Rod & Reel Combo

[Mn Walleye 1976]

Looking at buying a rod and reel for crankbaits. Also thinking of running planner boards as well with the rod. What would you suggest for a good combo?

[Mike Walerak]

My favorite setup is a 10' med action Cabelas Fish Eagle steelhead rod teamed up with a Diawa Sealine 17c. It can be a little on the light side for trolling planer boards in big waves, but works excellent for light waves and longlining crankbaits.

This combo also performs well with heavier three rigs in river current.

mw

[Muddog]

I use two different type rods for trolling crank baits. One is a 5’ catfish rod (pool que ). The other is a 10’ downrigger rod. The 5 footer I use with spoon plugs and such for when I want the lure to pound the water and I can have vary good feel of what the bait is doing (weed ect, on the line). I always fish with this rod in my hands. The 10 footers with planer boards or spoons. I like the extra long rod to keep the line out of the water between the rod and planer board. The rod is in a rod holder and feel is not involved. I like it for spoons so I can hold the rod tip high over weeds and then drop the tip and let the spoon flutter down on the other side.

As for reels. I go with a line counter with a good drag. Any will do. I like 14lb fire line.

I would say a steelhead rod is a little soft for me. It's what I like to use with slip bobbers. But that is just me .

[Northlander]

8.5' Gander Mt. telescoping board rod. Will collapse down to fit in my 7' rod storage easy. Only $40 and I usually get them 25% off. They work great for boards and bottom bouncers. Team it up with a Diawa Sealine 27 or 47 linecounter and your set.