Trolling Combos

[bklimek]

I'm in the market for a good but reasonable walleye trolling combo with line counter where I preferably don't have to spend over $80. I don't troll enough to rationalize spending more than that. I maybe troll half a dozen times a year. Once I find the combo I like what's an all purpose rod action and length where I can troll plugs as is or with a planer or possibly with lead core?

[PerchJerker]

In my opinion you're looking at 2 different rods.

If I'm trolling cranks on flat-lines I like 7 ft graphite rods -- they're lightweight, sensitive, comfortable to hold, and easy to tell what's going on with the bait. I go with ML power rods for stick baits, and M or MH power rods for harder-pulling-deeper-diving cranks.

My other trolling rods serve double-duty for leadcore and planer boards -- the ones I like are telescoping rods that are 8 to 9.5 feet long, and have a much softer action and slower bend through-out the rod. There's some guys that also use these rods for trolling cranks on flat-lines, but I'd much rather use a 7 ft graphite rod for that.

If you're not planing on doing a lot of planer board or leadcore trolling, you might be able to use a rod you already own. For several years I used my line counter reels on my M and MH casting rods that I used for bass and pike. Those rods will work fine, and they might be a better way to go right away, instead of spending money on a "trolling rod" that sits in the garage 362 days each year.

For line counter reels I like Daiwa Sealines, but they'll be over your budget if you're buying a rod too. I don't know too much about the line counter reels that are priced below the Sealines, although I think people like the cabelas private-label reels. That might be your best way to go --- get one of the combos they put together, since they usually have a pretty good price break on their combos.

Hope that heips. Have fun getting your troll on

[BigSling]

For a nice budget combo, do a search for ones that include the Daiwa Accudepth Plus linecounter reels. They are quality linecounter reels that can save some $ if you find the Sealine line a bit pricey. Several of the "big name" sporting goods stores also have combos you can buy online with a rod that would fit your budget.

[headcheese]

shimano voltaeus is a good decently priced rod. its glass so it has a softer action. 30 or 40 bucks.

daiwa accudepths are nice. if youre gonna use lead core i would get a 47 series reel. go any smaller you will probably only be able to get 4 or 5 colors on and youll want some backing. those run 50 or 60. i would defenitely recommend the daiwa, okumas or cabelas brand are a bit cheaper, but i know for a fact the daiwas last.

i have a 7 ft medium? voltaeus i use for lead core, its probably not ideal but so far has worked. if i had a longer MH my arm would probably get less tired... just need rod holders.

[bklimek]

All good stuff!! I like the idea of using my current supply of "bass" rods. I never gave it much thought after I bought a cheap line counter and used my rods last year. The line counter never worked well so I figured I would make the jump to a combo with a line counter. So realistically I probably will be flatlining 90% of the time. But what I'm hearing is if I go with a combo 8-9 ft would be a multi purpose outfit or I just buy the reel.

[Northlander]

Call Marine General in Duluth and ask for Russ. He usually has some Diawa Accudepth reels paired with a Wilderness rod for good prices. Probably right in the $70 range or so. I would suggest a 8.5' medium rod with a 47 size reel if your thinking lead at all.

Like PJ I like a lighter rod for long lining than I do boards or lead. I still like something in the 8' range but with a light tip and moderate action so when a fish hit my rod/reel with power pro there is some give.

Check out the Limit Creek Rods. www.limitcreek.com I have been very happy with the way mine have performed. I have the 5' shorties, leadcore rods as well as a couple smoothies. All are very nice for the price.

[WalleyeChaser]

I have the exact combo that Northland mentioned. I got 2 of them at FF on sale for around 65-70 bucks i think. They work great for the little bit of trolling(mostly 3-way) I do through out the year! Great starter rigs!

[JohnMickish]

For six times a year the Cabelas depthmaster is tough to beat at around $50 for the linecounter/rod combo. Sure, they are not a tournament grade rig, but you can longline or pull lead and or planer boards with their 8'6" planer board rod.

Now if you want to get serious about leadcore or pulling side boards, Limit Creek makes a great shorty and long rod combo that are some of the most sensitive trolling rods on the market, for alot less than the others. There are many good linecounters out there, pick a price range and they are pretty much all equal within that price range.