ML Downrigger rod

[JDK]

I need to replace a couple of downrigger rods and the selection here in northern Maine is non-existent.  Mainly used landlocked salmon, lake trout, and brook trout trolling.  I had 2 Daiwa Great Lakes 8 footers that someone liked better than me I guess but want something a little longer. Trying to decide between the Shakespeare Ugly Stik Big Water 9 foot L action and the Okuma Blue Diamond 8' 6" ML rods.  Most concerned with durability.  Is the Ugly Stik worth $10 more?

 

Thanks

 

 

[justtracytrolling]

I'm using Denali Myriad walleye trolling rods and these are lightweight, graphite, and telescopic for storage.  I use most of the rods they make, but the 8'6" leadcore rods are my favorite.  They aren't the cheapest but these rods are worth the money!

[gonefishing71]

i have 12 or 14 Okuma Blue Diamond rods on my boat, I love them

 

they're not the best rod out there, but they are inexpensive and work great, i think i own every style they make and have had  no issues with them

[Jomat]

https://www.fish307.com/fish307-com-downrigger-trolling-rods/

 

these seem to be very popular with the New England guys fishing for smaller trout/landlocks.

https://www.lamiglas.com/products/cg-70-dr

Here is the west coast version.

[Yankee Troller]

I run the newer Daiwa Great Lakes ML Downrigger rods for Brown Trout. They have a nice action, and should be great for the purpose you want them for. They're also inexpensive. I have them set-up with 15lb mono to a 10lb leader. You can find them at FishUSA at this link - http://fishusa.rv5k.net/knnaL

 

The rod I'm talking about is model GL802MLF

Edited October 13, 2020 by Yankee Troller

[JDK]

Thanks everyone.

 

The rods that walked away were Daiwa Great Lakes ML rods and you are correct they were very good for what I do.  The smart money would be to just replace them.

 

 

 

 

[John E Powell]

It sounds like you might like a “Kokanee downrigger rod”. They’re very popular on the west coast for light line and smaller to mid size fish.

If you do a search for them I’m sure you can find some in your preferred length and at every price point.


Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United

[sherman brown]

the answer to all your problems is the med action 9' ugly stik gx2 rod. its light action but has enough backbone to hold up to 30# braid in salt water. dont lets its durability fool you its rated from 4# to 20#. so it light enough for crappin but will handle saltwater reds.