If you like to go by the lake and fish with friends and family, or you want to take your fishing game to the next level, then you should consider investing in a fishing rod.
Although it comes down to the technique and right use of the tool, investing in a decent trolling rod should still be a priority.
We have made a shortlist of some of the best trolling rods.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Trolling Rods
- OUR TOP PICK: Okuma Classic Pro GLT & Rods
- RUNNER-UP: Fiblink Saltwater Trolling Fishing Rod
- BEST SALMON TROLLING ROD: X-11 Cork by Lamiglas
Comparison of the Best Trolling Rods
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What is Trolling Fishing?
The sole aim of fishing is to catch fish and devour it by frying or grilling it. Fishermen or fishing enthusiasts use multiple techniques to catch fish efficiently. One of those numerous techniques is trolling fishing. In this method, the fisherman uses more than one fishing line. A lure or baitfish is attached to the end of those fishing rods. There are three common ways to throw these rods into the water; you can be behind a moving boat, you can slowly wind the line while rowing the boat or lastly you can be fishing from a stationary position, not moving from the spot at all.
Do You Need a Specific Rod for Trolling?
To answer this question in a single word: yes! If you wish to become an expert, then you have to adhere to the rules of a particular fishing technique. For trolling fishing, you need one or several sets of the three most essential tools: fishing rods, fishing lines, and reels - preferably saltwater.
For trolling fishing, you might have to consider non-corrosive lines and reels. Among all of these things, your focus should be on the rod that is constructed to lift heavyweight and is capable of multi-roll baitcasting reel along with line counters. Look for durable lines with remarkable strength.
How Do I Choose a Trolling Rod?
Choosing a solid, reliable trolling rod is a crucial step towards taking your fishing game to the next level. Keep some of the following points in mind, and you will be successful in your mission:
Manual or Electric
If you are using a manual or an electric line counter, then you must choose your rod accordingly. For accurate and precise collaboration, an electric line counter is easy. When you are settled on the line counter, it will be easy for you to stick to the trolling rod.
Strength
Most fishing enthusiasts who lean towards trolling rods want a rod with strength enough to hold the large species of freshwater. So, if you are considering standard eyes trolling rod, then that rod is designed to handle standard catches, not extremes.
Friction Prevention
Consider buying a trolling rod that can help you in friction prevention, especially when the rod is bent, and a sharp arch is formed. It makes it easy to catch heavier and stronger fish.
Rust-Free Material
It is important to invest in a rod that will not rust corrode when in contact with water. So be careful as far as the material is concerned.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
- Materials: The materials the rod is made of.
- Handle: The material and/or type of handle on the rod.
- Available Length(s): The length(s) this rod is available in.
- Available Power(s): Power refers to how much force it takes to bend the rod. These fall under the designations of ultra light/med-light/light/medium/med-heavy/heavy/etc.
- Available Action(s): The actions the rod is available in. This refers to where the rod flexes and includes slow/moderate/moderately-fast/fast/extra fast/ etc.
Review of the Best Trolling Rods
Go over the pros and cons and main features of some of the very best trolling rods and choose the one for yourself.
Best Overall:
Okuma Classic Pro GLT & Rods
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
One of the recent buyers of this trolling rod, is reasonably happy with the tip of this fishing rod, and the flexibility of this tool makes it very easy for the users to keep it steady. Another buyer said that its flexible flux makes it easy for him to pull in the fish. The reports also suggest that the rod has reliable power.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This trolling rod is made up of double-footed and guides made with titanium-oxide, which makes it interesting to use. Plus, it comes with a rubber shrink tube butt section that makes this trolling rod more durable. Moreover, it has an option for rod-holder removal, which enhances its strength and sturdiness.
Who Will Use This Most
If you love fishing and you are looking for a rod that is perfect for catching moderate size fish, is easy to carry and lift, has a sturdy and quality built rod and enhances its strength, then this is where your hunt stops. This trolling rod will help you take your fishing game to the next level.
Bottom Line
A Titanium oxide built guide, with stainless steel frames and hook-keepers, regular-sized pipe reel seat along with a shrink butt section. If you don’t have a rod with all of these features, then you must get your hands on this particular one. Start saving and buy this rod and treat yourself with the best fish in the water.
Product Specs
Materials:
E-glass blank, Aluminum oxide guides, Stainless steel hooded reel seats
Handle:
EVA Foam
Available Lengths:
7 ft 6 in / 8 ft 6 in / 9 ft / 10 ft
Available Power(s):
Medium Light, Medium, Medium Heavy
Runner-up:
Fiblink Saltwater Trolling Fishing Rod
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Many buyers of this trolling rod are satisfied with the firm grip of this rod. Another buyer showed satisfaction with the composition of this trolling rod. As these rods are made up of aluminum, they are long-lasting. Other buyers report that the rod makes it easy to lift a big fish.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us because of its constructions as it is made up of top-quality, tough 1-piece E-glass graphite blanks. The very reason that this trolling rod is designed to lift heavy saltwater fish makes it stand out to us. Plus, this rod comes with heavy-duty roller guides that make it easy for you to catch tournament-winning fish.
Who Will Use This Most
Are you looking for a rod that will help you catch the heaviest, biggest fish in the sea? One that is designed to beat rust, has a firm grip, and is easy to carry around? If yes, then we have good news for you, this is the most efficient and easy-to-handle trolling rod on the market.
Bottom Line
With top-quality manufacturing, aluminum gimbal, easy to use features this is one of the very best trolling rods on the market. Have a look at the pros and cons and if you think you can take advantage of this trolling rod, then now is the time to get your hands on this beautiful and efficient machine.
Product Specs
Materials:
E-glass graphite composite blanks, Stainless steel roller guides
Handle:
EVA Foam
Available Lengths:
5 ft 1 in / 6 ft / 7 ft 6 in
Available Power(s):
Heavy
Available Action(s):
Medium Heavy
Best Salmon Trolling Rod:
X-11 Cork by Lamiglas
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the recent buyers of this particular trolling rod are very happy and very satisfied with the remarkable performance of this rod. One of the recent buyers said that he needed to invest in the rod that is not sensitive and offers loads of flexibility. Another buyer also said that this rod feels comfortable in the hands.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This trolling rod is a multi-purpose product that offers great versatility to its users. The construction and its components are designed in a way that matches the banking and boating techniques of the anglers. It comes with graphite handles and optically sized and spaced caps, making it an efficient and intelligently designed rod.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for a rod that will help you cater to multiple fishing techniques, then this is the rod that you are looking for. This trolling rod is capable of showing excellent results even when used in two or more techniques. So, surprise your friends by taking out this remarkable trolling rod in the next competition.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this trolling rod is built and based on a couple of decades of innovation, experiment, and consistency. If you need the best, then this is it. With an affordable price range, excellent blank design, this is one of the very best trolling rods on this list. So, get ready to claim your prize by using this rod.
Product Specs
Materials:
IM6 Graphite, Fiberglass
Handle:
Cork
Available Lengths:
8 ft 6 in
Available Power(s):
Medium
Available Action(s):
Fast
Best for the Money:
Okuma Great Lakes
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers of this trolling rod report that this is a great rod as far as money is concerned, plus it still has a nice and firm grip for handling. Another buyer suggests that this trolling rod is ideal for catching big catfish. Overall, most of its users are happy with its construction and performance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We have multiple reasons to justify why this particular product stands out to us. The very first reason is that this is one of the most affordable trolling rods on the market. Plus, its construction is refined and neat and to offer the very best to its use, it also has foam grips.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for a trolling rod that does its job, does not compromise on the quality, and does not require a lot of money from its users, then this is the best trolling rod for that purpose. So, if you want to earn money or simply want to have fun in fishing competitions, then this trolling rod can be yours!
Bottom Line
Lastly, from stainless steel to comfortable grips, these trolling rods have a lot to offer. If you are gearing up for winning the next fishing competition, then this trolling rod needs to be with the rest of your accessories. Invest in this trolling rod and you will have a stellar supreme fishing experience.
Product Specs
Materials:
Graphite, E-glass blank
Handle:
EVA Foam
Available Lengths:
8 ft 6 in
Available Power(s):
Medium / Medium Heavy
Best Walleye Trolling Rod:
Okuma's Dead Eye Walleye Rod (DE-S-661-MLFT)
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent reports from the buyers of this product suggest that the buyers are extremely satisfied with this trolling rod in terms of money. Overall, most of its users are happy with its performance, construction, efficiency, and reliability. One of the buyers was satisfied with its stylish and sleek design.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Its limited warranty is the reason that it stands out to us. Plus, it is stylish and sleek, yet affordable. Moreover, the designers of this trolling rod have added a split grip that adds sensitivity to the rod. Therefore, when the fish vibrates or moves, the user does not lose their grip on the rod.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want to catch the biggest fish in the water or wish to win a fishing competition, then this is the trolling rod that you are looking for! For fishermen or fisherwomen out there, who need a stylish rod with impeccable design, then this is the trolling rod that they would love a lot.
Bottom Line
This Okuma trolling rod is affordable, comes with a lifetime warranty, is stylish and sleek, beautifully constructed, sensitive, and strong to catch big fish. Does it get better than this? So, what are you waiting for? Invest in this trolling rod and make this trolling rod your companion for the next trip.
Product Specs
Materials:
IM8 Graphite, Stainless steel guide
Handle:
Full / Split Cork
Available Lengths:
6 ft 6 in
Available Power(s):
Medium Light
Available Action(s):
Fast
Benefits of Investing in a Quality Trolling Rod
Multiple benefits are associated with investing in a quality trolling rod. If you need a bit of convincing to invest in a remarkable, high-quality trolling rod, then you should pay attention to the below-mentioned benefits.
One-Time Investment
Consider investing in a trolling rod as a one-time investment. A top-notch rod keeps you from spending money again and again. A high-quality rod does not break off that easily. So instead of spending money on low-end trolling rods, you should save up and invest in top-quality ones.
Durable
Regardless of the size of the fish, a high-quality rod is capable of lifting heavier fish as well. So, you are proud of your catch; you don't have to worry about losing it due to breakage of the rod. A durable and reliable rod is made up of corrosion and rust-free material - saving you from the worry of rust.
Efficient
It is easier to attach a line counter, adjust reel and attach other items with a durable and reliable trolling rod. An efficient trolling rod will be by your side and will last a long time. Keep all of these benefits in mind, the next time you go out shopping for fishing accessories.
How To use trolling rods
Using a trolling rod is like a walk in the park; there is no rocket science involved. With proper gear and gadgets, you would be able to get the results that you need. Apart from trolling, a trolling rod can easily be used in other fishing techniques as well. We have mentioned a couple of steps highlighting the usage of trolling rods. Carefully pay attention to the below-mentioned points and you will become a fishing pro in no time.
- Get your hands on trolling outfits.
- Make sure these outfits are specifically designed for great lake fishing.
- Get a line counter with an analog counter and a large handle.
- Get the line of your choice: copper or stainless steel.
- Your rod should be stiff and sturdy.
- The guides on your rod should be high-quality and easy to notice.
- By getting your hands on the right equipment, you can easily master this craft in no time. The speed of your boat depends on the fish you aim to catch and on your bait.
Once you have checked all the necessary boxes, you are all set to use a trolling rod on your next fishing trip. Make sure you have considered the weather and all other factors before leaving.
For more instructions refer to this video:
Conclusion
All of the top quality trolling rods for fishing is in front of you. Go over their main features, pros, and cons of all of these trolling rods. Finally, you should choose the one that promises to satisfy your needs, gets the job done easily, and most importantly comes under your budget.
People Also Ask
Whether you are fishing for the first time, or you need to make sure that you have all the right information regarding fishing, you might have some questions in your mind. We have tried our best to list down some of the frequently asked questions as well as their answers.
What is a Good Troll Speed?
The optimum troll speed depends on the size of the fish, but usually, both bait and lures are trolled at speeds up to 9 knots. Some people are also comfortable with 15 knots as well. Troll speed also depends on the time of the year and weather conditions as well.
How Fast Should You Troll for Stripers?
Most of the fishing experts say that stripers troll up to one mile per hour when live bait is attached at the end of the rod. On the contrary, if you have artificial bait attached, then you can catch your speed up to two and a half miles per hour as well.
How Fast Should you Troll for Mahi?
Generally speaking, Mahi-mahi comes under the category of aggressive and fast fish. Professionals are of the view that two to nine knots are enough to catch mahi-mahi. The goal is to keep the speed consistent and to make sure that the boat is moving at a steady speed.
How Fast Do you Troll Ballyhoo?
The ideal speed to troll ballyhoo is fifteen miles per hour. The professional says the lighter, smaller baits work optimally at a slow speed. Ballyhoo and squid are in more synchronization with slow speed trolling. Follow these numbers, and you would be able to catch your prey.
How Do You Troll for Bass?
There are a couple of factors that you must consider when you are trolling for bass. Use a fish finder, try crankbaits, find the right speed, try surface trolling, and lastly choose the right line. With these pointers in mind, you would be able to troll for bass.
