I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE COULD GIVE US SOME CLUES BEFORE WE START DRILLING HOLES. WE JUST PURCHASED A 2002 252 FISHERMAN SPORTCRAFT INBOARD HARDTOP 25 FT. WITH NO HOLES DRILLED.WE HAVE 2 BIG JON CAPTAIN PACS TO GET US STARTED AND PLAN ON PURCHASING 2 MORE. WE ARE LOOKING AT THE BIG JON ROD HOLDERS AND THEY ARE PRETTY PRICIE. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON A GOOD RODHOLDER? ALSO ARE THERE ANY SITES THAT SHOW DIFFERANT WAYS TO RIG A BOAT. WE ( MY HUSBAND AND I) FISH ERIE FOR EYES AND LK MICH FOR KINGS AND STEELIES. ALSO LOOKING FOR ROD RACK TO PLACE ON HARD TOP. AND ANY SUGGESTIONS ON A GOOD SAMON ROD AND LINE COUNTER REAL.
The administrator has disabled public write access.
or explore a track based systems from Pursuit Sports where you gain so flexibility that may be useful for the transition from walleye to salmon fishing http://www.pursuitsports.com/product_tour2.html.
Pursuit has a nice rod rack solutions aslo http://www.pursuitsports.com/product_tour4.html although we had a custom aluminum rocket launcher manufactured over the winter for the team boat.
For salmon rods and reels I would do some search of the messaeg boards - upper right hand of the screen up in the header and do some searches for rods, reels, as keywords etc...
We use lots of shimano stuff but a good salmon rod and reeel is entirely subjective and also is based heavily on price point. So if you are willing to tell us what your willing to spend on a rod and reel combo we can help you choose the best you can for the money. Being a member of a good team we use a little bit of everything and have a good feeling for the good and the bad of alot of the stuff out there.
The administrator has disabled public write access.
Tracks are the way to go! They make your configuration easily adjustable. With just a few holes you will be able to go from walleye to salmon to offshore steelhead to whatever with ease.
I have used Tite-Lok adjustable holders for years without any real complaints. For a bargain priced holder they are sturdy and functional. That said, it's still true that you get what you pay for. Any extra money spent on top quality holders like Vector, Fishlander or Pursuit is money well spent.
I agree with all that Nut and Greg posted below. I just set up a boat for the first time this year and made some mistakes that you will probably avoid by asking here first! Definately get a track system.(regret #1) If you can afford it I would suggest spending the extra dollars for quality rod holders that can be operated with one hand...(big jon, vector, fishlander ect) I have 10 tielocks on my boat and they have been OK, but I will be replacing them in the next couple years with the above products.
Finally for your question about rod/reel combos, don't be afraid to ask around for some used ones. I went from having nothing to a full compliment last winter for a fraction of the cost of new. Alot of guys on this site and others upgrade to nicer/newer stuff and are willing to hand it down for a fair price to someone else that needs it. I will inturn hand mine down when I upgrade. Example I got several Diawa Heartland Rods for about $10-15 a piece and Okuma MX30 line counters for $25-30 a piece and have had no problems with them. Don't expect them to preform like a $300 shimano combo, but they are good enough for the weekend fisherman (fisherwoman!).
Most importantly stay tuned in to this site. You will get more info and help from the guys on this board than you could in 10 years of trial and error. Never be afraid to ask
Thanks again for making my rookie season so successful guys!
Bob Vohl "Ka-Bob Master" Official Iowa Delegate to Team Heavy Super-Sized Fishing Specialists www.teamheavyfishing.com bob@teamheavyfishing.com
The administrator has disabled public write access.
Looking to spend 100.00 to 130.00 for a combo rod and reel package. What would you suggest for this price? Thanks for all the info. GREATLY APPRECIATED Kimmy
The administrator has disabled public write access.
I have several Daiwa Hertland rods and they work great. The cheapest I have found them new is at www.Biglakeoutfitters.com. They currently have them on sale for less that $25ea. I also use several Okuma Star Drag reels. I've just began using them this year and have had no problems as of yet. I also have some Daiwa Sg47LC reels as well and they work fine too. If your planning to use wireline I would consider the Okuma Blue Diamond roller rod. It's a nice rod for the money and is about 1/2 the cost of a shimano.
The administrator has disabled public write access.
I agree with Tim as well. I think for rigger and mono board combos you can get by easily with a Diawa Heartland and an Okuma DX30 for around $60-$70. For superline dipsy use I would upgrade the reel to the Okuma Convector CV30 (more guts to handle the no-stretch superbraids). This reel is also my preference for wire with an Okuma Blue Diamond roller rod (approx $110 for the combo) For all reels other than lead core, I suggest line counters. Much easier to replicate a productive spread and be able to tell at a glance how much line the fish has out. I also have 45 series Okumas for full core and am looking for some 55 series for 16-20 colors.
Bob Vohl "Ka-Bob Master" Official Iowa Delegate to Team Heavy Super-Sized Fishing Specialists www.teamheavyfishing.com bob@teamheavyfishing.com
The administrator has disabled public write access.
And I would add...that for your walleye fishing, linecounters are nearly essential.....some days just a couple feet can make the difference.....and I don't like to "count passes" on a levelwind....
My brother in law bought DiawaSG47LCA's w/ rod from Bass Pro a couple years ago for $89 each (combo). Watch for the end of year sales...or like Bird Dog said....poke around here and ask.....
I too, have found that I like the track system of rod holders vs. individually mounted holders.....on the Trollinator, Capt. Steve put two of the "three holder" plates on the gunwhales and they are absolutely fantastic....and as far as rod holders on your hard top....be sure to get enough......and if you can, mount one about 12" down from the corners, on an outward angle, so that you can run board rods up and out of the way.
If you are willing to spend up to $130 per combo.....you should be well equipped to handle any and all that the Great Lakes has to offer....mono, braid, wire, core, etc......
Congrats on the new boat, sounds like a great ride.
BFG
Official Ohio Delegate to Team Heavy Super-Sized Fishing Specialists bfg@educatedangler.com
The administrator has disabled public write access.
Just saw on Ohiowaterfowler.com in their classifieds where a guy is totally unloading all his Erie trolling stuff....
Here's the listing:
This is what I have for sale.Pm Me if interested Thanks, Ducksdemise Spoons 120 Custom Spoons 100 Stingers 150 Zoom Spoons 240 Pro king Spoons 47 Swedish Pimples spoons @ $2.00 ea
Mission Statement : Educated Angler will continue to be the premiere Great Lakes Fishing Resource, including fishing message boards, fishing reports covering Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake St. Clair, Lake Superior and tributaries, fishing chat, Great Lakes fisheries news, fishing links, and Great Lakes webcams. Membership will remain free and offer photo galleries, homepages, and a passionate community of salmon, steelhead, lake trout, walleye, bass, perch, pike, and muskie anglers.
Message Boards
Kimmy
