If you are running 3 plug rods do you use the same exact rods for all three-rod holders? I have heard that some guys run a longer rod in the center. Any one else heard of this and if so what are the advantages of doing so?

When I'm running a third plug rod,the center rod is 8" longer than the outside rods.This is purely by accident though.The rod holder is also about 14" foward so I'm out there almost 2'. Gotta remember to adjust for that when running the plugs out.

I use an old NW special cause I normally only run two and can't see buying another plug rod.

It would be great to find out that it is an advantage though.Then I can say I planned it that way!

Anyone out there that configures their rods this way? And why?

Most of the time the rods are 8' 6".The middle rod in most cases will have a diver bait while the out side rods are runnin tad polleys or hot shot's.I've never really noticed having a longer rod in the middle,but more importantly making sure they are all the same distance out!!!!.
Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

I run same rod length in middle or sides, don't know if a longer rod makes a difference in the middle. As SZ said most important they are out the same distance as the middle will have a little less line out as it is farther back, I believe I have heard it quoted as "The wall <img border="0" alt="[wall]" title="" src="graemlins/wall.gif" /> of pain".

This is a great BB for info.

Take care all.

Doubletake

Does anybody else here hate running three plugs (or divers) at a time as much as I do? Heck I'll stow my rod if I have to. Maybe it's just my smaller boat or the smaller water I'm fishing.

By the way, just went to the pink worm (double hook with a small spin-glo up front) off a thin-fin, using a slightly shorter leader (5 ft.) for more action on the worm, and man does it ever look good. Yummy in the tummy, shimmy shake, rattle and roll! But the weird thing is that all my plugged fish this season have been on mondo plugs like the Mag Wart (various colors) in high or low water, deep or shallow runs and catching either native or brat. Go figure.

I don't like running the middle rod much. If I'm running 3 rods, it's most likely that I have I have people new to steelheading or not that comfortable drifting.Or fishing is slow so I'm throwing everything I can at 'em. Plugging has been most productive for me but it is soooo boring for me and the others in the boat.

It also means I'm pulling plugs alot that day and my shoulders are gonna be a'barkin that night!

I've had the best luck with the bait diver in the center with the 3 pole set up.

I've never intentionally run a longer rod in the middle, though I'm sure it happens sometimes!

While the middle rod rarely hooks up, I find that when there are really good numbers of fish in the river the hookup rate is nearly double with three rods versus two in the water.

The "wall of death" theory, I suppose. The more annoying the setup is and the harder it is to avoid for the fish, the better.

Here's a good way to get your heart pumping...have your three rods out same distance, river is running at moderate to moderate/low, running down a nice piece of plug water. Inside rod is running a tadpolly right on the bank, outside rod running a HotShot SE, middle rod running either one, depending on the rate of depth drop from shore to the outside rod. (If the rate is faster, then use the deeper diving SE, if it's not too fast, use the tadpolly, or a small kwickie).

As you approach the bottom fifty feet of the run before the tailout or a rootball, notice the occasional swirl behind the plugs. Those are fish that are moving back down the hole from the approaching "wall of death".

When you hit the tail or root, the fish have three choices; 1. scoot over the tailout to the next hole down (very unlikely), 2. scoot up past the plugs and under the boat, or 3. knock 'em silly.

I'll take #3!

I think that sometimes the additional middle plug increases the chance that #3, rather than #2, will occur.

Fish on...

Todd.

Todd,

Wonderfully depicted implementation of the dreaded "wall of death" manuver!

Unfortunately for me, what starts out as a "wall of death" usually ends up as a scene out of the Keystone Cops as THE fish takes the inside plug up over and through all the other lines just before it heads up to wrap itself around my anchor rope because I had to drop it to help the other chums clear the other rods. Or failing to hook any of the swirling fish we've pushed out of the tail, I am now into the proverbial "Chinese Fire Drill" scene as everyone is scrambling to get their lines in as we are dropping out of the hole; my plug has of course affixed itself to the root wad that is now 30 ft up stream and is soon to be another 100 yds.

You've probably seen me out there making a utter fool of myself. Each time I say I'll never do it again..... but after a slow day I start visualizing swirling fish being backed down into the tailout and the next thing you know I'm espousing the dreaded "wall of death" manuver. <img border="0" alt="[Goldfish]" title="" src="graemlins/goldfish.gif" />

What is it about steelhead anyway?

I run the same 3 rods and reels in my rod holders. The only thing I do different with the middle rod in I have the rod holder raised up about 4 inches to give some clearance between the rod and the bow of the boat. Setups are Loomis MBR941C's with Shimano Bantam 50's.

Mooch,

Thanks for reminding me...I usually remember the good parts...and don't remember the others until approaching the first tailout.

Oh, well...that's why they call it "fishin'" rather than "catchin'"!!

Fish on...

Todd.

Jigman

Those are the rods I plan on running.

So a longer rod in the middle would not hurt as long as all the plugs are out the same length is what I gather from everyone.

When you say same length do you guys mean exactly the same lenth. Say the middle or one of the side plug rods was out a foot or two more, is that bad?

A middle rod will often bump strike rates way up, especially when working some bigger flats or when backing fish into a corner.

I always run the same rods, simply easier for me to have the same to stick out everywhere. BUT, I also always run my middle rod about 5 or 6 feet longer line-wise ... this allows for the plug spread to compress when hitting seams that force the plugs together.

I know some fellas like to run it shorter ... they do fine with that ... the key is to keep it different though. Yes, you want the curatin of death, but if you're untangling all day, that won't happen at all!

I am good at tangling the rods

I use a longer rod in the middle, but I dont want to buy a 3rd rod. I have seen Lead Thrower tangling in action.

Ya uuuuummmmm


Thanks for confirming my tangling abilities