New walleye angler in need of rod suggestions …

Hellloooo everyone! First post, new to the forum …

I’m badly needing suggestions for two good trolling rods. I’m on a tight budget, so G Loomis-range rods are completely out of the question. I’m brand new to the trolling game, and just trying to get started. I’ll be trolling from an 18′ bass boat, as i still enjoy chasing largemouths/smallmouths too. My rod box will handle 7′ rods, so I’m probably gonna want to stick with telescopic’s (I’ve never been a fan of two piece rods). I have a 36v 112# thrust Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor up front, so I think I can manage in terms of boat control. The lakes I plan to fish here in south-central Ky are relatively deep (150’+), although I’m obviously not gonna be looking to fish that deep. I’m guessing 40-60′ at best, but 10-35′ is likely more realistic. I want to target both striper and walleye in the spring, but primarily walleye throughout the year. I need a rod that I can pull cranks/harnesses with, as well as pull a planer board in the spring for stripers (only for a couple months/yr.). I want to sloooowly pull topwater red finns parallel to the shore, and very shallow in the spring (5′ off the bank). My stripers are typically no more than 20#, but much larger fish are definitely present. Walleye in the 6-10# range are common. I plan to pair my rods with a Diawa Sealine 17, and an Okuma Convector 15, both line counter reels. I’ve read these are two popular models among walleye anglers, and wanted to start out with good quality reels that had an above average drag. I have some decent rod holders installed (10 in all) already, and feel they “should” suffice for my needs. They will accommodate most any rod that I decide on. Without breaking the bank, what would you recommend for my needs? I was gonna pick up a couple 8’6″ Ugly Sticks, but wanted some advice from experienced anglers beforehand. I have some cabellas points available, and a local store … … Many thanks for any/all suggestions!

I would just buy cabelas depthmaster Rods. From the sounds of it. You could use a leadcore set ups and standard mono/fine line. Unless your running dipsys, 60′ would be hard to achieve without 10 colors of lead

Cabelas depthmasters is what I would suggest too.

I was thinking, with these smaller spools, braid would be a better option for me? I’ve looked at the depthmaster rods, but am really unsure what I’d need. Do you guys think the 8.5′ medium light rods would work “ok” with the boards in the spring, or shouldi instead opt for medium action? Maybe shorter?

Just ordered 2 medium light trolling rods.

I would do med moderate. Med light and boards not the best. Depthmaster are good rods. Spend a bit more on a decent reel. Cold water or tekotas. Never will have issues.

I didn’t see where Cabelas offered a medium moderate rod in this brand. Only medium, or medium light. Decided on medium light because I intended to troll much more often, and will only occasionally pull a board. Hopefully they’ll work for me what few times i do.

Just curious why medium light over medium weight with a moderate action?

Lack of input. Figured I’d be trolling far more than I’d be pulling boardz with them.