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... 

[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.