fresh water tackle

[mattie]

I plan to fish the great lakes this summer and would appreciate recommendations on poles and reels for trolling use.I would like to get 3-4 combos that I could use with downriggers for trolling, would like to not exceed 1-1.5K.

mattie

[Dwain]

mattie: Check out the Great Lakes Forum for fresh water equipment. It is listed under "Swap" The website is www.glangler.com or you can try the Michigan Sportsman Forum at
www.michigan-sportsman.com Good Luck Dwain

[mattie]

thanks

mattie

[reefhunter2]

Well it won't cost anywhere near a grand. I just bought four new 8.5ft fiberglass rigger rods and four reels for $475. Gonna replace the heavy trolling outfits on the Shammy.

[cabolew]

All you need is something similar to this: http://www.boatersworld.com/product/...nrigger-combos

[mattie]

Thank you all for ideas, I could have been a little more explicet in my thread. What I'm after is as good quality equiptment as I can get in the price range mentioned, that I can pass on to my grandsons when I'm done with it, with the idea that their use of it will be enhanced with the memorys of our use of it. The time we have with our children and granchildren passes quickly, and remembrances of times past are more vivid when combined with physical heirlooms. I know that I have some things that were handed down to me, that every time I use them, I think of those who have gone before us. once again, thanks.

mattie

[InTheNet]

For reels I would suggest the Shimano Tekota in the 500/600 size. Maybe even get the line counter models then you could also use them for dipsey's. Another great reel is the Shimano Charter special lever drag. size 2000. This is what I currently use for down riggers.
For rods I don't think you can beat Ugly sticks for the price. That being said I run Daiwa interlines which I love but they can be a pain if you get into "sea-fleas".
I run 8 1/2 ft rods for the riggers . They are more forgiving with beginners. When the time comes I will switch to 7-7 1/2 ft rods.
The Charter special reels I have are 10 years old and other than an a couple of clickers I have had no problems. I lube them every couple of years. The Tekota's I own are being used for lead core and copper lines.
If you want good reels the two I have listed will serve you well.

[Classic25]

mattie, for the kind of fishing you plan on doing, a figerglass rod is the way to go. The only way really. Remember, trolling doesn't require the sensitivity a graphite rod offers. Mostly the graphite adds stiffness in these rods. Not something really necessary or wanted for rigger fishing. Thats why you'll see mostly fiberglass as the main construction component in rigger rods. I've been using the Okuma Blue diamond series for 3 years now and love them. My fishing is mostly with dipsey diverrs and line counters, but I do use them in the riggers occasionally. Since you didn't mention controlled depth other than the riggers, I'll have to assume you won't be needing the line counter on the reels.
Having said all that, what you've come down to is the classic ford vs. chevy argument. All manufacturers have a good presentation in the 15-20 pound class you're going to need. I'd stter clear of the TICA products, not because the're poorly constructed, rather, it can be hard to have them serviced.

1k -1.5 k will be tough to do in the area you're looking. Some thing to consider though, having the 4th and 6th rod on the boat can be useful. You never know when one will break down on you, you may be in the fish and get spooled, or have the 3rd/4th guy on the boat.

Whatever your decision, good luck with it.

p.s. I have one of my grandfathers rods. Its proven to be my "good luck" rod.