Looking for some opinions on trolling/boat rods 5’6" length vs 6’. Looking at 30-80 lb class rods. Will be trolling for dolphin, wahoo, aj’s, etc… the usual stuff. Lots of experienced guys on here as far as offshore goes so I’m hoping for some good advice. Thanks, guys
6ft if fishing an outboard for moving fish around the boat/motors.
A lot can be avoided with boat driving but sometimes they do their best to get in the motors.
We used to fish 6’6" when the yellowfin were around to keep the fish off the side of the boat when they came up circling. We also had a chair back then so the rod needed to be long enough to get out past the gunnel. The problem with a longer trolling rod when fighting a fish stand-up is that you give the fish all of the leverage. If you ever got into a real battle while fighting standup, (big blue or tuna) the 5’6" is going to be less wear on you.
Do not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don’t tell them where they know the fish.
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31’ Contender
“Touche”
250 HPDIs
I’ll make this one easy… Picture yourself fighting a fish with a rod that is only 1 foot long and stiff as a broomstick… What are your challenges? Now, picture yourself fighting a fish with an 8 foot rod that has a little bit of action to it. That should help you visualize the difference between a short or long rod… As far as a 6’ vs a 5’6", there probably isn’t much difference. That being said, I would opt for the longer rod unless there is something impractical about it (i.e. do you have under the gunnel storage that won’t accommodate a 6’ rod, but would accommodate a 5’6" rod).
Thanks for the opinions, fellas. I was kinda looking at it with the room in the storage gunnels in mind, but having fished 6.5-7’ trolling rods from the beach most of my life I just wanted perspective from guys who do it on a boat. I’ve been fishing from my boat for just a season and a half, so still trying to figure out what will work best. I’m selling off some of my big shark gear right now to scale down. Just sold my Senator 16/0, and I will be trying to sell the ■■■■■■■ 130 rod that I used with it. Going to probably buy a couple of Squalls, maybe 1 30 wide and 1 50 wide just in case I want to tangle with some tiger sharks. Thanks for the help, i trust you guys.
another thing i like about the shorter 5’6’’ rods is that you can reach up to the rod tip to grab the line and put it in the clip without taking it out of the rod holder. I always found myself having to take the rod out of the holder to be able grab the line with the other hand when using rods over 6’. a small inconvenience to most, sure. but something to consider… especially if you’re really thick in the fish (or weeds)
266 Sea Fox cc
twin twohundreds
quote:
Originally posted by SF Crewanother thing i like about the shorter 5’6’’ rods is that you can reach up to the rod tip to grab the line and put it in the clip without taking it out of the rod holder. I always found myself having to take the rod out of the holder to be able grab the line with the other hand when using rods over 6’. a small inconvenience to most, sure. but something to consider… especially if you’re really thick in the fish (or weeds)
266 Sea Fox cc
twin twohundreds
This…not everyone is 8’ tall like Skinnee…
My one 6’ rod is fished on the center rigger. I have a 5’8 on the way, though.
quote:That's what high heels are for ladies!!!
Originally posted by SchoolsOut1This…not everyone is 8’ tall like Skinnee…
My one 6’ rod is fished on the center rigger. I have a 5’8 on the way, though.