I'm in the market for new downrigger rods.

What's the advantage, if any, of 8' vs 8 1/2' vs 9' rod?

I'm guessing the only differences will come when the fish is at the boat ready to net. What preferences does the collective here have?

10.5's for me the 3 DR rods I have also double for moochers. I run Loomis gl2 SAR1265's with tekota 500 LC's on them. I like to have alot of rod loaded up when that line comes out of the release. -TBJ

9.5 is still too short IMO.....Lots of Positives to having a 10.5 foot slow action rod for trolling.
-A long, slow-action rod allows an angler to keep the rod loaded and positive pressure on the fish at all times, which equates to keeping the hooks buried (especially important while fishing barbless.)
-Extra rod length around the boat makes it easier to dunk the rod if the fish runs to the opposite side of the boat you are fishing from, get your line out around the motors, or around the bow.
-Loading a long slow rod up on a downrigger.....Clip your line into the release tightly, and load up the rod on the release clip putting a huge arch in the rod so the tip is almost touching the water. When the fish pulls the gear off the clip, the rod stands up and pulls out slack, helps set the hook all on it's own.


To me the benefits make it a no-brainer decision.
If you are looking for a couple new rods, take a good look at the Rainshadow 1264bp blank.

We use a 10.5 slow action as well. Lots of play and really lets you load up the rod. Seems to hook fish much better on the strike. The fight is not as fun IMO but pics with the rod bent over are cool.

I also run 10.5's. Love them. Waaay easier to keep lines from untangling and away from motors, etc. and it is nice to get a good long pre-load. Less slack when that thing hits.

I hadn't thought about the action; slow vs. fast. Will that slow action also be conducive to trolling with Delta Divers, Deep 6 divers and such? How about pulling herring with a dropper a la spring chinook on the LCR?

Love my SAR1265 for dropper ball herring,can't wait to put it in a rigger or a diver on it down @ B-10.Really like the bend cause it's your friend.Just sayin.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

+1

Long rods are a plus for all the reasons stated. The only drawback is netting fish when fishing alone.

Think that 10.5' rods will become the "standard".....just takes getting away from the 8' or 8.5', that was the standard "go to size" for 30+ years.

+ 1
Given the wrong conditions, strong tide, variable wind, the goat rodeo that can ensue is not something that you want to have spectators for. I'm sure there's 2 guys tellin this story, remember the time we saw that jackass trying to net his fish out of Kingston... I won't do that again, 10.5 with a crew, 8.5 to 9 without.

8'6" for me. A small boat and generally solo, it's just easier.

Mooching rods are for mooching!

Glass rods are for downriggers!

I've used my mooching rod on the DR before but don't like it. Mainly due to the line diameter but also due to the length. I use 12# on my moocher. It's so soft that it's impossible to break the line prior to the rod shattering into a million pieces. This tends to release prematurely prior to a good hook set. With a glass 9' rod and 20# test I can load the rod in the release clip to the point the rod tip is in the water and only a 20+ Chinookie will get a clean release. It's then easier to get the slack out of the water and onto the reel.

Not to mention how much easier it is with the shorter rod when it comes time to get that piggie in the net!

As for working the fish around motors and such what the hell is the captian for. Put down the damn beer and drive!

Over the last few years I've been stunned at the number of folks using a perfectly good mooching rod on a downrigger.

So to answer your question there are many advantages to a shorter rod on the downrigger. The very best downrigger rod, going on 50 some years (used to be the yellow Eagle Claw), is the Lamiglass CG90. At about 80 bucks can't be beat. Match it with a Shimano Triton reel and your good to go for under $200. Bullet proof!

They also work exceptionaly well with divers and droppers in GH and LCR!

Like previously stated....long rods are for those who fish with a pard. When fishing solo, and netting fish, there is a great advantage to sticking with 9 ft or less. Nothing more frustrating than trying to time grabbing the net with one hand and trying to slide a slab over the rim with a long limber rod.

10.5' shimano convergence. I have both a regular level wind set up and a knuckle buster set up. Not quite as nice as some of the other rods mentioned, but a very nice rod for the price. I fish alone alot with these rods and dont have much trouble landing fish, but I am 6'5 so maybe the extra reach helps.

shimano convergence 10.5 and shimano moocher plus on both down riggers for a long time now.

30lb maxima ultra green and 50 lb jen kai leaders.

You need a little deck space to get the rod out, step back and get it up in the air though. Ive got it so it perfect for my boat. Your right about the lead on landing a fish but I have landed lots of local fish no problem. just takes playing em out (more than the over geared meat haulers) before they get up, and having room to step back on deck.

You throw throw the rod back into the boat and yank line out when your setting the clip. you cant get spooled or slacked off when they run at you. you never have to set the drag or change any levers on the reel. the rod properly in the air while fighting soaks up so much slack, its awesome. The rod is way more sensitive than a typical all frp rod and pretty cheap to start with (80 bucks?)

The new moocher plus has more stainless and is cheap also.

I broke a tip off while auto retrieving the ball and not paying attention. put a new tip and have a 9.5ft convergence as a backup rod.

I was taught by a canadian friend while fishing west vancouver for kings. Hooking a 30lber on one of these and letting it burn out line feels awesome. always in control of the line slack. no spitting!

If you absolutly have to burn money, buy an islander and a super expensive rod, but just try this set up for trolling and you may never go back. I wont.

NUNYET

Bang for the buck, a convergence can't be beat in the DR. The blanks do have some wierd sudden bend angles when loaded and have seen them break in those places. about 6-9 inches above and below the ferrule come to mind.

There are two DR rods I like and own. A moderate action 10.5' graphite rod (GL2 STR1265C) and a 8.5' glass rod (XCF862). Other than the reel seat spinning (and warrantied everytime), the 862 cert pro is bulletproof, light, and loads better and any 8.5-9' I've used. The things got like 13-14 guides on it and it's only 102" long. The only way to duplicate the gooey action of the 862 glass rod with a graphite rod is to go long as in 10' or better. STR 1265C has been bulletproof as well with no warranty issues.

I'd suggest finding these two rods and playing with them. See how they load up. Then find comprable rods that load up similarly, that are in your price range. There are many like the 1265s, but the XCF862 cert pro in very very unique in its action.

My canuknuckle buster is on a cheapo 11' (Okuma) graphite rod. The jury is out on it.

10'+ rods and 6'+ leaders don't mix well with 4' handle nets.

Look up the old post (last year?) by doc (eye fish). He did a statistical study of hook up rates with his 8.5' vs his 10.5' rods. The percentages were much higher on the longer rods. Everyone else is giving ancedotal information &/or opinions (which is also good), but EyeFish took the more analytical & statistical approach to it to confirm it. When it came time to replaced my 8.5' GL2's I went longer to the 10.5' after reading his post. I am glad I did as they have performed better as promised. The only down side I have for them is when fishing with kids or women, the longer rods are difficult for them to handle (no pun intended)!
I have never met him, but his advice was spot-on & I owe him a thanks

I'll second the convergence series for downriggers. Just because their less expensive isn't a reason to ignore them. Good power down low with good "pop" for hook sets!

TBJ and Drifter said it!
Longer rods (10 1/2 foot and over) have so many advantages that I too believe that they will become the new "Standard" for downrigger fishing, just as they have for serious mooching. I also prefer a slow action and a durable, carbon fiber handle instead of fragile cork.

I just wrote a downrigger rod review for Salmon Steelhead Journal that will be on news stands any minute now. In that piece, I got to review six different rods from 8 1/2 to 10 1/2 feet.

Bottom line: Small boat/fishing alone, an 8 1/2 makes sense but an 18-footer will accomodate a 10 1/2 foot rod.

Once you've "gone long"... You're ruined for runt rods....