I'm looking to get a new rod for trolling for kokanees and trout using a downrigger. I'm looking for a rod with a trigger finger so it can mount my baitcast reel. Any suggestions on a rod and rod material? I'm looking for a 7 footer.
Thanks in advance.

A long flexible rod with lots of give is what I would recommend. I used to convert flyrods to casting, or spinning configurations for kokes. The long flexible rods have the give necessary to keep from tearing the soft mouths on these fish. If you use a stouter rod, use a small rubber snubber. Don't set the hook, like you would on a trout or other fish, just kick the motor into neutral and reel in slow and steady. Pop gear with wedding rings tipped with white corn or maggots is the traditional set up. I like to use a tiny dodger with a small (tiny) Dick Nite or green fly. Less drag on a whippy rod. Hope this helps. Good luck!

Thanks for the tips TRAUT.

Someone told me not to get a graphite rod for downrigger usage because the constant bend in the rod will warp it. He said fiberglass is best for downrigger usage. Is there validity in that?

I had been using my spinning rod and reel for kokanee this summer but I like the feel of the trigger finger and bait cast reel better. Its kinda like the setup I use in the salt when trolling for salmon.

Try looking at the Lamiglas MBC702ul.I have One and my wife has one, we use them with a downrigger for trout on Lake Washinton.

I use the Lamiglas MBC702ul with down riggers for Kokes and trout. Love them

If there is a constant bend long enough to warp it, then he don't catch many fish. It's bull-ony. Lean it up on your wall for 4 months and then it will warp.

I fish kokanee alot and of all the poles i have used the best with downrigger has been an 8ft 5/6wt fly rod with an ultralight reel with 6 or 8lb test. Works awesome. Even with a dodger. The length helps keep the fish on with the extra give. Sounds hokey but it works very well.

So would a 1141 work ok?

Yeah, maybe he was trolling all day and not catching too many fish.

You might want to take a look at Vance's spiral rap Kokanee rods. I have used two of them for several years now.
www.vancestackle.com

Hi Koho Killer:

You should talk to Kaiko and find out which rod is good for you. Just a suggestion!

"You should talk to Kaiko and find out which rod is good for you. Just a suggestion!"

Yeah, it was his neighbor that said not to use graphite for trolling

DIAWA SPINMATIC-X!!!

Call up Sportco they carry them. They are 7' long rated for 2 to 6lb line. I have 2 in spinning and they work killer for downrigger fish Kokes. They make them in casting too. At $28.00 you cant go wrong. Dont pay more for a name.