I need a new downrigger rod but need some help. I want to stick with a G. Loomis GL2 but would like some advice as to length and weight. I like as light action as possible but need enough back bone to get it of the downrigger. Should I have a rod made from G.Loomis blanks? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I'm probably the odd ball on this but I prefer a fiberglass rod for this mainly cause the heavy load on the rod while trolling for extended periods of time seems to take its toll on graphite. Shimano has a couple of fast taper glass downrigger rods that have a beefy bottom end that makes it easy to pop the clip but the tip is sensitive enough to reveal even the slightest change in lure action (like when you pick up a small weed). About $40 last time I looked.

Hey Red,good you see you around hows things in the big city
I can't speak for Loomis but I love my Shimano Triton series downrigger rod 8-1/2'
fast taper and lots of backbone,I'm sure you'll get some advice from the Loomis nuts out here
btw: ready for a cat trip
take care....Osprey

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Row Quietly and fish a Cataraft }<<(('>----<'))>>{
Release all Wild Fish

Gotta agree with Chaps on this one, for trollin' with the downriggers the glass rods are the way to go. Shimano TDR or Triton series is what he is talkin' about and they are only $40 bucks a rod. I have two Triton's and perfer the medium over the medium-heavy. A good second choice would be ugly sticks. You don't need to pay out big bucks for a good downrigger rod!!!
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

[This message has been edited by salmonhead (edited 10-19-2000).]

I've been using Triton TDRs for the past few years and love 'em. I've had guests on my boat break numerous rods in the past but the TDRs stand up to the abuse. I'm not exactly looking for sensitivity in a rod when I go downrigger fishing....just looking to get back to the dock with my gear intact and a few fish in the box. At $40 a shot you can buy yourself another steelhead rod!

Take a look at the Lamiglass E-glass rods, they are great.

Thanks for all the good advise, saved me over $100.
Osprey I hope all is going well. Unfortunately my fishing cat has been a better dust collector then fish raiser! Maybe I'll get her out for chums.

hi mukvin, i know there few and far between but if you can find a kunnan 8'6" or 9' they make for an excellant downrigger rod i've been useing mine for 15 years and no problems, still useing it today good luck