Trolling_Rods

If you are after large and aggressive fish then the best trolling rod should be on your must-have list. Trolling rods are designed to give you control to drag fishing lures and bait through the water to attract large fish such as walleye, tuna, and salmon. 

Thanks to their high strength construction, trolling rods can withstand deep and salty waters to increase your fishing accuracy. Their sensitive tips ensure that you pick up on even the faintest bites from these large, predatory fish.  So, below is a roundup list of the 10 best trolling rods for this year – pick a fishing pole that appeals most to you so you can enjoy large catches and trophy-sized fish.

1

OUR TOP PICK

Penn Squall Level Wind Combo Reel

Penn Squall Level Wind Combo Reel


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Summary

The Penn Quall Level Wind Combo Reel & trolling rod comes as a trolling rod and reel combo for catching big game fish such as salmon and steelhead in different saltwater conditions.

Design

Constructed from fiberglass, the trolling rod is lightweight and boasts a balanced strength to weight ratio. Its trolling reel is designed with an HT 100 carbon fiber drag system that offers a powerful drag of up to 15 lbs. whilst its ball bearing system ensures smooth casting. 

The ball bearing integrates 2 stainless steel ball bearings and an instant anti-reverse bearing which eliminates rotor backlash. Additionally, the trolling reel features a marine grade bronze alloy main gear and a stainless steel pinion gear.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best for saltwater game fishing
  • Lightweight graphite frame and side plates
  • One-piece fiberglass rod construction with solid tip
  • 2+1 shielded stainless steel bearing system for smooth trolling and long lasting durability
  • 8 durable stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Rod construction: Fiberglass
Rod length: 6’6”
Rod action: Medium fast
Rod power: Medium heavy

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Lamigas X-11 Cork

Lamigas X-11 Cork


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Summary

Integrated guides with Pacific Bay Deep Pressed rings of the Lamigas X-11 Cork trolling rod are built to survive the most rigorous fishing conditions.

Design

The trolling fishing rod features a lightweight and durable two-piece graphite construction which makes it easy to store and transport. Additionally, the graphite construction increases its sensitivity whilst its durable and attractive gloss merlot finish adds style to its look.  

Furthermore, the trolling rod is fitted with stainless steel and chrome guides. The guides combine a Pacific Bay Deep pressed ring design and finish which allows them to withstand even the harshest fishing conditions.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best for salmon and steelhead fishing
  • Deep pressed stainless steel guides
  • High grip and comfortable custom tapered cork handle
  • Ergonomic exposed reel seat blank
  • 24-ton graphite construction for added sensitivity
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Rod construction: Graphite
Rod length: 10’6”
Rod action: Medium fast
Rod power: Medium

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3

BEST VALUE

Okuma Classic Pro GLT

Okuma Classic Pro GLT


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Summary

Featuring a downrigger style, the Okuma Classic Pro GLT trolling rod allows you to control how deep your fishing bait or lure sits in the water.

Design

Using this top rated walleye trolling rod allows you to accurately gauge the right level to tempt fish that appear on your fishfinder. The fiberglass blank rod features an ultralight body, yet, it boasts incredible strength to support the line weight of between 10 to 20 lbs. 

For added durability, the salmon trolling rod is constructed with stainless steel guide frames with titanium oxide guide inserts. Its triangular-shaped EVA foregrip handle makes the fishing rod easier and comfortable to control. 

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best for salmon, walleye, and stripper fishing
  • Built with double footed guides and titanium oxide inserts
  • The rubber shrink tube butt section increases its durability
  • Tip over butt ferrule section increases the rod's strength
  • 2 piece construction for easy storage and transport
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Rod construction: Fiberglass
Rod length: 8’ – 8’6”
Rod action: Medium
Rod power: Medium

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4

Fiblink Saltwater Offshore Heavy

Fiblink Saltwater Offshore Heavy


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Summary

Constructed with top quality E-glass graphite, the Fiblink Saltwater Offshore Heavy trolling rod is ideally designed to withstand the pressure when catching large saltwater fish in deep waters.

Design

The 5 feet 1 inch and single-piece trolling fishing pole come in a choice of three different models that support varying line load capacities. You can opt for 30-50 lbs., 50-80 lbs., or 80-120 lbs. line capacity. Their weights range between 18.3 to 27.95 ounces.

Constructed with aluminum alloy reel seats, these offshore trolling rods hold your reel in place without the risk of corrosion, even with prolonged saltwater usage. An aluminum Gimbal helps to hold the rod butt in place in the fighting belt to eliminate fatigue and muscle pain during prolonged fishing sessions.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best for salmon and steelhead fishing
  • Heavy duty stainless steel roller guides minimize strain and increase leverage to bear down your fish
  • The corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy reel seat
  • Aluminum gimbal offers support to keep the rod butt planted in the fighting belt to minimize fatigue
  • EVA foam foregrips for added comfort and non-slip support
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Rod construction: Graphite glass
Rod length: 5’1”
Rod action: Fast
Rod power: Heavy

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5

Fiblink 1-Piece Big Game

Fiblink 1-Piece Big Game


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Summary

Designed with a composite fiber main shaft, the Fiblink 1-Piece Big Game trolling rod delivers superior sensitivity.

Design

The trolling rod setup is 5 feet 6 inches long and integrates durable stainless steel roller guides for IGFA standup fishing. Additionally, the smooth polished stainless steel roller guides help to protect the line from tears and snags. 

An aluminum alloy reel seat with tapered hood transitions come with a protective cap for stable and corrosion-resistant reel placement. The all-aluminum cross tail and rubber tail sleeve on the rod helps to improve its look and prolong its durability.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best for Dolphin, wahoo, grouper, and tuna fishing
  • CNC machined aircraft grade alloys for added strength
  • Sensitive tip design to help you feel the faintest bites
  • Smooth polished stainless steel roller guides to protect the lines from tears and snags
  • Composite fiber main shaft or superior sensitivity
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Rod construction: Fiberglass
Rod length: 5’6”
Rod action: Fast
Rod power: Heavy

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6

Fiblink 2-Piece Saltwater Offshore

Fiblink 2-Piece Saltwater Offshore


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Summary

Built with a straight butt, the Fiblink 2-Piece Saltwater Offshore trolling rod is easier to store and transport.

Design 

The trolling pole features a composite fiberglass main shaft which increases its sensitivity and robustness. Non-corroding and chrome-plated stainless steel reel seats offer longer lasting performance whist the polished stainless steel roller guides offer smooth line set up and keep the rod looking good. The 2-piece trolling rod CNC machined aircraft grade alloy elements and heavy reverse knurling nut help to enhance its bond when assembled.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best for walleye, salmon, and steelhead fishing
  • Super sensitive swivel roller tip easily moves up and down and side to side
  • Composite fiberglass main shaft for added sensitivity
  • Straight butt design and 2-piece construction for easy storage and transport
  • All-aluminum heavy reverse knurling nut for a stronger bond
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Rod construction: Fiberglass
Rod length: 5’6”
Rod action: Fast
Rod power: Heavy

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7

Ugly Stik Walleye Round Combo Reel

Ugly Stik Walleye Round Combo Reel


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Summary

If you intend to fish using medium weight lures, then, the Ugly Stik Walleye Combo Reel And trolling rod is what you need thanks to its medium light action construction.

Design

The trolling rod combo features a trolling rod and reel. The trolling rod is designed with the proprietary Ugly Stik clear tip which increases its sensitivity whilst its stainless steel guides offer a smooth line setup. The trolling reel is designed with a double paddle aluminum handle which makes spooling very easy. The Walleye line rated combo boasts a line capacity of 290/14, 235/17, and 200/20 as well.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best for Walleye fishing
  • 2 stainless steel bearings for smooth and faster trolling
  • Proprietary Ugly Stick Clear Tip design for added sensitivity
  • Built with an On/Off bait clicker
  • Single piece stainless steel guides eliminate insert pop outs
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Rod construction: Fiberglass and graphite
Rod length: 7’6”
Rod action: Medium light
Rod power: Medium light

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8

Fiblink 2-Piece Conventional Boat Fishing

Fiblink 2-Piece Conventional Boat Fishing


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Summary

A solid carbon fiber construction gives the Fiblink 2-Piece Conventional Boat Fishing trolling rod increased performance action and exceptional sensitivity.

Design

The trolling rod is equipped with polished 5+1 stainless steel roller guides for easy line set up, saltwater approved corrosion resistance, and increased power control. An aluminum alloy wheel seat with tapered hood transitions above and below the reel seat protecting cap offers stable and safe placement whilst a heavy reverse knurling nut makes the bond stronger.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best for saltwater big game fishing
  • High density EVA handles for excellent grip and comfort
  • Heavy reverse knurling nut makes the bond stronger
  • 5+1 polished stainless steel guides for easy line setup and increased power control
  • Solid carbon fiber construction and precisely tuned action for boat fishing
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Rod construction: Carbon fiber
Rod length: 5’6” – 7
Rod action: Fast
Rod power: Heavy

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9

Fiblink Bent Butt

Fiblink Bent Butt


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Summary

The powerful graphite blank construction of the Fiblink Bent Butt trolling rod sandwiches a uni-directional fiberglass material between 90 degrees inner and outer layers of the graphite for a super resilient finish with great backbone and lifting power. 

Design

The resilient graphite and fiberglass construction gives these saltwater trolling rods a great backbone and lifting power to control and move even the strongest and aggressive fish. An extremely exposed reel seat offers a stable, strong, and firm reel placement to allow you to pull in big fish without much resistance. A groove at the rod connection aligns the guide to prevent rotation.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best for marlin, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo fishing
  • Gimbal cross at the bottom of the rod butt for rod holders or fighting chairs
  • Heavy reverse knurling nut makes the bond stronger
  • The groove at the rod connection helps to align the guide and prevents rotation
  • Stainless steel roller guides offer a wear-free line flow, power control, and corrosion resistance
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Rod construction: Graphite and fiberglass
Rod length: 6’
Rod action: Fast
Rod power: Extra heavy

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10

Fiblink Single Piece Saltwater Offshore

Fiblink Single Piece Saltwater Offshore


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Summary

Incorporating a carbon and glass fiber reinforced construction, the Fiblink Single Piece Saltwater Offshore trolling rod offers a perfect strength to weight ratio: allowing it effortlessly haul in the biggest saltwater catch.

Design

The trolling rod's solid glass fiber blank delivers incredible pulling power and sensitivity to even the weakest bites. Additionally, these light trolling rods feature a sensitive tip to anticipate any bite whilst its real backbone tackles the most aggressive fighting fish. The trolling rod is equipped with a 5+1 smooth polished line protecting stainless steel roller guides to offer wear-resistant line flow.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best for saltwater big game fishing
  • Aluminum alloy reel seat with corrosion-resistant aluminum hoods
  • Built-in multipurpose hook keeper
  • High density EVA foam handle for great sensitivity and durability
  • Carbon and glass fiber reinforced construction for a perfect strength to weight ratio
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Rod construction: Carbon and glass fiber
Rod length: 6’
Rod action: Fast
Rod power: Medium heavy – heavy

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How To Choose A Trolling Rod – Buying Guide

How_To_Choose_Trolling_Rod

Power Rating

Medium to heavy trolling divers and fish that weight at least 10 lbs. and above, work best with a medium heavy to heavy rod power. However, for downriggers and many other trolling types, a light to medium trolling power is just fine. 

Material 

The best walleye trolling rod should be constructed with corrosion-resistant materials. This is because you are most likely to use the fishing rod for saltwater fishing, thus, you want your rod to not be susceptible to rust when in contact with water. Look for rods made with graphite or fiberglass frames with stainless steel guides and aluminum alloy reel seats. 

Type Of Reel 

When it comes to the type of reels, you can pair your trolling rod with a star drag reel or a lever drag reel. Star drag reels are similar to baitcasters as their star-shaped drag control knobs apply drag and a little lever to put them into a free spool. A lever drag reel utilizes applied pressure against a spool to create friction which applies drag to the spool.

You might also like: Top Pen Fishing Rods

Handle

Your handle material type is highly dependent on your preferences. However, the best walleye trolling rods are built with EVA foam, carbon fiber, or cork handles. A long handle helps to eliminate muscle pain and strain, especially if you have been fishing for some time. 

Length

Typically, the best walleye trolling rods measure 7 to 9 feet long. Longer rods offer a longer trolling distance. If your rod is not long enough, you can use a planer board to get your gear further away from the side of your boat.

Action

A moderate to slow action rod is just fine when choosing the best walleye trolling rods. The extra flex that these types of rod actions offer helps to prevent from tearing your catch’s mouth as they absorb the force of the fish strike. Moderate action rods offer enough backbone to tackle large fish.

FAQs

How_Long_Should_A_Trolling_Rod_Be_

Q: How Long Should A Trolling Rod Be?

A: 

Your trolling rod should be at least 7.5 to 9 feet long. As a gear specific technique, trolling requires you to have this trolling rod length range to give you the ultimate depth control for successful catches. Longer trolling rods have forgiving tapers as well.

Q: Can You Cast A Trolling Rod?

A: 

No, it is not a good idea to cast a trolling rod. Trolling rods are designed for trolling behind a moving boat or from a pier or jetty. If you try to cast your trolling rod, the process will not be successful and you will be less likely to catch any fish.

Q: What Is The Difference Between A Casting Rod And A Trolling Rod?

A: 

Casting rods, both baitcasting, and spin casting rods are longer with straight handles designed for bass fishing techniques. Trolling rods are usually shorter and limit your casting distance from the shore. Trolling rods offer better accuracy but less casting distance.

Globo Surf Overview 

For your next saltwater game fishing trip, the trolling rod reviews prove that these fishing poles guarantee a successful catch. Whilst they sacrifice casting distance, they offer incredible accuracy and tackle even the most aggressive and large catch. So pick your favorite option from the 10 best trolling rods above and hop into your fishing boat or even hang at the nearby pier to catch and enjoy large and appetizing fish.

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