Thread: Trolling rod advice for the big four

Originally Posted by Snubby

The term "trolling" covers a lot of ground. You have spider rigging, long lining or pulling crankbaits or planer boards. I have 4 sets of trolling rods and all have a specific use depending on application. To make a long story short, if I can save you any trouble then look no further then Southern Crappie T series rods (other then pulling planer boards, l like heavy shorter rods for that). They aren't an official sponsor and sure I will catch a bit of flack, but oh well that's how that cookie crumbles Seriously though they are decent rods. All the others suggestions are fine choices as well.

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I will only be pushing minnows with them and maybe the outside pole pulling cranks. I have been using my old bass cranking rods for pulling cranks. They were designed for crank baits and they work pretty dang good for that use. But they do get tight. It would be nice to have the extra length on the outside pulls.


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Go with at least 16 footers, regardless of the brand you choose. I have some 18 footers, and am considering 20 footers for my next rod purchase. Long rods catch more fish . especially on the big 4 . These lakes are pressured like no other ,

I would not go more than 2 ft. shorter than boat(Hard to control possibly ) ,Did not say what length your boat was. Also how far back rods will be from front of boat . Some have longer rods but equal a foot shorter due to set up . Ozarks signature for a all round rod is good . Ozark pro series for a light bite is nice . What do I have ? Southern crappie . why ? bought them 2nd hand ,20.00 each (14 ft .) Have had p.st. and they are a good set for a one set do everything as well . Southern is tough as they come .

Agree with the Southern Crappie rods, I just feel more comfortable fishing with them. (kinda like the old shoe feeling).

I have PST, SouthernCrappie and Denali. And I agree with Snubby on this one. If I was going to get one set of do all rods it would be the SouthernCrappie 143T. Sensitive tip for rigging, plenty of backbone for power trolling pushing jigs or cranks and can pull cranks or long line. And they are probably toughest rod out there. I’m not a real fan of 16+ rods. Really hard to handle and land fish by yourself. And I don’t believe all the hype about having to have super long rods to catch crappie. Yes maybe in one or two instances in special situations they could help but day in day out 14 has always gotten it done for me

Originally Posted by Chilly

I know the guide boats use at least 20’ rods. That is almost as long as my dang boat. I have heard that the livescopers can see the fish shy away from the boat and prefer the longer rods. Can the 16’ pull cranks as well or only troll?

Chilly


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the sixteens will pull cranksfine. I usually go 2 sixteens, 2 fourteen, 2 twelves and sometimes add 2 eights, all out the back and all PST’s. Been using the same poles for 3 years with no problems.

Spider rigging I run 14' ozarks, They have been great for me and i really like them! I also own a set of bnm capps and coleman 14' rods. They are very sensitive and light but a little to whippy for my liking, but are great when the bite is super light. I have a couple 143t southern crappie rods that i now pull cranks with but they were good for spider rigging to just a little on the heavy side.

14 ft PST for me. Great for spider rigging, power trolling and pulling cranks. Also use 12' PST, 8' PST and 4'10" BnM for pulling cranks all out of the back. I agree with Cray that probably on some days the longer poles are better but I catch plenty of crappie consistently with my 14' poles. I have more trouble than I want landing fish with the 14' poles spider rigging shallow when I'm by myself.