Hey all, I’m looking for a musky trolling rod that can handle some pretty big baits. I’m talking about the SavageGear 4D pike that’s 19 inches and 28 ounces. I’ve heard that the Okuma EVX line of rods are good but I’m not 100% sure on anything because I’ve never trolled musky before, just casted them. Any tips would be greatly appreciated because I don’t want to break a rod.
I use a tackle industries xxh for that
What is your budget? Thorne Brothers makes a great musky trolling rod. Nip 6” off the tip of the F-90M blank for bigger baits.
I have 3 tackle Industries rods and have been very pleased with them. I don’t musky fish often so they double up for sturgeon and flathead rods. I have no complaints.
I have a couple of the XXH Tackle Industry rods too. I troll with them all the time. I haven’t trolled with a 19 inch bait though. I’ve trolled with baits up to 14 inches. I also troll quite a bit with some big Double Cow Girls that have a heck of a lot of drag. The Tackle Industry Rods are also fairly easy on your wallet.
That bait has no lip so it’s probably not going to pull any harder than typical 10″-12″ 8 oz crankbaits. Doubt you need anything special, normal trolling or even casting rods should be just fine. Downrigger & board rods are popular for trolling musky baits, and they work well.
Are you planning to go slow and pump or put them in holders and up the speed?
That bait has no lip so it’s probably not going to pull any harder than typical 10″-12″ 8 oz crankbaits.
this. if you’re just trying out trolling with this bait, your standard rods will treat you well with this lure.
if you’re spending more time trolling and adding big-lipped baits like Headlocks and Kirbys? in that case a specialized heavy trolling rod is worth the investment.
Keith Terlinden will treat you right either way:
https://ktproedge.com/
You don’t need a heavy rod for trolling big baits. An xxh is the last rod I’d troll with. You want a flexible rod for drag and to keep ‘em pinned.
You also don’t need an expensive rod for trolling. A shimano TDR is cheap and works just fine for trolling the largest headlocks. Spend the saved money on a good reel.
The tackle industries has done me well for speed trolling double blades. And I’ve never had one come unpinned. But like I stated it’s not something I do all that often.
You can get a 9’ (or what every length you want) custom Thorne Brothers trolling rod starting at $230. The Tackle Industries musky trolling rods are $200 to $275. Just because it is a custom rod made to your specification does not always imply it is more than off the shelf options. I also use my Thorne Brothers F-90M for fall sucker fishing and sturgeon fishing. I think it would work better for sturgeon if I didn’t take 6”off the tip.
You can get a 9’ (or what every length you want) custom Thorne Brothers trolling rod starting at $230. The Tackle Industries musky trolling rods are $200 to $275. Just because it is a custom rod made to your specification does not always imply it is more than off the shelf options. I also use my Thorne Brothers F-90M for fall sucker fishing and sturgeon fishing. I think it would work better for sturgeon if I didn’t take 6”off the tip.
TDRs are $30
If you get a big fish on that starts head shaking before you get the rod in hand you risk losing a fish with a stiff rod due to slack line. Stiff rods work but are not ideal which is why most guys don’t use them trolling.
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Yup I understand, I was just putting a rod out there that is reasonably priced and has gotten the job done many times with big big baits
if i was looking for a single jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none?
Chaos Assault Stick Trolling/Live Bait 9′ Heavy
TDRs are fine rods at a super price, i’ve got a few of the 9′ Heavy and i’ve put a lot of hours on them. with truly big lures i find that they load up too much, leaving less available give for when a fish hits or a snag occurs. on the other end, a super beefy XXH rod isn’t great either. it’ll handle the pull of big trolling lures but provides less read on lure action and has too little forgiveness when fighting a muskie, resulting in too many lost fish.
for me the goal is to pair the right amount of backbone to handle the lure i’m pulling with enough forgiveness that i don’t lose fish needlessly boatside. one rod will not do this as effectively as i want for all sizes of muskie lures: planer boards, Shad Raps, Jakes, and Liplocks each have different demands. i love me some trolling, and that’s meant that i’m willing to pay a touch more for specialized tools.
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