Xmas Gift For Dad (Rod/reel)

[Gaerith]

Hey guys,

I am planning on getting a baitcaster for my dad for Christmas and am looking for some input. He fishes all species, mainly in northern MN. His favorite thing to catch is walleye, and I think he mostly trolls for fish from what I've seen. Right now, he has 2 Quantum spinning rods that are pretty old.

With that all in mind, I've been trying to figure out what setup would be best for him. I know almost nothing about trolling - I am guessing a cranking setup would be best for that. However, since he likes to do a bit of everything I am wondering if a MHF rod would be better.

I am currently leaning towards going to BPS and buying a BPS PQ/ carbonlite combo MH/F, or speed spool + cranking rod. My budget is 180 or less. If I do end going the carbonlite/PQ route, does anyone know if they usually go on sale during Thanksgiving? What do you guys think?

[Fishes in trees]

For what you  are looking to spend, you could get a pretty cool trolling specific rig, with a line counter reel and a trolling specific rod.  My buddies who are more into multi-species fishing than I am tell me that correct gear for trolling can make a huge difference.   Line counter reels help a lot.  8 to 9 foot  medium action trolling rods help when controlling fish near the boat.  Really, I don't know.  Go through his gear when he isn't looking and decide what he needs.  For medium end trolling gear, my buds tell me that Cabelas has better gear than BPS.

[aavery2]

Gift Certificate

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Trolling rods can run from 5' up to 12'. For a single rod setup 8-9 is probably ideal. A medium power, moderate action in either graphite or glass. You'll want a full grip, EVA holds up better in rod holders.

[WRB]

Since you shop at BPS a gift certificate would work. You mention your dad is a multiple species angler that also trolls. What rod-reel combos does he have; make and models?

Trolling covers a wide range of tactics and techniques from using a rod holder with down riggers to hand holding the rod and back trolling. If he doesn't use a down rigger a standard 7' medium power, moderate action rod works good, you want what bass anglers call a crankbait rod. Spinning reel; 2500 size should be good.

Tom

[Gaerith]

Since you shop at BPS a gift certificate would work. You mention your dad is a multiple species angler that also trolls. What rod-reel combos does he have; make and models?

Trolling covers a wide range of tactics and techniques from using a rod holder with down riggers to hand holding the rod and back trolling. If he doesn't use a down rigger a standard 7' medium power, moderate action rod works good, you want what bass anglers call a crankbait rod. Spinning reel; 2500 size should be good.

Tom

I actually don't usually shop at BPS as it's 2 hours away, but I will make the trip if the price is right. Plus, I want to buy stuff for me and I want to go there for the fun of it, too. I have a pro qualifier and other than the weight I love it, which is another reason why I was leaning towards it.

I had no idea they made reels specifically for trolling. Guess I should have known. Do they cast the same as low profile bcs? He already has spinning rods, so I don't realy want to get him another one. I planned on getting him a BC and showing him how it use it, because I overheard him talking to my gramps about how he should try using one of them when I was using my baitcaster.

Hmmm let's see, more info. I have only fished with him twice, and when I did he just used a wire leader with either a spoon or minnow type crank on it. We were not targeting any specific fish, mainly caught pike. He's usually steering/driving and holding the pole in his other hand. I'll have to ask my mom if he ever uses a downrigger.

How well do cranking rods work with other techniques, like spinners and worms? Since it will be his only BC it was would be nice if he could use it for more than just trolling. Wish I could just ask him but that would give it away.

[WRB]

The problem with most baitcasting reels is price, about 2X of spinning reels for the quality.

A crankbait rod is the easiest type of baitcasting rod to cast because they are more parabolic bend or slow action. You lose a little feed back for bottom contact lures, but your dad doesn't fish like that.

The baitcasters with line counters are specific to trolling and don't cast well.

Do you have a budget set?

Tom

[EvanT123]

Get him the 7/MHF combo you originally had your mind on. It sounds like he knows how to troll. Why not show him a different angle?

[Gaerith]

So I ordered a 6.3:1 speed spool for $75. I looked at the trolling rods, and I think I will keep those in the back of my head for a gift another time. That way I can find out if he has any interest in them.

I think I might get a cranking rod. I have an extra MHF rod I have no use for, so if he doesn't like or want the crank rod he can have mine instead. Any suggestions for a crank rod less than 100?