Walleye Trolling Rod Reel suggestions

Hey guys Im looking into buying a new rod and reel setup for trolling for this season. I will be pulling spinners or cranks. Any suggestions?

Thanks

What is your price range for rod and reel?

My favorite trolling rod for cranks is a Shimano compre CPCTR96MC and a Shimano tekota. Very sensitive rod tip so you can see if a crank gets fouled up or you have a shaker on the line even if I’m using leadcore.

Best advice I think I ever got was to not worry about spending too much on trolling rods… it isn’t like you feel the tick or bite. I use an Okuma Classic GLT Downrigger rod – 7’6″ Medium light. I can tell when pulling a board if a flicker shad runs fowl… and yet it has been everything I need for salmon on Lake Michigan. Very versatile rods.

At $28 on Amazon right now, it is hard to beat. Pair it up with Convector 20 series (30 series if you want more flexibility of using on the great lakes or lead core) reels and you have everything less the line for $100.

I bought a 2 pack of Okuma Trolling Combos off of Ebay last spring and couldn’t be happier. My dad paid for one and I paid for the other and we haven’t had a problem with either. We do a fair amount of trolling on Pepin and was happy with them. I’m considering pulling the trigger on a couple more. Price was $140 for the pair.

I got 7′ medium rods with 20dx reels. Did fine with all of the cranks and spinners I use.

The rod I found that worked best for me was the Okuma Dead Eye Bottom Bouncer. It is 8’6” and collapse down to 7’4”. With the sensitivity of this rod I was able to feel small lures while trolling. I didn’t think some of the others I have tried were as sensitive. The rod is rated for lures from ½ oz to 3 oz and is on sale right now from Fleet Farm for $60. As far as the reel, I don’t think you can beat the Shimano Tekota.

Pretty much anything 7+’ with a moderate to moderate fast action will work. Depending on size of bait or additional lead involved I alternate between medium to medium heavy power rods. I use tekotas with shimano compre trolling rods.