling motor & floor mounted depthfinder unit only allowed me to place my rod holder bases more or less about halfway between the bow of the boat & my seat ... which is a couple of feet from the bow/trolling motor head (when deployed). Even with 14' rods, I have to watch the angle of my lines when pushing jigs (or use a weight heavier than 1/2oz), or else I may end up with a rig wrapped around the trolling motor blade. If I were using 10-12' rods, I'd have to move slower or point the rods out towards the sides more ... and even then I'd have to keep an eye on the line angles, should I happen to have to make a hard turn for some reason. The 14' rods that are pointed straight out in front of the boat/tm are probably closer to 12' past that point ( I'm guessing, because I haven't actually measured).
Thanks for the replies about the 143T's ..... I was kinda looking for a dual purpose rod with a little more backbone that I would be able to spider rig or push or pull crank baits.
I run 14' b n ms and am nothing but happy with them. That being said Ed Dukes is a treat to work with from what I have heard and I'm planning to get a set of the scr143t rods myself. Seem to be great multipurpose rods. If you haven't rigged your rods with beads for the lite bites I highly recommend it. I hear as many bites as I see!
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Edit ..... never mind, I searched and found some info. Thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by MidMsAngler
What beads?Quote:
Originally Posted by MidMsAngler
I found some info on another thread .... The consensus seem to be to use 6MM plastic beads. Quite a bit of info on this thread http://www.crappie.com/crappie/missi...g-poles-3.html
I am pretty sure he is talking about the little plastic bobber stop beads (at least that is what I call em). Place one on the line between the last two eyes on your pole and let it settle down against the tip. When you get a light bite, the line will make the bead click against the fiberglass pole. Also, as my eyes get older, I have noticed that if you use the bright orange beads, they make the tips much easier to watch all day......Quote:
Originally Posted by deltarat