ive been slowly trying to put together a bottom fishing setup that i can use when im lucky enough to go offshore with others
ive got a penn jigmaster and am looking for suggestions on what type of rod to purchase for it. im honestly just looking for something durable and it does not need to be fancy or cost an arm and a leg as i will probably only get to use a handful of times a year (if im lucky)
anyways any suggestions would be much appreciated… also if anyone has a rod they dont have a need for anymore i would possibly purchase it depending on the circumstances
Hey man, Bass Pro makes a setup in their “Offshore Angler” line that I absolutely love. It’s a 4/0 “Captain’s Choice” and I think I paid $140 for the whole setup. It’s a good stiff 6’ trolling rod, long rod holder handle, and 4.3/1 gear. The rod has roller guides on the tip too. You’ll have many people chime in and say that you gotta have Penn or Fin Nor this and that, and that’s fine if you fish everyday… but for those of us not lucky to do so, it’s a great setup. I’ve had nothing but luck with all of BPS upper echelon Offshore Angler stuff. Just rinse it off every time and oil it occasionally, and it’s an awesome purchase.
You probably just want a basic, 6-7’, MH “boat rod.”
Shakespeare Ugly Sticks run about $60, and are just about indestructible. Star Rods makes some good rods at reasonable prices too, Haddrells and most of the local places will have them.
Check the tackle shops and even places like Sports Authority or Dick’s for clearance stuff too, you can often find rods ~50% off if you have some patience.
I would check out the new PENN Rampage series. Retails range from $59.99-$69.99. I would look at the RAMBW2050C66 or the RAMBW2040C70. These rods have a solid glass tip, slick butt, aluminum oxide guides and heavy duty Pac Bay reel seat. Very nice rod for the money.
Shimano Trevalla. I have 3 and love them. They’re tough as nails, can handle an unreasonable amount of pressure, and have a lifetime warranty! break it and exchange it over the counter at Haddrells. Best bang for you rbuck in my eye for heavier rods. I have used the Penn Torrque rods and am pleased with them as well. The foregrip is just a bit too bulky for me. They performed just as well as the Trevalla though.
Nasty Dawg’s suggestion is right on the money. If that’s out of your price range check out the Slammer series of rods, which can be found for around $20 on TackleDirect’s site. They have boat rods in that series.
Avoid anything “Tidewater” or otherwise “Shakespeare” (except the Ugly Stick). I have three of them, and even though I rinse them with clean water, the guides oxidize (green) on me a LOT.
I would check out the new PENN Rampage series. Retails range from $59.99-$69.99. I would look at the RAMBW2050C66 or the RAMBW2040C70. These rods have a solid glass tip, slick butt, aluminum oxide guides and heavy duty Pac Bay reel seat. Very nice rod for the money.
What type of fishing will you be doing with the BTL5000? Bottom fishing, bull reds? Also do you have an idea on how much you would like to spend on a rod?
I am wanting a all around rod that can be taken to the beach or fish for bulls and kings. I doubt I will be doing any serious bottom fishing anytime soon. Besides, I would want a hole different setup for that.
I am thinking 7.5’ to 9 feet and I would like to keep it under 120$. Thanks.