The best trolling rods you can buy might set you back a bit, but remember, it’s all about the person who is casting the line. Still, there’s nothing like knowing what’s out there that can make you a better fisherman by virtue of having the best gear available to you.
Several times a year, you’re likely sent a video from the Internet of an angler catching the “Big One” off the back of an open sea boat. Now, before you say, “How do I do that?”, you need to know what you’re getting into if your interest is piqued.
Luckily, we’re here to help get you acquainted with the best trolling rods and gear for your budget.
Let’s introduce you to the best fishing rods for trolling.
The Best Trolling Rods
- Okuma Classic Pro GLT Trolling
- FIBLINK Saltwater Offshore Heavy Trolling Fishing Rod
- Ugly Stik Walleye Round Combo Reel And Trolling Rod
- G. Loomis IMX Salmon Trolling Rod
- EatMyTackle Deep Drop Trolling Rod
- Penn Squall Lever Drag Conventional Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
- Okuma Great Lakes Trolling Rod & Reel Combo
- EATMYTACKLE Deep Drop Trolling Rod
- St. Croix Rods Mojo Salt Conventional Rod
- Daiwa Wilderness Trolling Rods
Okuma Classic Pro GLT Trolling
Okuma’s Classic Pro GLT line of trolling rods already starts off with high marks from Amazon reviewers with 4.5 stars from over 800 reviews. Clearly, anglers have an affinity for the Taiwan-based fishing rod company.
Coming in at just slightly over half a pound, the Classic Pro GLT is a lightweight downrigger rod with a stainless steel handle. The 7-foot, 6-inch unisex rod is built for any adult angler looking to start trolling or one who has experienced it many times over.
With a tension level of 8 pounds and a line weight of as much as 20 pounds, you’re looking at a rod that can take whatever the fish are dishing out.
FIBLINK Saltwater Offshore Heavy Trolling Fishing Rod
FIBLINK as a company focuses on engineering and manufacturing affordable fishing rods for anglers at any experience level. Still, their Saltwater Offshore Heavy Trolling Fishing Rod makes our list of among the best trolling rods.
Amazon users love the rod, too, giving it 4.5 stars out of over 500 reviews. The carbon, graphite, and glass fiber rod features a tension level of 50 pounds and can take line weights from 30 to 50 pounds.
The rod comes with stainless steel roller guides that are, according to the company, designed to minimize strain on you and your line.
The FIBLINK might be shorter than the Okuma at 5’1”, it’s still a heavy-duty rod that’s great for fresh or saltwater trolling.
Ugly Stik Walleye Round Combo Reel And Trolling Rod
Forget the name here; the Ugly Stik Walleye Round Combo Reel and Trolling Rod is anything but ugly. This rod and reel combo is designed to be an affordable pair for trolling fishing. The 7” tall rod is another 4.5 star Amazon-rated winner with over 600 reviews.
At $54 on Amazon, this combo gets high marks from users who say its price doesn’t tell the story of the kit’s value. The 50 size spinning reel also features a single ball bearing with one-way clutch and is an instant anti-reverse bearing.
Reviewers love using this combo not only for walleye, but catfish as well.
G. Loomis IMX Salmon Trolling Rod
The G. Loomis IMX Salmon Trolling Rod is one of the longer rods on this list, coming in at 9’9” tall, but you get a quality rod designed for trolling for salmon.
G. Loomis says their Salmon Trolling Rod is a “unique combination of flexibility and power”, with a line weight of 15 to 30 pounds.
The Salmon Trolling Rod is also designed for heavy power and moderate action. With a price tag of several hundred dollars, the G. Loomis is definitely worth a look considering what the company brings to the table on rods like these.
EatMyTackle All Roller Guide Boat Rod
You gotta love these fishing rod companies with the odd-sounding names. They definitely stand out in the crowd. However, EatMyTackle’s All Roller Guide Boat Rod could stand on its own without the company’s name on the rod.
This fiberglass trolling rod comes in at 5’6” and is designed for fast action. With multiple different configurations that can take your line weight from 30 to 50 pounds all the way up to 150 to 180 pounds, the All Roller Guide Boat Rod is a rod of many choices depending on what you’re fishing for.
The All Roller Guide Boat Rod also features an EVA grip for non-slippage and comfort with an anodized aluminum reel seat.
Penn Squall Lever Drag Conventional Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
Penn Squall’s Lever Drag Conventional Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is a great way to get started with trolling fishing. Coming with three different configurations on Amazon, the Penn Squall can get your foot in the water.
The Penn Squall’s three configurations include a medium, a medium-heavy, and a heavy action configuration with their “Dura-Drag” system designed with a max drag of 30 pounds.
The rod is made with a lightweight graphite frame and comes forged with a machined aluminum spool with line capacity rings. This rod isn’t going anywhere with those features. At over 6’ tall, the Penn Squall may not step out in a crowd, but it will deliver with quality performance and an exceptional build.
Okuma Great Lakes Trolling Rod & Reel Combo
Okuma is back on our list with their Great Lakes Trolling Rod and Reel Combo. Coming in at 7’6” tall, this 2-piece rod and reel combo actually comes ready to go for all you Great Lakes anglers looking for whitefish, walleye, and ciscoes.
The Okuma is made from a durable, e-glass blank construction and comes with stainless steel hooded reel seats, a comfortable EVA foam grip, and double-footed aluminum oxide guides.
With a line capacity of 14 to 20 pounds and a max drag of 15 pounds, this rod is sure to give any of those Great Lakes fish a tough fight.
EatMyTackle Deep Drop Trolling Rod
EatMyTackle is back on this list again with another offering suited for those wanting to take a stab at trolling fishing. Say hello to the Deep Drop Trolling Rod.
This saltwater fishing deep drop comes with straight and bent butts for maximum customization. You’re also getting the highest quality carbon composite rod with an EVA foam grip for non-slippage and ultimate comfort.
The rod also comes in two configurations depending on what type of line capacity you seek. From 100 to 120 pounds and 160 to 200 pounds, you’re getting a rod that’ll suit whatever your trolling fishing needs may become.
St. Croix Rods Mojo Salt Conventional Rod
The St. Croix Rods Mojo Salt Conventional Rod is a premium SCII carbon construction rod with an EVA handle designed for comfort during those long fights with the peskiest of fish.
With sea guide boat rod guides, aluminum oxide rings, and corrosion-resistant frames, you’re looking at a rod that will withstand anything the saltwater can throw at it.
The St. Croix can be purchased in eight different models for those seeking medium, medium-heavy, or heavy action. Depending on which model you purchase, you’re looking at a 6’6” rod or a 7’6” rod.
Daiwa Wilderness Trolling Rods
Our final entry on this list is also one of the tallest. Daiwa’s Wilderness Trolling Rods come in at 8’6” tall as a two-piece set.
Made with strong, resilient fiberglass and complete with titanium oxide rings and a comfortable cork grip, you’re looking at a very conventional trolling rod with the power to stand up to the toughest fish.
At 12 to 20 pounds of line rate and medium power, this middle-of-the-road downrigger freshwater option is going to get you fish without sacrificing your strength and experience.
Final Thoughts
Whatever your experience level when it comes to trolling fishing, this list of gear is sure to get you where you’d like to be.
From options for beginners to more experienced anglers, the best trolling rods on the market will help you feel like you can win any fishing competition or bragging contest with your buddies. And if you’re trolling for salmon, you might want to snag a couple of these flashers to go with your new rod!
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