Need some info on the Heartland rods from those that own them. I just purchased 4 Okuma Magdas (two 20's, two 30's) and would like suggestions on what length and flex for boards and dipsies.
Thanks guys.
from: BFG
Team Water Hazard
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lengths for dipsey really depends on how you are going to run them, for example, multiple dipseys on a side.
In that case I have stagered my rod lengths
8' roller for wire 9' for braid 10' for mono
that way the rods get out and away from each other.
I prefer MH with a nice even back for dispeys ti generate a nice arc when they are running.
As far as boards I also have multiple length rods for those so they stack properly in the arch rod holders but that is necessary in most cases. I also prefer a slightly stiffer rod MH with a good tip to absord the shock of the board in the waves.
As far as Heartlands I don't personally have any but have run plenty and they seem to be a nice rod.
from: t3pt6k
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I use 8ft and 8ft6in for my riggers. I use 8'6 for most of my core rods. I use 9'6 for my braid dipseys. Most of them are medium action and work just fine.
from: puckstop
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Clark , I have 4 Diawa Heartlands that I run divers on , 2 with braid for slide divers and 2 with braid with out the slide diver , I really do like them and think they do a fine job for an inexpensive rod. I have seen issues of the inserts coming loose on the eyelets but I have not had this happen to any of mine. You can ussually just super glue insert back into the eyelet if that does happen.
from: FLATRATE
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My opinion is to stay away from the shorter softer rods for your board rods. You will forever be thinking your getting a fish on with the softer rods , they surge to much. When running mono high lines off a ( tripping ) board, unless they are close to the boat they are a pain in the rear to trip as you can't yank on them hard enough. An awesome inexpensive board rod is the Cabela's depthmaster 9' diver rod. Nice and stiff but sensative in the tip. Good core rods also. We fished the Heartland ( I think ) 7' rigger rods. They were nice to work with and fun to fight small fish on but worthless when the bigger fish were on the rod. I belive for the money, Heartlands are a very good choice.
from: realdealtoo
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I have two of the 9'6 diver rods. didnt care for them as diver rods years ago and relegated them to core, where they do a good job. Now withe magnum divers, those heavier rods would be fine. I have a hard time with the eye's on my heartlands. lots of lost inserts and now both have cracked tips that fray the line... But they are old, so I guess I cant complain much. Anbother similar rod is the Okuma 10'3 diver rods. I have two of them and they are more rubust. reinforced eyes and a nice action for divers. Worth a look, and I think they are equally inexpensive or even cheaper.
from: salmonhead
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99% of the time these setups will be in use they will be on Erie chasing Mr. Walleye. Hopefully they will be more than sufficient for dragging in those tasty wet socks.
from: BFG
Team Water Hazard
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Is that what that is? I thought Clarkie had himself a skid mark
I love my Heartlands. I have several of the Cabelas depthmaster rods and they are OK for divers. Love my 7.5 Heartland ML rigger rods. They are a riot for coho's and browns. I have a couple of 9' that I use for core and copper. I have never had any problems with the eyes yet, but I have only been in the game for one season now.
from: birddog
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i have 28 heart lands on the boat, good cheap rods. I use 9 ft diver rods for the cores, 9 ft and 10 foot for the divers and 8 footers for the riggers. Ive had the set for 5 years and they still look and fish well. I figure i have abour 3500 fish on them. not the bes but there worth the money. One word of advice on the madjda's, dont over spool them with line,the line will get behind the spool and make a mess.
I picked up some 7' 6" Heartlands with Magdas for browns and walleyes last Fall. Why 7' 6"? Because they fit in my rod locker without breaking them down. I really like them so far.
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You need some of the 6'6" catfish rods that I use for dipsy rods. They actually work great, even though you may be skeptical, perfect bend for such a short rod. Small boats....Small rods.
The glow in the dark tips did not work! I was looking forward to seeing them in Ludington last year.
Conman54
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I have a pair of heartlands, 8'6" m 12-20lb test. I use these exclusively for in-line boards, but don't run any lead off of them, they have performed well for me, and I don't have any plans on replacing them. Bob
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