What do you look for in an offshore trolling rod?

[BigBite Offshore]

Hello fellow forum members. I'm doing a little survey and I'd like to know what everyone here looks for in an offshore trolling rod. I have a few questions and would appreciate everyone's $.02.. Here they go. Feel free to answer 1 or all..

-How important are name brand components sucn as Aftco, Stuart, and Fuji? Do you prefer one of these brands over the other?
-What is the optimal length for a trolling rod?
-All rollers? No rollers?
-Aluminum Butts?
-Wraps, grips, etc.: Intricate or keep it simple?
-Lastly, what did you pay for your last offshore trolling rod?

Any other comments are appreciated..

Thanks,

Mike

[Scoutin 4 Goodies]

I honestly buy all my rods from this guy:
http://www.thehulltruth.com/misc-com...delivered.html

So when I call and ask for a new one I trust his judgement.

Now reels is a different story.

[LI32]

My requirements are pretty simple:
Aluminum butts, oversize all roller guides and a good fiberglass (S or E) blank.
I am into performance, not glitz: so basic silver butts and guides with simple wraps are just fine. My preference is slightly longer than typical rods - 5'6" for 100 lb class, 5'8" for 80lb, 5'10" for 50 lb, 6' for 30 lb and 6'2" for 20 lb.
As far as components, I think Aftco guides are the best quality for the price and use HD's for 20 & 30 lb class, WindOn's for 50 & 80 lb class and SHD's for 100 lb class.
I also prefer the Aftco butts, but the cheaper ones work well on lighter tackle.
I build all of my own rods, so cost may not be a fair comparision, but the last 80 lb class trolling rod with a Calstar blank, Aftco butt, Aftco WindOn guides and top cost me $240.

[Tackle Engineer]

Not to be disrespectful in any way. The rods Big Bite has and the rods Pinnacle appearer to be one in the same imported from China from the same factory. The exact same rods that I saw in a store in Juno Beach . They had both deep drop and stand/ trolls for close to the same prices as whats available online . The store will put your name on them for ten bucks.

I fish with Aftco, Stuart ,and Fuji. Both Aftco and Stuart are American made and high quality. You can call there factories and get somebody knowledgeable on the phone to answer a question . I called PacBay with spinning hoods on an aluminum butt one time and spoke to a deer in headlights. They tried to tell me it was something I done to break it! Replaced it at Carls bait and tackle for 45.00 with a new Stuart butt made in the US.
I have Ocean Master rods with the Stuart guides and butts. They work great and are made in the USA. Nice products. All the spinners are custom made by Chad at Carls bait in Lauderdale. Fuji all the way. Never had a guide ring break but have replaced tips because of carelessness not because of failure. Bad experiences over the years with some of the Fuji copies that look real close. It is buyer beware with spinning guides. just my .02 and whatever floats the boat.

[BACKTOTHESEA]

My good (higher end) rods are all locally made. Local Hooker, CMS and an older Cape cod. Cheap rods in 50-80 are Ande at $50/each plus roller tip add on. My business stays local when it comes to certain items.

I look for good components and action I like at a price that is reasonable. Indifferent between Pac Bay and aftco. Prefer removable aluminum butts on my better rods. Also like service. Bob Jenkins (Owner Local Hooker) personally delivered a pair of 100# powerstroke bent butts to me at my home on Sunday. You cannot get better service than that.

[BigBite Offshore]

Thanks guys for the comments thus far.. Anyone else?