I need advice on downrigger rods.

[Button Nubbs]

IMO - Stay away from the slick Graphite handled ones........  For me they are too super slick when hands are wet/slimy, etc...

I've heard people talk about the slipperyness of the graphite handles but I've never had a problem with them.Eva handles on the otherhand are tthe worst imo, those things get slimy and you better have a good grip. The graphite slides out of the holder Soooo nice too.

Yea, I never thought so either till I experienced a huge loss this past season of a sweet graphite XMG Lamiglas rod and a Abu Garcia Record reel... Ouch!  For now on I am staying with cork 100%....  But I was an idiot for using my good plug rod for the DR that day anyhow...

ouch...

[Fish4Fun]

We have tried all kinds of downrigger rods, from various manufactures. St Croix, Loomis, WW Grigg, Shimano, Fenwick ...... Foam Handles, Cork handles.....  Best rods we have found is the Lamiglass Classic Glass in either the DR89 or DR90   

[LndShrk]

Shimano Convergence can be had for around $60. (Check Sportsmans)

Great rod for a great price.

[FC]

I have 9 foot Ugly sticks for all my down rigger rods, can't break the things

Wanna see a busted one?  heartsblood ( a member on here) had one of mine break in his hand with a fish on this past summer and I had another break a couple of years before that was about ten years old.

[KenPCPilot]

I have 2 Okumas with line counter reels.  They worked great when I had my big boat.  I would sell them both for $75.00 cash only.