Thread: BnM vs. Jenko Trolling Rods

Originally Posted by bandchaser

When I first started spider rigging, I had 14ft HT Firecats and the action and ability to detect light bites was great. So, with that standard set, I purchased 14ft BnM PST'S and absolutely loved them. I boated 2lb plus fish several times and they definitely held up to my hard hook sets, multiple trips to Mississippi chasing the big slabs.
So, dummy me had an opportunity to sell my PST'S and purchase some southerns 143's. The rods did not fit me well, and the boss, littlemama, did not like them one bit. I have sold and shipped the Southern's to their new owner as of last week.
Here we are at the split in the next road. Do I stay with BnM, and try the BGJP'S or go back to the PST'S. OR do I go to another brand, Jenko, and try their Slab City or Spider Troll series?
My biggest thing is detecting the light bite. We run a light set up anyway, lighter than most, and we catch our fair share. Wanted some opinions from the gang, pros and cons, and what might you do.

Thanks, Brian

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I have only ever used BnM rods so I can't comment on the Jenkos or other setups but I run the 14' BGJP's when spider rigging and love them for the soft tip and ability to see that light bite. You surely cannot swing a big fish quite like you can with the PST's but I'd rather see ALL of the bites and then worry about getting them in the boat versus seeing most of the bites and being able to swing every fish. That being said, I do swing most of my fish but the 2lb+ ones take a bite of effort/technique and I usually just grab a net for them. I have heard that the PST rear sections with the Capps and Coleman tip is a great mix of the two but I don't have the budget to play Dr. Frankenstein quite yet, haha. I do firmly believe that fish will hang on a bit longer with the BGJP, I'm guessing that they don't feel the resistance as quickly.


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I have a 14' PST and two 14' BnM Capps/Coleman Trolling Rods. I push jigs with them, primarily, and normally use 1/2oz weights. Side by side, there looks to be no difference in the tip drop between the two models with that weight ... but, put 3/4oz weights on them or watch them when waves are bouncing the boat and it's obvious the C/C rods have a lighter tip action, as they will dip farther and longer than the PST's.

Chucky explained to me that he's gone to using the C/C model rods for that very reason ... they bend easier with lite bites. He actually Spider Rigs, whereas I do mostly jig pushing, & lite bites are a different factor between the two techniques.

Were I to expand my number of long rods ... either of the two models would be at the top of my consideration list. But, also understand that I have owned no other brands to compare them against.

Originally Posted by bandchaser

When I first started spider rigging, I had 14ft HT Firecats and the action and ability to detect light bites was great. So, with that standard set, I purchased 14ft BnM PST'S and absolutely loved them. I boated 2lb plus fish several times and they definitely held up to my hard hook sets, multiple trips to Mississippi chasing the big slabs.
So, dummy me had an opportunity to sell my PST'S and purchase some southerns 143's. The rods did not fit me well, and the boss, littlemama, did not like them one bit. I have sold and shipped the Southern's to their new owner as of last week.
Here we are at the split in the next road. Do I stay with BnM, and try the BGJP'S or go back to the PST'S. OR do I go to another brand, Jenko, and try their Slab City or Spider Troll series?
My biggest thing is detecting the light bite. We run a light set up anyway, lighter than most, and we catch our fair share. Wanted some opinions from the gang, pros and cons, and what might you do.

Thanks, Brian

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Curious, What did you dislike about the southern rods?

I have got big paws but even for me the handles just seemed "fat", unorthodox in a way. Also, I truly believe that we missed or lost fish because they load up too quick, and the fish sense the resistance and spit out the jig.
Even littlemama noticed the difference in the rods, and said she preferred our last rods better. And her small hands had more issues with the larger handles.


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I like the PSTs best for the money Grizzly Jig has a 3 rod deal. I fished with a buddy the other day he had "the difference" by Roger Gant. Slightly better even yet but more $. I would go for those if you've got the green.

Try 3 of each and let us know how they compare.

DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT TRY A DENALI!!!!!!!!