What size rods for spider/trolling

[icehouse]

I have the Tracker 175TF and want to get in to spider rigging/trolling. Just got back from Florida and my buddy was using 16' rods on his pontoon and had a hard time bringing in fish due to the length and his short net, which I remedied for him.

What size rod would work well for me on my 17.5' boat? I'm leaning toward the 14' side.

Opinions? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[windstone]

I use pst143's with bait casting reels on mine..

[Malcavilli]

I have used both 14 and 16 ft rods in a 17.75 ft boat. . The 14 ft are a little easier to manage when I am fishing by myself but 16s work fine as well.

[Grumpy1]

I started with 8 14’ BGJP’s and have 4 16’ now. I would prefer all 16’s but my set up for rod storage would make it more complicated to cover my boat. If you are catching fish in shallow water just strip line out as you raise the pole; it doesn’t take long to get the hang of maneuvering them.


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[Erin Brewer]

I too fish out a 175 tracker I run 14’ ozarks... I have a couple of 16’ers to try as soon as it warms up a little but the 14’ers have never failed me


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[shadboy]

IMO, anything over 12' is just too much trouble.

[catchNgrease]

You need as long of a rod as you can:

Afford.

Get to the river with them.

Manage to get the fish in.

14's are kinda the middle of the road.

I wouldn't go any less than that.

Jenko and Pro Angler Tackle are doing some good things with rods right now.

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[Hanr3]

I fish out of a 16' boat and use 16' rods for spider rigging. Just bought 2 25' rods for next season. The challenge with long rods is transportation, getting them to the lake, around on the lake, and home again.

[Pondbuster]

I also have a pro crappie 175.
I use Crappie Wizard 12’ rods. I really enjoy using them. I also use the driftmaster rod organizer and anything much longer than 12’ will hang off the boat.


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[moecarama]

I have aTracker 18.5 ft. boat and use 12-14 and 16ft. rods with ease.