Post by: Lcl 66 Tinner on November 23, 2013, 10:44:23 PM
Post by: FC on November 23, 2013, 11:28:34 PM
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.
Post by: Button Nubbs on November 24, 2013, 12:31:55 AM
Post by: lokidog on November 24, 2013, 09:56:09 AM
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.
Post by: fishinmike on November 24, 2013, 10:33:41 AM
Post by: Hunting7mm on November 24, 2013, 11:16:40 AM
Post by: jnevs23 on November 24, 2013, 11:34:43 AM
Post by: cohoho on November 24, 2013, 05:31:28 PM
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?
Post by: Button Nubbs on November 24, 2013, 05:54:19 PM
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.
Post by: Crunchy on November 24, 2013, 06:00:00 PM
Post by: Hunting7mm on November 24, 2013, 06:03:39 PM
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.
Post by: aaronoto on November 24, 2013, 06:37:55 PM
Post by: Rick on November 24, 2013, 07:10:37 PM
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.
Post by: Lcl 66 Tinner on November 24, 2013, 07:29:27 PM
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?
Post by: cohoho on November 24, 2013, 08:26:03 PM
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...
Post by: Button Nubbs on November 24, 2013, 09:08:15 PM
:yike: ouch... :sry: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...
Post by: Fish4Fun on November 25, 2013, 06:34:12 AM
Post by: LndShrk on November 25, 2013, 07:23:57 AM
Great rod for a great price.
Post by: FC on November 25, 2013, 06:05:49 PM
I have 9 foot Ugly sticks for all my down rigger rods, can't break the things
Wanna see a busted one? :chuckle: 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.
Post by: KenPCPilot on November 25, 2013, 06:08:19 PM