Thank you everyone for your input. I’m going to be going to a little lighter rod (medium lite). I have a 2500 reel too that I might begin to use also. I figured that I just don’t have enough stretch or give. I generally like to think of myself as being good at fighting fish. I commonly fish our fall King salmon with barbless hooks and there is a ton of weight flying around (11″ flasher, 10oz. cannonball, and a lure) but walleye are different. Hooks are also new and good quality. I thought I read somewhere that lightening up the blade can get you better bites. Something about fish being able to catch up to it on the fall or inhaling it better.

Thanks Dean… I filled and bled the system. It is amazing how much better the steering is. Prior to fill, you could almost turn the wheel two full turns before the motor would even begin to move.

Thank you to the people the messaged me to help. I found the remote vest behind one of the graphs.

What were you tipping your hooks with in this episode? I saw you and your partner both do it, and them place the bait back under your jacket for warmth.

Dean Marshall wrote:

My gut tells me a 5’9″ would be far less fatiguing fishing that deep and heavy. I have that rod and only use it fishing vertical. Very lightweight and great control.

Thanks for the input. I think I’m trying to solve the oldest problem known to man…can one rod do it all? I know that it can’t but it’s worth a try. I already have a 5’9″ in a Fenwick Elite tech. I’m hoping that the 6’3″ will let me bridge between vertical jigging and casting the blades. Right now I vertical jig because that is what I know and the technique is prevalent here. However, this is only my second season walleye fishing and I’m hopping that I move into some other techniques this spring when walleye become more accessible in shallower waters.

James Holst wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Kelly Jordan wrote:</div>
I use okuma deadeye trolling rods I got for 49 each. I do like the med moderate, as I pull mini planer boards so don’t need an expensive rod for that. I have 2 St. Croix eyecon 7 ft med/mod bouncer rod for pulling 3 ways, big difference there

Okuma Coldwater downrigger rods for me. $69 retail but you can find them for under $50 if you catch them on sale. I have an assortment of “expensive” trolling rods in storage that haven’t seen the light of day in years.

Im not disagreeing with anyone here, an angler with money in their pocket can spend it the way they choose, but I’d recommend saving some money on trolling rods and reallocating the extra funds on better reels.

Would you happen to have the model # of the specific Okuma rod you’re referring to? Thanks!

Another question…….Has anyone used “Captain Jay’s” blade baits? Color selection is pretty impressive. I’ve never heard of them so I’m not sure of performance.

Now to find the right rod for my Blade Biting/Jigging Rap combo. I’m looking at the St. Croix Legend Rods. I’m undecided between the 5’9”, 6’3”, or 6’8”. I local pro swears by the 5’9” for everything from vertical jigging to blades and Jigging raps. Most internet info suggests the 6’8”. I’m thinking 6’3” and splitting the difference. All 3 are MXF. Which one should I buy?

I actually am from out WEST. No limits here on the Columbia River. However, my boat rule is no more than 10 per fisherman. Also we have targeted fish here before and females are nonexistent. Fish over 20″ are also rare. I understand your concern but we’re looking for eaters so fish will not be returned to the river once they are brought up from the depths. I would agree with you, and would stop fishing the area if we were encountering large females.

Does anyone have any experience with heavier blade baits (5/8, 3/4)?? I’m going to try and target 16″-20″ males for eaters in about 80 ft. of water? Still in the river so there is current.

This info is amazing!!!!! And you all have been a great help. Thank you. Next Question…Trebles on split rings? or the trebles/doubles that spread apart to install?

My buddy told me once, “choose a technique and master it.” I’m going to try and perfect my blade bait game this fall/winter. That’s my goal! Time to get rigged up.

I guess I should have stated where and when I was intending to use blade baits. I fish the Columbia River during the fall/ winter. No ICE here. Water can be extremely clear and fish can be found in 30-100 ft.

Thank you…I many be slow but I can’t seem to find the search function for this site. I see a search button in the upper right side of the screen but it seems to search the web and the forum. I’m going to check out your bookmark. Thanks again.

The Gen 2 has Insight US map and still nothing.

I just bought an MX 1825 with a f200. The guy has a Bravo 1 20p 4 blade prop on it. When we text drove the boat it was real sluggish out of the hole with the 3 of us in it (no gear), no mid range, and top speed of 54 mph on smooth water. I’m looking for a prop that’ll give me a better hole shot and mid-range. From what I’ve read on here I’m thinking a Reliance 17, 18, 19. Not quite sure though. Top speed is not an issue. Boat is rigged with Kicker. Anyone have one of these props for sale? Anyone want to trade?