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Ask the Pros
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Rods,
reels, and line questions
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Q: Hi John,
I live down in Monterey California & I just put some downriggers on my boat
& I want to build myself a couple of light tackle downrigger rods. What
length & action would you recommend? Thanks, Tony
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A: Hi Tony,
I like a 10' 5" rod in a moderate action. The rods I use are G. Loomis
SAR1265C. John
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Q: Hello
John, I live in Anacortes and am interested in salmon fishing. I have gone
fishing here with friends and am looking to get a new reel and rod. What do you
recommend for the San Juan area? I imagine that I will troll and jig. Thanks,
Eric
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A: Eric,
sorry, one rod doesn't do it all. I use a G. Loomis SAR1265C for trolling, and
for jigging I like a stiffer shorter rod so I use a G. Loomis WBR813C. I would
recommend spending some time in your local tackle shop, they can point you in
the right direction for type and price of rod in your budget. Thanks, John
Keizer
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Q: John, I
do have a question. I bought two G. Loomis rods (ARC 1275C) and I am ready to
order my Penn 975 reels. What line size do you suggest on the reels? I remember
you telling me to buy Izorline which I did, 20 and 25 pounds for tieing lures
but I don't remember what you said about main line.---------Thanks again,
Cary
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A: I use
20lb as a main line and as far as the Penn Reels I prefer the 965 size. Good
Luck, John
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Q: Hello
John! I have not found anyone that sells a Fluorocarbon leader in a 40 to 50
pound test. The largest I have found is 30 lbs test, Any suggestions? Thanks!
Marv
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A: Marv, try
one of the catalog companies like Cabalas or Offshore Angler (A Bass Pro
company) they will have it. John
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Q: Tom, I
have read where John has recommended the G Loomis SAR1265C as a good downrigger
rod and the Penn 965 for salmon. I am interested in knowing what would be a
good set up for those of us that cannot afford to spend $400.00 for rod/reel. I
am wanting just a good rod/reel however I do like the Penn reels but can't
afford those high end ones. Any recomendations would be helpful. Thanks,
Frank
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A: Hi Frank,
I agree John's choices are top of the line and pricey! However, I have always
been a big believer that the rod is the least important part in downrigger
fishing. Dollar for dollar, I think the best buy on the market in downrigger
rods are the Shimano TDR line of rods. They are fiberglass and will take the
beating that downriggers demand. Yet, they are a fun rod to play the fish on
and will handle a variety of lures and gear. They usually fall in the price
range of about $35–$40.
As for a reel, the Penn 310GTI is just like
iron. It will give you years of service if properly cared for. They are usually
in the $90 range. Perhaps the best reels on the market for the money are the
Shimano Charter Specials. They are always $135. Hope this gives you a variety
to choose from. Tom Nelson
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| R: Thanks so
much for your advice Tom I will have to take a look at the Shimano products
that you have recommended. I am so glad that I ran across your website within
"Reel News" as it has been a wealth of knowledge. I just got a boat (co-owner)
a Boulton 20ft Sea Skiff after 3 months of negotiating and it came with a pair
of Cannon Mag 10 downriggers so I am trying my best to get the boat outfitted
properly. I am new to the ocean fishing arena so any information concering
fishing here in the Pacific Northwest is certainly welcome. Once again thanks
Tom. Frank Wiley |
Q: Hi John,
I was wondering, do you and/or Tom personally gear down (rod and reel) when
trolling for silvers or do you continue to run your same setup as
blackmouth/kings, or is there an "all-purpose" downrigger rod/reel that can
handle both? The directions on hot spot flasher packages say to use 30#(?) test
on the rod side--what affect will lighter line have? I also have problems when
trying to keep my trolling speed up with the current, I think the force of the
flasher pops my line off the clip. Am I going too fast? Thanks for your help.
Trac
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A: Trac, I
use light steelhead rods for coho fishing. I don't put the flasher on the main
line. I will if I use it at all run it off the downrigger ball. I still run
15-20 lb. Ande main line with at least 2 ball bearing swivels to avoid line
twist on the bait or lure. As far as your clip goes check to insure it doesn't
have Smelly Jelly on the pads or any kind of oil. Tom and I both use Scotty
Power Grip releases and without any problems. Capt. John
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Q: Hi John,
when deciding upon what type of rod to buy, what exactly do the designations
Heavy, Medium Heavy etc mean? Do they refer to the action of that particular
rod or to the size or type of fish you are targeting? If looking for a rod to
fish for chinook in the rivers, should I pay attention to the line lb-test
range or do I get a Heavy or MH for bigger stronger fish? I am river fishing
the Nushagak River in Alaska next year for kings. Any suggestions for rod
and/or reel? Thanks, Dale
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A: Dale, the
heavy, medium are the power designation of the rods. Basically it's lifting
power and strength required to move a fish in the water. They range from ultra
light which might be great for rainbow trout up to extra heavy duty that would
be used for tuna & billfish. The rods action describes its ability to flex.
They normally are listed as extra fast, fast, medium fast, medium and slow. For
example, an extra fast tip would be employed by a steelhead drift fisherman
where as a medium or moderate action would be better suited for downrigger
fishing where you want more bend throughout the rod. As far as recommending a
rod for your Alaska trip there are so many brands and prices ranges I suggest
you talk to a quality rod retailer. I recommend Dave at Outdoor Emporium in
Seattle 206-624-6550. He can set you up with a matched rod and reel combination
within your budget to insure you have the equipment possible for your Alaskan
adventure. Capt. John
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Q: Short and
sweet , I've been considering buying in line rods to run off my downn riggers.
do they really save wear and tear on the eyes and stress on the rod? bill from
dupont
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A: Bill, the
in line rods do save wear and tear since there are no eyes, the two problems we
have had with them is they're tough to thread the line through and during the
summer algae bloom in Puget Sound the inside of the rod gets plugged up with
grass. On our charters we have stayed with the conventional style rods for
salmon fishing. Capt. John
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Q: I'm
planning a trip to the port hardy area in the middle of july. Would like to
know if I purchase a penn 340GTI reel would work for halibut fishing? We had a
guide take us out two years ago and plan on bringing our own 21ft. Crestliner
boat this time. Would like to know just how far out we will have to go to try
for halibut.I'm kinda scared of to rough of water. Would also like to know what
kind of things we will need to try our luck at halibut. And if this area will
be worth trying. Plan on staying about a week in port hardy. Hope you can give
me some advice on fishing for this species of fish. Thank You, Cheryl
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| A: Cheryl,
the Penn 340 GTI and the Shimano TLD 20 are both great reels for halibut
fishing. Either one will serve you well. Port Hardy is fairly well protect and
not to bad a run to the halibut areas. The wind tends to come up in the
afternoon so do your halibut fishing early. As far as how to fish halibut I
would recommend you take one of our up coming seminars next month where we will
cover halibut fishing and fishing in Port Hardy in some detail. Good Luck,
Capt. John |
| Q: I was
wondering what kind of line you run on your reels? I've been a fan of Maxima
for a long time. I read thru your posts, and didn't see any mention of lines.
What are the reasons you choose the line that you use? Cost? performance?
Thanks for your time. Rick. |
| A: Rick,
both Tom Nelson and myself run Ande line. I use the HiVis for winter fishing
and the Back County or Envy Green the rest of the year. The reason we use Ande
is that it's tough line and holds up great for all types of fishing, trolling
mooching etc. I run 20 pound test for my main line on all my salmon reels. Good
Fishing, Capt. John |
| Q: Hello
John, I like to downrigger fish Illwaco, Chinook, and bouy 10 in the summer for
kings and silvers but someone has stollen my boat now I would like to use a
diver. What kind of rod should I look at buying, and should I use a low or high
stretch mono line? Thanks Shad. |
| A: Shad,
Sorry to hear about your boat being stolen. I would look for a downrigger rod
with a moderate action with a little heavier line rating like 25-30 pounds.
That should work fine for a dipsy diver style rod. As far as line rating 20-25
should work fine, try finding one that has high abrasion qualities. Capt.
John |
| Reply:
Thanks your the best!!!!!! I will continue to support your
university. |
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