Thread: Beginner Bluegill Hunter. Need Favorite rod suggestions.

I have many but I’ll speak of my favorites. I have the predecessor to the TCB, known as the TSS or the Trout slayer series. Now out of production but a great rod if you can find it mine is in 6 foot six. I also have a 6 foot six Browning airstream. Cast like no tomorrow and also nice in the hand. My two5 foot six rods are a Fenwick Eagle and old Berkley lightning rod. Both do very well in tight quarters but it’s nice to have a long garage in open water. All of them were a president 20 or 25. Good advice on the lures so far but I use a lot of Bobby garland Itty bitty Slab slayers and Itty bitty swimmers on jig heads lighter than 1/32. Welcome to the madness

on the recomendation of one of the posters here I recently bought a 6'6" Okuma Celio Rod and i liked it so much I bought three more. You cannot beat this for a 30.00 rod. also I bought an Okuma reel with it. Very satisfied. I have swapped out all my ultralight rods for the Okuma Celio.

The Okuma UL in 6.6' is a good rod for the money.

I have both the TCB and TSS, they’re the exact same rod. As mentioned the BnM TCB is great rod for gils. I use the bass pro tiny lite spinning reels spooled with 2lb trout magnet SOS line. Trout Magnets are just down right deadly on panfish.

Nate.

I've never used 2 lb test, tried one time, every knot I tied I broke the line.

Originally Posted by njones

I have both the TCB and TSS, they’re the exact same rod. As mentioned the BnM TCB is great rod for gils. I use the bass pro tiny lite spinning reels spooled with 2lb trout magnet SOS line. Trout Magnets are just down right deadly on panfish.

Nate.

The TCB/TSS rods are no wimps. Last week I caught a humongous smallie over 17 inches on my TSS. It was a 5+ minute fight and was so big I had to beach it in fear of breaking the rod! I have a photo taken by a real nice couple passing by and I need to learn how to post one. Time to read up!
Bob

Originally Posted by bpenrod

I've never used 2 lb test, tried one time, every knot I tied I broke the line.

Pick up a spool of Stren crappie brand hi vis line in 2lb test. I’ve tried many brands and this one has done the best by me. Also, look up the speed knot. Been using it a long time and moisten it before you tighten. Braid or mono, never had one fail and it’s simple to tie, without my glasses.

Had good luck with Leland SOS two-pound line and Palomar knots.