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About trolling rod and reel

Types of Trolling Rod and Reel

A trolling rod and reel combo is a popular fishing gear among anglers. It is used for trolling, where the bait or lure is dragged behind a moving boat to catch fish. The rod and reel combo makes it easy for anglers to cast their bait into the waters. On Alibaba.com, business buyers can find various types of trolling rod and reel combos, which include;

  • Manual Trolling Reels

    These are specialized fishing reels built for saltwater trolling. The reels come with a rod and reel combo set. They are designed to handle the immense strain of big game fish. Normally, the reels have a line capacity. This enables them to hold heavier lines than other fishing reels. In addition to that, they feature robust construction that involves using aluminum and stainless steel. This ensures the reels withstand the harsh saltwater environments. These reels are made with powerful drag systems that handle the pressure of large fish without breaking down.

  • Electric Trolling Reels

    These are specialized reels made for saltwater fishing. The reels come with rods designed to withstand the elements of the ocean. The reels are built with durable materials to handle the wear and tear of heavy use. They have powerful drag systems that can handle large fish. The electric motors are powered by batteries. They eliminate the need for manual cranking, allowing for precise control of the line tension and retrieval speed. This is especially useful when fishing for large, powerful fish.

  • Spin Casting Reels

    These are popular among anglers. They come with a rod and reel combo set. The combination is used for trolling fishing techniques, where lures or baits are dragged behind a moving boat to catch fish. These rods are shorter and more powerful than regular spinning rods. They are designed to handle the strain and force of large fish. The Spin Casting Reels are made of metal and high-quality plastic. At the same time, the rods are made of fiberglass or carbon fiber. The rods are designed to be sensitive and flexible, enabling anglers to feel even the slightest nibble from a fish.

  • Conventional Trolling Reels

    They are also known as boat reels or troll reels. They are designed for deep sea and saltwater trolling. The reels feature a line capacity of 300 to 700 yards. It makes them suitable for handling larger fish. The reels are made from durable materials such as aluminum and stainless steel. This construction ensures longevity and the ability to withstand the harsh marine environment. They come with a simple gear mechanism. This makes the maintenance of the reels easy. They feature a powerful drag system that handles heavy loads.

Scenarios of Trolling Rod and Reel

Trolling rods and reels are versatile tools that can be used in a number of fishing scenarios. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • Offshore Trolling: Trolling rods and reels are primarily used for offshore trolling. This method involves dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat. The long rods with high line capacity and strong reels are ideal for targeting large pelagic species such as marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi. The setup allows for sustained pressure and the ability to handle long runs and heavy weights.
  • Lakes and Reservoirs: In freshwater lakes and reservoirs, trolling rods and reels can be used to target a variety of species. For instance, salmon and trout are often pursued using smaller, lighter setups with sensitive tips. These rods are perfect for in-land trolling as they permit precise lure presentation and control. Additionally, warm-water species like pike and walleye can be targeted using bigger setups.
  • Coastal Waters: Trolling along coastlines and in bays is another common scenario. Here, medium to large rods are often used to catch species like striped bass, pike, and various types of sharks. The versatility of the rods allows fishers to use different bait types, from small lures to large baitfish.
  • Deep Sea Fishing: For those who enjoy deep sea fishing, a trolling rod and a reel are essential tools. These long and robust rods are designed to target massive pelagic fish like tuna and marlin. With their high line capacity and strength, they can handle the pressure of deep sea fishing.
  • Saltwater Fishing: Trolling rods and reels are also used for saltwater fishing in large bodies of water such as oceans and seas. Fish such as mahi-mahi and marlin are often caught using these rods. The long rod with durable material and a powerful reel with high line capacity make them ideal for this kind of fishing.
  • Big Game Fishing: If you are into big game fishing, then a trolling rod and reel is a must-have. These rods are designed to handle massive fish like tuna and marlin. They have a high line capacity and strong reels that can withstand the pressure of fighting large fish for a long time.

How to Choose Trolling Rod and Reel

To choose the right trolling rod and reel setup, one must consider the type of fish intended to catch, the trolling method to be used, and the rod's action and material. Different kinds of fish require different kinds of rods and reels. For instance, if large fish are to be caught, a rod that can withstand the size and strength of the fish will be needed. The trolling method is also important; whether it is offshore, inshore, or lake trolling, each method requires a different kind of rod and reel.

The rod's action is also very important when choosing a rod. A rod with fast action means it is sensitive and can respond quickly to strikes, while a rod with slow action takes longer to respond. The material of the rod is also important; fiberglass rods are more durable and heavier than carbon fiber rods, which are lighter and more sensitive. Balancing durability and weight is crucial when selecting the proper trolling rod.

When purchasing a trolling rod and reel, bulk buyers should consider their customers' needs and the fish's type, the trolling method, the rod's action, and the material. They should also consider the durability of the reels and their ease of use and maintenance. By understanding these factors, buyers can select products that offer a balance of performance, durability, and value for money.

Function, Feature, and Design of Trolling Rod and Reel

Functions

  • Fishing for pelagic species: Trolling rod and reel is primarily designed for fishing pelagic species. This is because these fish do not reside in the ocean's deep waters or close to the shore. Instead, they swim in the open sea, making them hard to catch. With the rod and reel setup, it is easy to catch different types of fish that include tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi, and wahoo.
  • Continuous movement: The trolling rod and reel are also designed to help with continuous movement while driving the boat in the water. This is because the chances of catching the fish are higher when the boat is moving at a slow pace.
  • Depth adjustment: Another important function of trolling rod and reel is depth adjustment. This is made possible by using a downrigger to ensure the bait is as low as 1000 feet in the water.

Features

  • Material: Rods are made of graphite, fiberglass, or composite material. On the other hand, reels can be made of carbon, aluminum, or stainless steel.
  • Line capacity: Trolling reels have a large line capacity to accommodate long distances between the boat and the bait.
  • Gear ratio: Trolling reels have a low to moderate gear ratio, typically 4:1 to 6:1. This provides the necessary torque for reeling in large fish.
  • Drag system: Trolling reels are equipped with adjustable drag systems. These systems can handle heavy loads and provide smooth resistance when a fish pulls the line.
  • Guides: Trolling rods feature guides with large diameters. This accommodates heavy lines and prevents line tangles or backlash.

Design

  • Action: Trolling rods have either moderate or slow action. These two types of actions provide the necessary flexibility to absorb shocks from large fish strikes and maintain pressure during fights.
  • Length: Trolling rods come in different lengths, typically between 5 to 14 feet (1.5 to 4.3 meters). The choice of length affects leverage, casting distance, and line control.
  • Power: Trolling rods have different power ratings, ranging from medium to extra heavy. The rating determines how much weight the rod can handle.
  • Reel seat: Trolling rods have durable and robust reel seats that secure the trolling reel in place. This can be subjected to heavy loads and intense battles without compromising the reel's stability.

Q & A

Q1. What is the difference between a trolling rod and a casting rod?

A1. A trolling rod is more powerful than a casting rod. It can handle the stress of the trolling motor and the weight of the lure or bait. Trolling rods also have larger guides to accommodate the heavier line used in trolling fishing. On the other hand, casting rods are designed for shorter distances and accuracy.

Q2. How to troll with a baitcaster?

A2. To troll with a baitcaster, first, set the tension knob so the spool doesn't move when a fish pulls on the bait. Then, engage the bait with a bait clicker. Next, adjust the drag until it is set just above what the rod can handle. Finally, troll at a speed of 2 to 5 mph.

Q3. What is the ideal rod length for trolling?

A3. The ideal rod length for trolling varies depending on the type of trolling being done. For inshore trolling, a rod length of 6 to 8 feet is typically used. For offshore trolling, the rod length is usually between 8 and 12 feet. For Great Lakes trolling, the rod length is often between 10 and 12 feet.

Q4. How far should the lure be behind the boat when trolling?

A4. How far the lure should be behind the boat when trolling varies depending on the type of trolling one is doing. For inshore trolling, the lure should be about 20 to 30 feet behind the boat. For offshore trolling, the lure should be about 50 to 100 feet behind the boat. For Great Lakes trolling, the lure should be about 100 to 150 feet behind the boat.

Q5. Can one use a trolling rod for casting?

A5. One can use a trolling rod for casting, but it is not ideal. Trolling rods are heavier and more cumbersome than casting rods, making them more difficult to cast accurately. Additionally, trolling rods have larger guides, which can cause line slap and reduce casting distance.