Goodbye 12 Foot Rods

For years like most people I've use the 12,10, 6 rods for trolling. I also use small micro-spin rods on each side of the boat which are about 4 feet long. This year (and in past) I've broke more of my 12 foot rods getting snagged on stumps plus the extra fight of trying to get crappie in the boat because of the length. So, I bought me some 8 foot rods which now gives me a staggered 0f 10, 8,6 and 4. Used this set-up that last couple of trips and much better control in dealing with all the rods. So I'm done with the 12 foot rods except for pad fishing. Anye else had the same issues with 12 foot rods. Just too much for me especially when you fishing by yourself most of the time getting fish in the boat/net!

For longlining, I am considering downsizing to 8 foot or less. I agree that when you hang up a longer rod it causes all kinds of problems.

I use six 12's and two 8's and love my set up.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GTDFisherman

For longlining, I am considering downsizing to 8 foot or less. I agree that when you hang up a longer rod it causes all kinds of problems.

---

I mostly fish lake Talquin (The lumber yard) and your going to get hung-up regardless of depth. 12 foot rods not a issue on some lakes other than getting the fish netted at times. Had much better control in both getting unsnagged and boating fish by downsizing the lengths.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Anchor Man

I use six 12's and two 8's and love my set up.

---

Do U troll or spider rig?

10, 6.6 & 4.5" for me, works great for long lining. All light rods.

12' and longer are more trouble than they're worth while longlining. I run eight 6 footers, two 8's and two 10's.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shadboy

12' and longer are more trouble than they're worth while longlining. I run eight 6 footers, two 8's and two 10's.

---

Yep. Downsizing last two weeks has made my life much easier. Sometimes its just hard to let go!:Rofl:Rofl

I think 8 ft rods are perfect thats what I have switched to

Really like 8 ft rods,from trolling to slip bobber to jigging.

I'm just the opposite, I went from 12's to 14's and have now went to 16's.

:yikes:ThumbsUp:ThumbsUp

16 footers for me too, no long lining for me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nothing longer than nine feet in my boat...

I'm guessing that it would depend on what your setup was. I sit in the front of the boat, facing backwards,and my rods stick out the sides close to 90* like a pair of wings. 6, 8, 10, and 12 footers at slightly different length has worked very well for me so far. Fuel, live well, batteries, and storage is all in the back of my boat so I didn't want to run the show from the back. My passenger also has 4 rods out the back, usually 2 at 7' and 2 at 5'. Those run much shorter with 1.8th oz jigs and Roadrunners while everything else is 1/16 and 1/32. If 12 rods can't catch em with a spread close to 30' wide, I just don't know what to say, or how to improve.