trolling rod suggestions

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Seekandfillet

Member
Guys, I'm still new to this cool boat fishing thing. Totally addicted to my new to me Lund. I'm a trout guy from Grand Junction, and I'm hoping to get some suggestions on some baitcaster rod/reel setups that I could use for trolling walleye at Lake Powell and would also work for trolling Kokanee at Blue Mesa/Flaming Gorge. Is there such thing or are these two different needs? Any guidence appreciated - I'm well versed in fly fishing and spinning setups, but know nothing about baitcasters/trolling setups.
 
I have dedicated Kokanee rods/reels. Mine are Okuma SST light action 8’rods and Daiwa Lexa 100 line counter reels. You could use them for walleye, but Kokanee rods have a very light, slow action to prevent pulling hooks from their soft mouths. I think they would load up too much with crankbaits and especially bottom bouncers. It’s not the fish (Kokanee fight a lot harder than walleye), but the lures and gear you use to catch them…

I think you could get some relatively cheap medium action trolling or spinning gear combos that would work better for walleye and stripers at Powell…
 
For Kokanee softer action definitely helps, if using downrigger much of the time they are simply bent over while waiting for hit. IMHO crazy to spend a lot on Koke rod . Eagle claw Kokanee rods about 25 bucks work great spend money on reel, good drag and line-counter a plus for Koke or other trolling, the Diawa mentioned above is a good choice. Then buy two medium action trolling rods switch the reels over and use for Walleye, Striper etc. Use 15 pound test and the reels will be great for both, since you are not fishing Kokanee at same time, use the reels for both needs if you don’t want to buy more. Not an ugly stick fan for casting, jigging etc., they are a bit heavy and not as sensitive for bite detection, But they are great for trolling.
Good luck
 
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Good advice about the reels! I really like the Ouma SST rods. I think they’re like 60-70 bucks? But the action is so much nicer than the Buggywhip eagle Claw rods IMHO. The smaller line counter reels are also a lot more pleasant to fish with them the big old heavy ones. Not super cheap though!
 
I’ve literally caught thousands of kokes on the eagle claw buggy whips. I take a lot of rookies/novices out, with a good drag on the reel the softer rod helps to not lose many if beginners try to horse them . If one gets broken damaged not a big deal to replace. Haven’t had to yet a few bent guides , bend them back good to go. Certainly nothing wrong with buying better, but they do the job well for me and are cheap, I’ll put more money into good reels with good drag and counters, line, tackle and lures.
 
This is my favorite kokanee combo, Ill usually spool it full of 10lb mono Okuma Aveon Kokanee Trolling Rod and Reel Combo - 7ft 6in, Light, 2pc . Just make sure you actually verify the line counter by pulling out 10ft if you are not using a down rigger for depth. I use line clips and lead balls successfully at blue mesa all the time but rely on an accurate line counter.

for trolling lake powell all ive ever used is my normal spinning rod that is medium/fast action. Ill just let out about half a spool of line and troll my crankbaits. If i need additional depth ill use my line clips and a lead weight to get me down just like i would for kokanee. Ive caught stripers down to 60ft with that method successfully if I cant jig on them.
 
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