Jump to content

Downrigger Rods

dick black

dick black
in Tackle and Techniques

 Share

Recommended Posts

dick black

dick black

Posted
Posted

I am going to replace all of my downrigger rods this year, thinking of Diawa Heartlands, any opinions? I replaced all of my reels last year with Okuma Convector 30 class line counters, witch I'll be using. Also where to buy? I have been using Bretts Place for quite a while, but I see he is gone, any help?  Thanks

gamekilr

gamekilr

Posted
Posted

If your in wny. Alexander ny 29th 9-3 there having a fishing swap meet there. Ultimate outdoors will be there in person to help

Sent from my C771 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Sk8man

Sk8man

Posted
Posted

Dick - You might also want to look at the Shakespeare Ugly stick 8' 3 '' downrigger rods...very durable and versatile.

Iceman

Iceman

Posted
Posted

Don't overlook the Shimano TDR series 7' one pc heavy for riggers, 8 footers for board rods & junk lines. 

Chas0218

Chas0218

Posted
Posted

I second the okuma rods, the majority of my rigger rods are okuma classic glt 8'6"

Sent from my thinking chair...

dick black

dick black

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the opinions guys, I got a chance to do some window shopping, went back home and ordered Diawa Heartlands, I guess that was what I really wanted all along, just needed a push was all- thanks again!!!

super_hawk2012

super_hawk2012

Posted
Posted

I second the okuma rods, the majority of my rigger rods are okuma classic glt 8'6"

Sent from my thinking chair...

Just got 2 of these. Excited to test them out

Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Chas0218

Chas0218

Posted
Posted

Just got 2 of these. Excited to test them out

Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United mobile app

You won't be disappointed great rod from a great company.  

Tim Bromund

Tim Bromund

Posted
Posted

90% of the rods on my boat are Daiwa.  My Rigger rods are Daiwa Jupiters, which they sadly, no longer make, but I have a lot of the Heartlands on my boat as well.  I've been very happy with them over the years.

Egoody

Egoody

Posted
Posted

Does anyone have any experience using the diawa accudepth, 9.5 ft , heavy weight rated rods for dipsey's

Boat Safe

Egoody

Gator

Gator

Posted
Posted

I like the Daiwa rods, but noticed a problem yesterday when I went to put new leader on our Heartland copper rods. Both reel seats have loosened up and can now rotate several degrees in each direction. I suspect that they weren't attached well to the rod when it was built and the heavy weight of the reels exacerbated the problem. I will be contacting Daiwa today regarding both of these rods, which are only two or three years old and purposed specifically for copper applications.

 

My other Heartlands are great rods.

momay4000

momay4000

Posted
Posted

I like the Daiwa rods, but noticed a problem yesterday when I went to put new leader on our Heartland copper rods. Both reel seats have loosened up and can now rotate several degrees in each direction. I suspect that they weren't attached well to the rod when it was built and the heavy weight of the reels exacerbated the problem. I will be contacting Daiwa today regarding both of these rods, which are only two or three years old and purposed specifically for copper applications.

 

My other Heartlands are great rods.

 

Same thing has happened to me on two of my Heartlands. I used electrical tape and fixed it a bit, albeit it's not the greatest solution. I also hate how the butt cap falls off and get's stuck inside my rod holders and has to be re-glued from time to time.

 

That being said, I've had the same Heartlands for seven years and at $25 a pop when I purchased them, how can you go wrong? I think they go for about $35 per rod now and it's still a great deal.

 

Good luck,

 

Chris

John E Powell

John E Powell

Posted
Posted

I like the Daiwa rods, but noticed a problem yesterday when I went to put new leader on our Heartland copper rods. Both reel seats have loosened up and can now rotate several degrees in each direction. I suspect that they weren't attached well to the rod when it was built and the heavy weight of the reels exacerbated the problem. I will be contacting Daiwa today regarding both of these rods, which are only two or three years old and purposed specifically for copper applications.

 

My other Heartlands are great rods.

 

This is an example of a rod that has two problems, and the manufacturer is responsible for both. Problem #1 is the seat on this rod is of too light a duty for the designated capacity. The fact that it turns a small amount and not completely around is an indication that it has deformed with use. If the seat was sturdy enough to remain round, it would spin completely around the blank once the adhesive bond failed. Problem #2 is the manufacturer didn't take the time to properly prepare the inside of the reel seat to assure a strong adhesive bond in the first place.

 

Big reels, heavy copper line, reel clamps if used, large salmon, continuing to troll while fighting fish should all be considered normal use on a rod specifically marketed as a copper trolling rod. Loose grips and reel seats is clearly shoddy quality control by the manufacturer.

 

This is not just a problem with these Daiwa rods, I have seen these problems from just about every manufacturer of medium and in some cases even the high-priced trolling rods, Okuma and Shimano included. If you want better from your factory grade rod, take a look at Shakespeare at the mid range pricing, and Lamiglas and St. Croix at higher price points. They are not perfect, but their build quality and component selection is certainly better IMO.

Silver Fox

Silver Fox

Posted
Posted

Same thing happened to my okuma copper rods. They replaced them all and I guess I'll just keep getting them replaced till they get it right.

John, your right on. Do these companies think we are putting zebco's on these copper rods? Penny wise and pound stupid for MOST of the companies.

brucehookedup

brucehookedup

Posted
Posted

I have been around the block with many brands and lengths. I have used the ugly stik 8'3 for many years now. Every now and then I will break one at the ferule. They do have a 5 year warranty. Timber lake and tackle is a great place to purchase.

UpGrady

UpGrady

Posted
Posted

Another vote for Ugly Stik rigger rods.  I run the 9', most of them are from the mid 80's vintage and still going strong.

Thun

Thun

Posted
Posted

8'3" down rigger Ugly Stiks...bought 3 rods 20 years ago for stripers and had good luck with them so I bought 5 more last year for salmon. Did have one of the new ones split while trying to free it from the release but with proof of purchase and a picture, I had a new rod within weeks. I love them!

  • 4 weeks later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...