Looking for a 7' downrigger blank, similar to Okuma's Classic Pro (7'0, 8 - 20lb line, 3/4 - 4oz lure). A friend of mine trolls for 4 - 10lb lake trout and is looking for a rod with lively action, yet can handle these fish. Have heard good reviews of the MHX DR845, but not sure how it compares to the Okuma.

Thanks for any suggestions - very appreciated!

I don't have any experience with the blanks you mention, but a lot of crankbait trolling with Seeker CLB702's and CBS706's. These are glass blanks with an outer wrap of carbon extending up about 1/2 to 2/3rds their length. This adds power to the butt (and allows a smaller diameter) while maintaining the soft, flexible glass tip.

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Thanks Tom, I'll take a look at those.

I have 200 plus downrigger rods fishing Lake Michigan from the last 5 years. The MHX is the absolute best blank I have used to date. It has a nice soft tip section that you can literally load until it touches the water. The bottom end has enough power to pull 30 pound kings up from 200 feet plus. Like I said, the tips are soft enough to see Lake Trout bites with the cannon ball dragging bottom. To compare them to the Classic Pros is like apples and oranges. The classic pros will be stiffer and I wouldn't load one until it touches the water without standing back. Right now on Lake Michigan we have a pretty diverse fishery. You can expect to catch a 2-8 pound Coho, 3-30lb king, and lake trout to 15 lbs and steelhead from 2-20lbs, all on the same trip. The MHX DR845 gets it done across the spectrum.

Thanks very much Tony, appreciated. I wasn't sure if this MHX blank might be overkill (if there is such a thing!) on these smaller 4 - 8lb avg. Finger Lakes lakers or not, tough to judge when only viewing website specs. I'll be in touch with you soon, thanks again!

Mike, my email has changed. It is eyefullsportfishing@gmail.com

I would agree with Tony on the MHX DR845 for an all around rod, this would be my first choice. If you prefer something lighter, check out the various fiberglass, low modulus graphite, or blends in a 843 spinning blank with a mod to mod/fast action.

Thank you John, appreciated. I'm looking for a light & lively downrigger blank for Cayuga fish, 4 - 10lb lake trout mostly. Finally got my hands on a DR845, feels a bit heavy in the butt end, but does have a nice parabolic action.