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So I’m wanting to try out trolling but not spend a fortune on rods. Can someone give me some recommendations for some budget rods? I want to try all different styles of trolling (spider rigging, long lining, pushing crank baits) to see what I like but I don’t want different rods for each. Is there a rod that will work with trolling lighter jigs but then also be able to use heavier weights for pushing/pulling jigs and cranks? TIA
Might be a little more than youre willing to spend but I like the Southern Crappie Rods. Theyll do it all...
https://southerncrappierods.com/
I'd consider 14' BnM Capps/Coleman rods ($60/Grizzly Jig ... discount for purchase of 3)
They're not "ideal" for Pushing cranks (w/2oz weights), but they'll work fine with 1oz weights for jigs & small cranks. I've not tried them for Spider Rigging, as I don't use that method. But with 1/2oz - 3/4oz weights they worked just fine for my buddy.
But that's only half the deal, as you'll need reels for each. Spider Rigging I'd go with Shimano or Okuma reels in the blister packs (<$20), but for Pushing jigs/cranks I'd go with Line Counter Reels (Shakespeare or Okuma) .... and they're gonna cost nearly 1/2 to 3/4 as much as the rods. Longline Trolling can be done with either type of reel, just more accurate with Line Counter Reels.
You might also keep your eyes on the Classifieds, as there are some rod/reel deals that pop up from time to time.
And if you don't already have them, you're gonna need some rod holders ... I like Hi-Tek rod holders, myself.
thanks for the info. I feel like I’m probably not going to find an all around rod. I just don’t know what trolling method I’ll like best so wanted to find something that could be used for any of those. Good point on the reels. I’ll probably eventually go line counter but for now will just use the length of the rod to measure line length and use a bobber stop as an indicatorQuote:
Originally Posted by CrappiePappy
In my opinion it is hard to beat a B&M PST (Prostaff Trolling rod) for an all around rod. I have used them slow trolling, pulling jigs and pulling cranks. You could find a rod that fits each method better but for an overall they are hard to beat.
To start with, another vote for the HiTek rod holders I’ve been using for 15 years now. Scott and his dad make a good product. I used BnM BGJP’s from 8 to 12’ and never found them lacking except loading weights heavier than an ounce and a half. I’ve also never used the prostaffs Scott spoke of but they have a strong following. The ten and twelve foot BGJP’s have pulled cranks and jigs and I’ve always thought of them as a do all rod. I have dipped pads and weed, trolled jigs and cranks, and deep jigged in the winter with the 8 footers that I sold to Slabprowler. Let us know when you find what you’re after.
While I currently use some BGJPs for spider rigging, I've also used both Crappie Thunder (can't find them at Academy anymore) and B&M Pro-Staff rods for pulling crankbaits. While I did put my 14' Crappie Thunders back to spider rig duty with my 14' and 16' BGJPs, I still use a 10' Prostaff and 14' Southern Crappie Trolling Rod for pulling crankbaits.
What part of Alabama you in?Quote:
Originally Posted by checkerfred
I got a 16 foot ACC Crappie Stix trolling rod for Christmas. Problem is I don’t troll. Think you can get it for mid $60’s. It’s brand new if you will give me $45.00 it’s yours. Nice rod I just don’t troll.
I am from Robertsdale AL. Presently in Mississippi taking care of elderly parent. But will be in Robertsdale area for almost the entire month of April.
Let me know if you want high end rod at bargain price.
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Oneonta…I appreciate the offer but really don’t want to go to 16’ rods. I’ll probably go 12’ or 14’ maxQuote:
Originally Posted by silverroach
^ What he said ^Quote:
Originally Posted by gabowman
The guy that owns it is great to deal with, has a videos on YouTube as well.
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I have a hodge hodge of rods and reels acquired over 50 years. If I was starting over I would go all ACC rods matched with Daiwa legalis lt 1000s 2023 model and ACC 10lb copolymer to Leland sos 6lb for leader. I longline with 16’, 14’, 12’, 10’ on each side off the back and one 7’ on each side of the middle with a heavier weight.
I have a hodge hodge of rods and reels acquired over 50 years. If I was starting over I would go all ACC rods matched with Daiwa legalis lt 1000s 2023 model and ACC 10lb copolymer to Leland sos 6lb for leader. I longline with 16’, 14’, 12’, 10’ on each side off the back and one 7’ on each side of the middle with a heavier weight.
I started with Shakespeare Crappie Hunter rods- $30 or so. 12' for pushing and 10' for pulling worked for me. Still use them every once in a while. :twocents
Southern Crappie is my pick also :ThumbsUp
https://www.crappie.com/crappie/pers...-troller-rods/
I suggest those. Eagle1 is a fine fellow and will make you a deal. He just had to change tactics is why he is selling.
Would you recommend the regular version or the T version?Quote:
Originally Posted by gabowman
I don’t know for sure where you live but I think I saw you were in Alabama. I am from South Alabama.Quote:
Originally Posted by checkerfred
I was given a ACC Crappie Stix for Christmas. It’s a sixteen foot trolling rod. It sales for around eighty dollars. The problem is I don’t troll at all. I have a twelve foot jig pole and a six foot casting rod that is ACC Crappie Stix and love them.
I have this sixteen foot trolling rod for sale it’s new. I am selling it for fifty dollars if you’re interested. I also have a casting reel on it that I would let it all go for ninety dollars if you’re interested. On the rod you’ll save about thirty dollars. To get it to you we will figure that out.
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If you typically use 1/2 oz or less, the regular version is fine; if you need up to 2 oz, then you want the T version. I find that my SCR143Ts to be a little too stiff and heavy for just a couple of 1/16 oz jigs (typically don't spider rig with weights in addition to the jigs on the line), but I also bought mine to pull crankbaits and not spider rig or livescope fish.Quote:
Originally Posted by checkerfred
^^What he said !^^Quote:
Originally Posted by jjue1979
I'll start by saying there's probably guys on here that know way more than me, but I'll respond based on my experience as I've had a couple different setups now.
Rods (I have 12s but would buy 14s, personally):
- Jenko Spider Troll 12ft: What I currently use and love. I'd be hard pressed to switch honestly. Watch their slab city rods, they don't have as much backbone. Probably plenty, but I prefer this model. Wish I had gone 14ft instead of 12 however. I see 16s probably being the best but I still catch a lot of fish with my 12s and would probably only go 14s in the future PERSONALLY.
- BnM BGJPs: They were great, no complaints. I'd probably get the Pro Staff Trolling Rods if I went BnM again, guys seem to love them.
- Mr. Crappie: An ok, less expensive option if on a budget
Rod Holders:
- Millennium R100 Spyderloks: What I currently use and love. Very adjustable
- HiTek: I've had them. They work perfectly fine
- Tite-Lok Single Holders: Never used them, but single holders are nice because you dont disturb your other rods when you grab one
Reels:
- Daiwa D-Spin 500: Best thing you can buy for $15 IMO. I've used them for spider rigging and single poling. You can spend more to get a better reel, but for something cheap just to hold line, these are amazing.
- Some guys like to use baitcasters, it allows you to just use your thumb to let more line out. I've tried switching over twice, even tried left handed reels to make it more like my spinning reels, but I don't like them personally. You might though.
Seating:
- I have (2) sets of; Millennium B-100 Seats mounted on a swivel that mounts on a "portable seat stand" (what amazon calls it). These are great as they are independent and easy to move around
- Millennium "SideKick": I've had this twice now. It's great. I was just sold on how easy the chairs are to move around when they are setup on their own seat stand.
Rigging Setup - What I do and like:
10-12# mono main line
1/4oz egg weight goes on the main line.
3 way swivel
Middle arm of swivel 8-10 inches of 6# line with a red #2 hook I tip with a minnow (I like the BassPro Cam-Action hooks. Probably in my head but I think they set better)
Bottom arm of swivel 8-10 inches of 6# line with a 1/16 oz jig that uses a plastic bait and also gets tipped with a minnow.
This makes a total of 5/16 oz for Jigs/Weights. I like the bend/consistency I get from this setup. You should try other weights and see what you like best, but this is a good starting point if you need it. Of course there are 1000 ways to rig up, this is just what I like doing.
I hope this helps in some way. Good luck!