I want to try trolling DD22's for bass and need a fairly sturdy crankbait rod (or other suitable rod for this technique) for this style of fishing. A 7'6" rod would be the longest rod I can travel with and it needs to have sufficient strength to handle the strain of pulling DD22's 100 yards or so behind the boat. I am wondering if some brand of a MH crankbait rod will work or if I need to go to something like a medium action flipping rod. The crankbait rod I have now is a 7' MH Denali which handles DD22's fine when casting, but will have to much bend for strolling. The strolling rod will need a little parabolic action for fighting a fish, but will also not "overbend" while strolling. I've read very good reviews on the BPS crankbait rod and maybe their MH 7'6" would work.

Any ideas for a rod with a price max of $125? A custom rod would probably be ideal but beyond my budget.

Thanks!!

"befuddled" again..

My Dad is 70 and he likes to troll with crank baits for hybrids. He just uses 6'8-7' rods. But, he also still uses his 5'6 Skyline rods. I think with that much line out, the DD22's will run too deep. He likes the Bomber crank baits that run 16-18ft.

That 7'6" Mh bps rod is nice all my cranking rods are BPS I have probably 10 ranging from 7ft M to 7'10" MH very good rods for price

Browning SilaFlex 7' MH. Glass rod. Can't beat it for 49 bones at BPS. You need a forgiving rod with a soft tip to bounce through cover, otherwise your gonna break off a lot of $5 DD-22's.

http://www.basspro.com/Browning-Fishing-SilaFlex-Trigger-Rods/product/58485/

DKennimer - We stroll over deep water, often running the DD22's at a 25-27' depth with 100 yards or so of line out. It takes that much line to get them that deep. We only stroll in areas that are relatively stump free to avoid hangups.

Skeet4Life - Thanks for your info on the BPS rods!

P1chBlk - I need a 7'6" or so rod. I had a SilaFlex years ago and I agree it's a good crankbait rod, but would lack the backbone for long line strolling.

Thanks guys!
"befuddled"

Is there a difference between trolling and strolling?

Trolling is done with the big motor, strolling is done with the trolling motor.

Many years ago Brian Duplechain took us strolling on Fork. We were using a regular 7ft rod, 12 pound big game and DD22's and caught several good fish. You had to be hittng the bottom some to get bit. If you did not hit bottom you did not get bit.

I would choose a 7ft Shimano M/H TC-4 crank bait rod. The way this rod is made would be perfect for trolling or strolling.


I stand corrected. I looked it up. Strolling is done with the T/M after you made a cast with your crank bait to let out more line out as you "stroll" away from your crank bait. At some point you stop and reel it in as you are trying to get the crank bait to its maximum depth or the target depth the fish are at.

Strolling the idea is get deep as you can.

Veritas Winch rod is great, not sure on strolling though... it's 7' 6" MH moderate, and probably my favorite handling rod I've ever used. Loads up perfect, has tons of power when you go to dig into a bigger fish, amazing sensitivity... did I mention it's super cheap? $79.99, and you get a sweet Abu Garcia hoodie for S/H only to boot!

I believe this usage of the term "strolling" is incorrect. it doesn't matter what kind of motor you use to troll whether it be electric or gas. strolling is a loop hole in the rules that tournament bass fisherman in BASS and other series follow that prohibits trolling. read this article...http://www.bassmaster.com/news/method-man. sounds like what you really are looking for is a solid trolling rod? I'd get a fairly affordable 7' all fiberglass rod, for that deed! good luck.