I need advice on downrigger rods.

[Lcl 66 Tinner]

Well after breaking 2 rods in a 1 day and almost losing a downrigger in the Nisqually Reach on the South end of Anderson Island on derelict crab gear, I am looking for advice on some poles or pole/reel combos. I remember looking a while ago at other posts and I believe Loki had a setup that he liked that didn't break the bank ($150). I don't have a lot of money but want good gear for the money. Any help is appreciated.

[FC]

Pretty tough to beat the Shimano TDR's for a downrigger rod, I also use Cabela's branded depthmaster (I think) these are all in the $25 each range. I have a couple of Okuma Solterra reels that I like a lot and a Penn 321 GT2 that I use grudgingly. I used an okuma Convector reel for years that I really liked but finally wore out.

For a cheap dependable setup I would go with a TDR and a Convector, tough to beat. I like to use 30lb trilene for trolling, you lose a lot less gear due to crap in the water etc.

[Button Nubbs]

I built a glass 10'6" mhx dr1266. Carbon handle. It is a slick downrigger rod and got a good workout on kings last summer. You can put one helluva bend in that thing. Glass helped land a couple fish I'm sure I wouldn't have if I had graphite rods last summer.

[lokidog]

Well after breaking 2 rods in a 1 day and almost losing a downrigger in the Nisqually Reach on the South end of Anderson Island on derelict crab gear, I am looking for advice on some poles or pole/reel combos. I remember looking a while ago at other posts and I believe Loki had a setup that he liked that didn't break the bank ($150). I don't have a lot of money but want good gear for the money. Any help is appreciated.

Eagle Claw WE540 - 8' Med Heavy  I also have an 8'6" one  The second I picked up at Fishermans in Portlant for $30, I think the 540's are less than that at Sportco when they have them.  They have also carried a combo similar to this with a real.  I have not broken one yet and have snagged bottom, and other gear.  Even bounced one into the Columbia once but managed to fish it back out.

[fishinmike]

What kind of rods did you break? Like people have stated the TDR's work great, Sportco sells a $20 Eagle Claw that is great for downrigging. A more expensive rod would be a Lamiglass Classic Glass those are about $60-$70. The long 10'6 rods are a lot of fun but are a little more difficult to land fish while fishing alone.

[Hunting7mm]

I use Fetha Styx rods and yes I broke the tip on one.  Fetha styx fixed it and had it back in two weeks.  Quick service in my book.  I like a company that stands behind their product.

[jnevs23]

I've never really seen the point of spending a lot of money on a down rigger rod.My $16 dollar wonder has lasted me years.  Put the money into a good reel IMO

[cohoho]

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

I have 9 foot Ugly sticks for all my down rigger rods, can't break the things and as someone posted above, why run $250 dollar rods as a down rigger rod?
 

[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.

[Crunchy]

The Lami Classic Glass are nice but I love my Loomis 1265c. 

[Hunting7mm]

I've never really seen the point of spending a lot of money on a down rigger rod.My $16 dollar wonder has lasted me years.  Put the money into a good reel IMO

You know I use to think the same way when I was younger, then I realized if you buy quality equipment you only have to buy it once.  Same thing goes for hunting.... Look through a cheap pair of binos and then look through a quality pair. No comparison.  I'm not saying they have to be the most expensive but quality matters.

[aaronoto]

I really like the Shimano Convergence series.  If you want a great setup that's affordable, and is a ton of fun to play fish on, get a Convergence 10'6" rod with a Shimano Moocher Plus GT reel. 

[Rick]

I really like the Shimano Convergence series.  If you want a great setup that's affordable, and is a ton of fun to play fish on, get a Convergence 10'6" rod with a Shimano Moocher Plus GT reel.

I ran this set up for years. Still have a couple for loaner rods/reels on my boat.

I decided I wanted something better and had a custom Rainshadow 1264 spun up with an Islander MR3 reel.

[Lcl 66 Tinner]

What kind of rods did you break? Like people have stated the TDR's work great, Sportco sells a $20 Eagle Claw that is great for downrigging. A more expensive rod would be a Lamiglass Classic Glass those are about $60-$70. The long 10'6 rods are a lot of fun but are a little more difficult to land fish while fishing alone.

One of the rods that my FIL made 15yrs ago and the other was a old Eagle claw, probably 20 yrs+. I want a rod that is in the 10' range and can bend over on itself, I like being able to see when the line has come outta the clip. I have another old eagle claw that about only the first foot gets any load on it and is hard to tell whats going on. So am I looking for a medium to light action or medium to heavy?

[cohoho]

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...