Hey guys this is my first post here and what a great site this is ....I was hoping for some advice on a personal build, I am going to be building 4 trolling rods would like them to be around 8'6" medium power etc. I will be using them to drag the small Walleye boards with a thin fish or large bomber on them for the spring salmon run. My debate is having never built trolling/ planar rods I am not sure what brand is best to use, I have been looking at Lamiglas and Batson blanks and trying to keep it around $80.00 or less per blank. What is a good blank to use in this scenario I am open to all suggestions and appreciate any input.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/12/2012 12:12AM by Jason Ferdig.

Give the MHXDR1024 a shot. It is designed and built for Great Lakes trolling. They are glass rods with a nice slow action, perfect for pulling boards. They are very easy on your pocketbook and have a bulletproof warranty. Do a spiral wrap and you will have great board rods. These also make great downrigger rods.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/12/2012 10:49AM by Tony Childs.

Look at the Batson Forecast DSS1025.
They are graphite with a "Steelhead" design.
That gives them a light tip with good backbone.
The responsive graphite helps telegraph whats happening.

Here is a link;
[www.schneidersrods.com]#*

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

Listen to Tony!! He knows Michigan salmon/walleye as well or better than anyone around.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Thanks for the input guys I think I am going to give the MHX a try, I hear lots of good things about Baston and MHX both but as always price is an important factor when trying to get a whole new setup.

Port Huron, MI

Welcome to the board Jason. I would like to invite you the the first gathering of Michigan Rod Builders on March 24th. Tony will be there and you can pick his brain a little more. Free, fun, food, free stuff. Check out our website Michigan Rod Builders See the flier on the "Round Up" page. It is in North Branch, just a short drive for you.

______________________________________
Super Tight Lines......Don

I have used Batson RDR's in the past with great luck also, they are a little faster action as they are a blend. For what you described, you can't go wrong with the MHX though. I have a set of four of them right now mid build as longer rigger rods for a charter captain.

The RDR86MH and BP1024 should cover most of the fishing you plan to do. They have been the two favorites for many years now. I have been fishing the BP1265 and 1266 lately and really love tha action.

RDR86MH
Rainshadow Downrigger Spiral Wrap

Component Part Number Part Description
Rod Blank Model # RDR86MH-GB 8'6" 2 pc Medium Hvy downrigger
Butt Cap: SBC20B Butt Cap 19.8mm ID-Black
Reel Seat: GT18C + GT18C-SN-B Grpht Trgr w/cush R/S10.5mm -Black
Reel Seat Shim: Shim18Cast .710" OD 4.00" Length
Fore Grip: FG35A-250 3 1/2" Cork Fore Grip 'A'
Rear Grip: WHGRY-12 12" Woven Graphite Handle-Grey (1.05" OD / .970" ID)
Rear Grip Arbor: WHKA x 4 + WBBC + WBTC Woven Handle Kit Arbor Woven Bushing Butt CapWoven Bushing Trigger Cast
Winding Check: BWC13 Winding Check .35" I.D.-Black
Hookeeper: BHKS Small Black Hook Keeper
Tip Top XBPPLT07R07.5 SS316-RRD 'P' Top 07 'H' ring 7.5 tube - DBC/Black-ALPS
Guides (see below for size and quantity) XBLXNLG SS316-LXN Guide w/'H' ring - DBC/Black-ALPS
Guides (see below for size and quantity) XBMXNLG SS316-MXN Guide w/'H' ring - DBC/Black-ALPS
Guide order from the tip top Guide Guide Placement - In inches from the tip top
1st XBLXNLG07 3.75" 180 degrees
2nd XBLXNLG07 7.75" 180 degrees
3rd XBLXNLG07 12.25" 180 degrees
4th XBLXNLG07 17.25" 180 degrees
5th XBLXNLG08 23.5" 180 degrees
6th XBMXNLG08 30" 180 degrees
7th XBMXNLG10 37" 170 degrees
8th XBMXNLG10 45" 145 degrees
9th XBMXNLG12 54" 90 degrees
10th XBMXNLG16 63.5" 20-30 degrees