Multi Purpose Combo

[drewbop]

Hey Ya'll,

All summer I've been trying to convince myself to buy a couple more rod and reel setups for pulling cranks. Last weekend I was pulling bottom bouncers on my spinning gear and it came to me-I should buy a couple combos that can serve me by being able to pull bouncers (1oz-2oz) and pull plugs.

I'm thinking of investing in a couple line counter reals with a medium heavy rod, lined with fireline.

Based on everyone's experiences, would I be happy with that kind of setup for both practices?

Thanks-

[Savage Brewer]

Are you looking for spinning or baitcaster style?

[harvey lee]

I have a Jason Mitchell trolling rod from a few years ago that I pull cranks with and have used it with bottom bouncers. I believe it's a 8ft baitcating rod topped with a Diawa baitcaster and a line counter. It is a better trolling rod than a bottom bouncer rod but it does work.

It is not that spendy of a set up and works well.

I prefer a spinning rod set up for my bottom bouncer rods simply due to the less amount of weight as I like to hold my rod with bottom bouncing. I get tired of holding the heavier set ups if I am fishing for numerous hours, for me, the lighter the better for a bottom bouncing rod. Just waht I like.

[Savage Brewer]

I personally have a couple 7' medium heavy fast action rods with Abu Garcia baitcasters on top. I like baitcasters for trolling, also they take up less space in the rod locker.

But I have been thinking at times a line counter would be nice.

[dan z]

Most trolling combos can be double duty but I would lean a more long line rig. Line counter strapped to a med or medium heavy rod. Medium heavy can be a little stout for #5 shad raps or smaller. But when you gotta go deep there great for tail dancers and reef runners. Medium action rods would be the best all around rod as you are in the middle of the road. I have 2 medium action 7'6" rods a 8'6" medium action and a 8' medium heavy. All have there purpose. I have Akuna Magda 15 a d 20's for line counters.

Good luck I hope you can get something that's fits your needs.

[CigarGuy]

On line at the c-store in Owatonna/Rogers. They have line counter combos on sale till July 31 for 49.99. They get decent reviews and won't break the bank. I wanted to try leadcore fishing and didn't want to spend a lot on a combo if I didn't like that type of fishing-these fit the bill. Used them this past wknd and they worked great. I just ordered 2 for the neighbor up at the lake.

[Comit 2]

If your thinking of using fireline I would just go with 10lb suffix metered line and a ambassador reel. I use this line on a spinning satup too for trolling small stuff. Line counters are low geared and great for heavy stuff like in line plainer boards and such but if you are fishing around weedsyou will wear yourself out turning that crank all the time.

[drewbop]

Thanks for all the responses! So now everyone's got me thinking-maybe I buy a rod that fits the bill, but swap reels in and out accordingly? Line counters for trolling and spinning reels for bottom bouncers. Maybe a medium/medium heavy rod.

Or maybe I should just bite the bullet, grab a couple trolling rigs from the c-store and wait on the bottom bouncing deals...

[Northlander]

I like longer medium rods in the 7' to 9' range with a moderate action. Something that telegraphs cranks. I really like my Limit Creek rods for the $. Well made and sensitive. Pair one up with a medium priced ($50-$65) line counter with 10# Suffix superline and your set. The Diawa accudepth is a good starter linecounter reel.