Downrigger rods and reels?

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bulldog1
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2009/06/03 13:14:50 (permalink)

Downrigger rods and reels?

Any recommendations on downrigger rods and reels? I've had good luck with Cabelas dipsy rods, but their downrigger rods don't have the best reputation. Okuma looks to be an economical choice. What are you guys running?
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    RRWidow
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/03 13:20:36 (permalink)
    Diawa Heartland (HD-802ms-g) 8' are nice rods. Really nice bend and action and very affordable. They also have 7' and 7'6" in the same series. I've got 16 of them. I use the 7' on the boards too.
    #2
    rapala11
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/03 13:28:01 (permalink)
    bull, i have buddies that used these.  fishusa does carry them......
     
     
    Eagle Claw StarFire
    Downrigger and Dipsy Rods

     

    The Eagle Claw StarFire rods are designed for the Great Lakes. With their specialty actions, durable blanks and quality components, these rods are sure to outshine the competition. StarFire rods are avaliable in traditional yellow fiberglass with wire framed ceramic guides.


    • Designed for the Great Lakes
    • Specialty Actions
    • Wire Framed Ceramic Guides


    We stock four versions of the Eagle Claw StarFire which include the 7'6"downrigger model, the 8' and 8'6" downrigger model and the 10' Dipsy Diver models. Additional specifications are provided in the table below.





    Specifications

    Model
    Action
    Length
    Line Wts.
    Guides
    Sections

    SF400-76
    Med-Light
    (Trolling
    Downrigger)
    7'6"
    8-15 lbs.
    2324
    25    26

    SF407-8
    Med-Light
    (Downrigger)
    8'
    6-10 lbs.
    3536
    37    38

    SF400A-86
    Med-Light
    (Downrigger)
    8'6"
    8-15 lbs.
    4748
    49    50

    SF403-10
    Medium
    (Diver/Trolling)
    10'
    20-30 lbs.
    59    60
    6162

    Please select the model from the list above.



    Joined: 10/8/2003


    #3
    Carpet Bagger
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/03 13:49:52 (permalink)
    Ive always liked the Heartland rods.  I have 8 or so of the 8'6''  and 6 of the 9'6" dipsy rods.

    CB
    I never thought I'd say this, but I love my Sport-Craft!
    #4
    mikelravy
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/03 14:42:13 (permalink)
    I have a few of the 8'6" Cabelas downrigger rods and they are fine.  I mostly use them for walleyes.  They are a little lighter than some of the competitors' rods.   I use them for jets and cookies off planer boards also.  They are too flimsy for dipsies IMHO.
    #5
    CRANKMASTER
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/03 16:24:51 (permalink)
    I have 4 of the cabela's 8'6" downrigger rods and 2 of the Okuma Blue Diamond 10' dipsy rods all rigged with Diawa Sealine SG27 line counter reels. I use the cabela's rods for running the big dipsy's on the inside and the okuma's on the outside. I have never had any problems with the cabela's rods with the big dipsy. I would suggest that if your going to spend the money, spend it on the reel. Good luck Bulldog !!
    #6
    Dream Catcher
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/03 20:47:01 (permalink)
    I like using ugly stik light action rods (spinning or casting both work) with baitcast reels . The ugly stiks are cheap and have an excellent bend running with downriggers ! Prepare yourself for a nice fight on light action rods ...
    #7
    Mountian Man
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/03 21:13:30 (permalink)
    I have a Heartland downrigger 10' rod I never used, plan on selling it for $30 plus whatever the shipping costs is...
     
    That is if I can find a shipping tube somewhere? 
    post edited by Mountian Man - 2009/06/03 21:15:03

    Thread Killer

    Veni Vidi Vici...
    #8
    ShutUpNFish
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/03 21:22:37 (permalink)
    I personally think the rods the manufacturers label "dipsey rods" suck!  The best dipsey rod, for me, has been my 9' All Star XH (no longer made) teamed with an Okuma COnvector LC reel.  As for the riggers and anything else, its hard to beat the Okuma rigger rods or mooching rods.  Good quality for the money.

    #9
    deetz4352
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/03 21:23:44 (permalink)
    ORIGINAL: Mountian Man

    I have a Heartland downrigger 10' rod I never used, plan on selling it for $30 plus whatever the shipping costs is...

    That is if I can find a shipping tube somewhere? 

    If you have a carpet store near by go in and ask them for a tube that carpet was rolled up on and cut to size. Just have to cap the ends well. Just a thought.

    The Deetz
    Fishermen are born honest,but they get over it
    #10
    Bogeyjoker
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/03 21:38:28 (permalink)
    I use the Okuma Blue Diamond BDC-762ML rod for my riggers.

    http://www.fishusa.com/Okuma-Blue-Diamond-Trolling-Rods_p.html
    #11
    Trap Jaw
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/03 22:11:14 (permalink)
    I prefer the Erie Series rods.  For most everything I use the downrigger rods, dipsey's, riggers, boards...  The only thing I won't use them on is the large dipsey's.  They are a bit on the heavy side as far as downrigger rods go, but it's nice that they have the backbone to handle most everything.  I've got some on the boat that I got the year Poor Richards started carrying them.  To boot, they're one of the cheapest rods I've found.  A second choice would be the Eagle Claw rods.  I've only got one left, but it is something like 25 years old.  The only reason I'm down to one is the rest either got broke or lost.
     
    As far as reels...  I wouldn't hit a dog with an Okuma.  Going to start switching over to the Penn 209LC as my Okumas start giving up the ghost.
    #12
    Big Fathead
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/04 08:43:42 (permalink)
    If you want low budget rods, Buy the Okuma's as a combo $50.00 can't beat it. If you get a chance hop aboard you can see how they work!
    #13
    Master Guide
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/04 12:44:28 (permalink)
    Ugly Sticks, All the way. Either the 8'3" or the 9' for riggers and board lines are great for Lake Erie and Lake O. Dipsey rods several different but no Browning crap.
     
    Jeremy/NeverEnough
    #14
    mothermoose
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/04 14:56:35 (permalink)
    I agree with master guide.  After fishing with his in lake O, I was impressed.
     
    MM

    What's another hunded dollors,when we are spending thousands, I mean THOUSANDS.
    #15
    Over the Hill
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/04 23:30:15 (permalink)
    Diawa 10' Rods. Diawa 47LC reels. Ugly sticks are nice, few guides I know have coverted to them. As my Diawa rods wear out from the wire line, they'll be replaced with Uglys...

    OVER THE HILL

    Some people are like slinky's; not really good for anything, but, they bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs...
    #16
    papinner
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    RE: Downrigger rods and reels? 2009/06/06 15:35:30 (permalink)

    ORIGINAL: Bogeyjoker

    I use the Okuma Blue Diamond BDC-762ML rod for my riggers.

    http://www.fishusa.com/Okuma-Blue-Diamond-Trolling-Rods_p.html



    I fished lake O this week and the guy I went with used those same rods they are a great rod very comfortable in your hand espescially fighting a 20lbs. king. as far as reels the shimano tekota are great really pricey reels though but well worth the money. Check out the blue diamonds though you'll really like them.
    #17
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