Advice on trolling rods

[Luck e 1]

One of the previous posts a guy was asking about trolling crank baits.

Can anyone suggest a good rod to have for trolling cranks for walleyes? My instinct says that it should be longer and softer...but I have no idea.

Also...does it help to have a line counter?

Thanks for the help.

[Mike Walerak]

I would say you would definatly want a longer rod with a softer tip. I use Cabela's Fish Eagle rods for long lining. The model is a 10 ft. stealhead rod that seems to perform will with braided line. There are cheaper rods that will perform very well on a cheaper budget. Most of these will be made of fiberglass. Cabela's also makes pretty good, affordable rods for planer boards if you plan to use them.

Line counters definaty make life easier if you plan to troll often. When choosing a line counter do yourself a favor and buy the Sealine by Diawa. Other models and brand will not hold up to seasons of use. In fact I had the Diawa Accudepth reels and the counters quit working after only a few weeks. Spending the extra money is worth it.

Another option is the clip on line counters that attach to your rod. I do not have experience with them but just throwing out another option.

mw

[Team Otter]

Mike summed it up. The only thing I would add is that when trolling, good rod holders in your boat are also important. Look to Ram or Atwood for a solid rod holder that are both easy to install and durable.

[PerchJerker]

For flatlines (ie. no planer boards) I like a 7 or 7.5 foot medium action graphite rod with a fast tip. Very sensitive and pretty soft - not as soft as a glass rod but certainly more sensitive. I will troll mono or superlines (powerpro, firelines, etc) depending on the situaton but usually superlines if I'm flatlining.

Daiwa Sealines are great reels, I have both the 17 and 27 sizes and prefer the 17 (smaller size).

You can use a baitcaster and count the number of passes the line guide makes across the spool to determine and repeat how much line you have out - the key is being able to repeat it.

[IceAge@work]

Bass Pro Shops markets a line of walleye trolling rods endorsed by Keith Kavejz (sp?) and Gary Parsons. Can buy online and work great matched up with a Diawa Sealine as mentioned above.

[Quickstrike]

Shimano Taloras are great trolling rods and come with a lifetime warranty.

[Tonka Boy]

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Daiwa Sealines are great reels, I have both the 17 and 27 sizes and prefer the 17 (smaller size).

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Do you know if these come in lefty as well? They never have the models I want in lefty.

[PerchJerker]

I am pretty sure the sealines are not available in left-hand versions.