SportFishing and Charters Forum - Star Rods - what other brands are just as good?

Help! I am quickly doing exactly what I never intended on doing with my trolling gear. Rather than having matching pairs, sets, or whatever, of rods/reels, I am beginning to amass a hodge-podge of various stuff.

My latest: Our best island fishing store recently went out of business and was liquidating their Star Rods at close to half price. I eagerly picked up one of their 50/100 handcrafted series (standup) in 5'10" length and got it for a good price at $150....they only had one. I figured I'd order another matching rod from an online source only to find that the model I bought locally was a custom-made rod for my local store...meaning I cannot find it anywhere else. I e-mailed Star and asked what was their closest matching "off-the rack" rod was so that I could have as close to a matching set as possible. They replied I should get their 50/100WOHC. After checking around online, I discover how pricey those rods really are at regular price. This has me looking into going with a slightly cheaper rod but one with comparable quality. What are people's thoughts on Penn Tuna Sticks? The rod will house a Senator 12/0 and will be used at the flatline position for both Marlin and high-speed Wahoo trolling. I'd rather not spend $275 on a rod if I can get nearly the same quality for $150-$175.

Penn's rods have never been very impressive.

I'd go with a Crowder or Chaos. Better rods and better warranties.

Back in the old days, the early 90's, when I used to work for A Fisherman's Paradise in Miami, Star Rods were nice hand built pieces. Made in Miami, if memory serves me right. I recently bought a matched pair of Star spinning rods, one for myself and, the better half, only to be horrified to see a "made in china" sticker on it. I lost a lot of respect for Star that day. My advice would be to find a local custom builder, buy the supplies and, have them build what you want. They might be a few bucks more, but they'll last much longer and, they'll match. My uncle did this probably 20 years ago and is still using those rods today. Also, recently on the Hull Truth there was a photo thread on how to build a rod, it didn't look like rocket science.

Not to disparage your gear because I am envious of the deal you got on that Star Rod...which I am...

But I would not match a $250 or $350 dollar rod with a Senator 12/0. I would spend more on the reel and less on the rod. I'd would find an inexpensive rod like a Star Aerial for $100 and upgrade the reel to a Avet 4/0 single speed....it will all come out close to equal.

One man's opinion....

Me and a friend have some Key Largo rods that have been serving us well. We have several of the lighter inshore and two sets of offshore rods. All function great and are well made.

They are hand made and carry a lifetime gaurantee. We have had several rods replaced at no charge. Mostly due to some heavier than normal wear and TEAR!

radioshop - 7/19/2005 8:25 AM
Also, recently on the Hull Truth there was a photo thread on how to build a rod, it didn't look like rocket science.

As with a lot of things, looks can be deceiving. The selection of components and their location on the blank can make or break a rod.

As my grandfather used to say, you can train a monkey to paint of picture but that don't make him Picasso
:grin:

Star rods are mostly made in China, but I believe the "Handcrafted" series are still made here. Mine say "Made in USA with components from Japan and China" Whatever that means....

You don't even have to train em, just give em a can and brush. SOMETHING's GETTING PAINTED. dingbat - 7/19/2005 2:41 PM

radioshop - 7/19/2005 8:25 AM
Also, recently on the Hull Truth there was a photo thread on how to build a rod, it didn't look like rocket science.

As with a lot of things, looks can be deceiving. The selection of components and their location on the blank can make or break a rod.

As my grandfather used to say, you can train a monkey to paint of picture but that don't make him Picasso
:grin:

Thanks for the tips. Star may well have some of their lighter rods made in China but as Somethin-Fishey states, the handcrafted series is American made and top-shelf in quality (price too).

I have fished Star rods but I perfer my Chaos rods over all others. As Scot says Key Largo makes a fine pole also, don't think you'll find either for the price you paid for yours. For the money it's hard to beat an Ugly Stick.

The more I research, the more I learn that all the above-recommended rods are no cheaper than Star.

Here's the bottom line to what I have found after researching 5'10" - 6' 50-100lb heavy action stand-up rods comparable to my current Star rod. Other than the Penn Tuna Stick, all the brands mentioned above (and a few more) ALL run between $379-$499. Some of the brands mentioned above (although quality brands) are not offered in these beefier sizes like I need. Best price I found for Tuna Sticks was $239.00. I did find a close match to my current Star rod (50/100WOHC) for $379.00. Looks like all things considered, I need to pony up the money for the Star and then I'll have my matching set...unless someone can vouch for the quality of Penn Tuna Sticks (I'm a cheap skate and would like to save the $100)...thanks to all

The Chaos rods with Aftco roller tip and stripper guides are all you need unless you want big BFT. If you're fishing standup get them cut down to 5.5' chopped from the base. 50-100lb class tackle for $199.00 plus shipping. Easily outclasses the Penn's in every aspect. I have 3 Penn's all broken above the first stripper guide albeit fishing AJ's with 100lb test and 30-35lbs drag.

Ugly Stick stand up with all Aftco Heavyweight roller guides.....$150 to $180....Hard to beat ;)

Goindeep: Thanks.....What modle# Ugly Stick do you recommend or what source has the ones you speak of? I did a quick web search and cannot find the BIG ugly sticks.

Geaux001: I want a rod that will match the Star I now have....50/100 (HD Aftco rollers all the way) I don't want to buy a new rod then have to cut it down. What model/size Penn Rods were you using that broke? The reason I ask is I want to make sure we are comparing apples-to-apples and the rod was an Tuna Stick heavy action. I too have broken a Penn rod but I made a mistake and was fihing it way beyond its design (too heavy a line and trolling too fast). The Chaos do look like real quality pieces
:grin:

http://www.alltackle.com/shakespeare_big_water_ugly_sticks.htm