3 Best Deep Sea Trolling Rods

Hey there my fellow anglers and welcome to my post covering my 3 best deep sea trolling rods to lean on the big ones with this year. One of the things I love about deep sea fishing is the opportunity to go after some really big game fish. And of course it really is only possible to get them to the boat if you have the right gear.

Although not as critical as the reel, a poor rod choice can severely affect your ability to work through the fight that comes with such a large catch. So to save you some time I have had a good look around and come up with three options below. Let’s check them out…

My three recommended deep sea trolling rods

I will review these in more detail below however if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:

 Deep Sea Trolling RodPriceGet it
best deep sea trolling rod - Fiblink Bent Butt Fishing RodFiblink Bent Butt Offshore Trolling Rod$CURRENT PRICE
best deep sea trolling rod - EatMyTackle Roller Guide Saltwater Fishing RodEatMyTackle Roller Guide Saltwater Fishing Rod$$CURRENT PRICE
best deep sea trolling rod - Shimano Tallus Roller Stripper SaltwaterShimano Tallus Roller Fishing Rod$$$CURRENT PRICE

What are deep sea trolling rods?

Trolling rods are generally shorter and stronger than most other types and in conjunction with a good trolling reel, have the purpose of dragging bait or fishing lures through the water to attract large fish such as Mackerel or Tuna. And as trolling rods are mostly used to target these larger species which can put a lot of strain on the line and the rod itself, durability is critical.

Another key feature that distinguishes trolling rods from others are the guides. Generally, these consist of one or more rollers within the guide to the line away from the rod and provide a smooth surface for the lines to slide across, reducing friction and the possibility of the line breaking.

best deep sea trolling rod - trolling rod

What should you be looking for?

Below are some of the main factors you should take into account as you shop for a good trolling rod for deep sea fishing:

  1. Length
  2. Weight
  3. Power
  4. Action
  5. Material
  6. Additions

Length

As above, deep-sea fishing rods are usually distinguished by their high strength whilst remaining short in length. Anything under 6-7 ft is preferable as at this length they are easier to manage within the confined spaces of a boat where casting distance is generally not an issue.

Weight

Another important consideration is the weight of your rod which should be light and well-balanced. The majority of these rods are made of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or graphite to keep your wrists and arms from tiring whilst supporting the weight of the rod. The lightweight also relieves strain on your shoulders and back.

Power

This characteristic describes the rod’s strength and its resistance to bending under work. Power ratings are commonly described as heavy, medium heavy, medium and so on and in the case of trolling rods, it is typically a case of the heavier the better.

Heavier power rods will handle heavy line weights and tackle and the option you choose will in part be determined by the type of water you are fishing in and the species being targeted.

best deep sea trolling rod - rods on a boat

Action

Action describes how much of the rod deflects (bends) when pressure is applied to the tip. A fast action rod will bend in the top third or less of the blank, a medium or moderate action rod will turn in the top half or so, and a slow action rod will bend in the lower third.

Slow action rods are sometimes referred to as ‘parabolic,’ which means that the bend is consistent along the length of the rod. These are in my opinion the best option for trolling as they allow the lure or bait to move without the rod ‘jigging’ it around too much.

Material

The best deep sea fishing rods are typically made of carbon being or graphite due to their increased strength and being light in weight. In short however, most rods are made of one of three materials:

  • Fiberglass – Very strong and durable with very little maintenance required (rinse off after fishing is generally all that is needed). Also, very cost-effective with many good options available that don’t cost the earth – although these types of rods appear to be less available these days due to the introduction of carbon fiber technology.
  • Graphite – Graphite rods are generally more rigid with higher power ratings however tend to have greater sensitivity than their fiberglass cousins. Their composition also means that a little more cleaning is required over time to avoid them becoming brittle and snapping. These are good for shorter rods too as they can handle bigger fish without the ‘give’ that longer rods have.
  • Carbon Fibre – This is a newer compound in fishing rods being more rigid than the fiberglass/ composite rods but also lighter – which is great for heavy offshore fishing. These types are becoming more and more popular for all levels of experience due to their toughness and versatility.

Additions

Other potential additions include:

  1. Guides – A rod with more guides will hold the line a little better as it will bend more consistently throughout its length allowing it to use all of its power for fighting fish. Roller guides can also assist in keeping the bait or lure running smoothly in the water and when retrieving fish – especially if there is an angle on the rod when in the holder.
  2. Handle – Your choice of handle material is heavily influenced by your personal preferences. A long handle relieves muscle pain and strain, especially if you’ve been fishing for a while. Most trolling rods have EVA foam, carbon fiber or cork handles.
  3. Rod butt – You may prefer a straight or bent rod butt. For the majority of applications, straight butts are best as they fit in standard boat rod holders. Curved butts can be necessary when using heavy drag settings on heavy tackle however as they can relieve strain on your body and allow you to concentrate on reeling in your catch.

My three recommendations broken down

So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:

My first recommended trolling rod comes with a solid high strength E-glass graphite composite blank and aluminum alloy bent butt and gimbal across on the bottom. It is also smooth to operate with polished line protecting stainless steel roller guides for wear free line flow and saltwater corrosion resistance. See its specifications below:

  • Brand: Fiblink
  • Length: 5’, 6’ or 7’
  • Material: Fiberglass
  • Weight: 1.76 pounds
  • Power: Extra heavy
  • Action: Not indicated

Other inclusions:

  • Line weights 80-120 lb
  • Bent or straight butt options available
  • Non-slip rubber handle
  • Extreme exposure reel seat

Why have I chosen it?

The composite blank of solid E-glass and graphite in this fishing rod results in excellent traction power. Its aluminium and stainless steel build provides for great durability and strength with a power rating to handle anything you could throw at it. All in all this is a great entry level rod that would also suit experienced fishers as well.


2. EatMyTackle Roller Guide Saltwater Fishing Rod

This next rod is made of high carbon composite blanks which is light in weight with great durability and effectiveness. The integrated handles provide for great comfort with the guaranteed smoothness of full rollered guides added in. See its specifications below:

  • Brand: EatMyTackle
  • Length: 5′ 6″
  • Material: Carbon composite
  • Weight: 3 pounds approx.
  • Power: Heavy
  • Action: Not indicated

Other inclusions:

  • Available in 5 different class weights: 30-50, 60-80, 100-120, 130-160, & 160-200 lb
  • EVA foam grip
  • Wide mouth roller guides
  • Two-year warranty
  • Gimbal in butt

Why have I chosen it?

This rod is considered to be ‘tournament grade’ crafted from high carbon material that leads to excellent stiffness. The span wrap construction comes in handy when a fish takes off to the side and the rod’s impressive backbone power keeps it from twisting. This is another great all round rod for fishers of all levels chasing those larger catches.


3. Shimano Tallus Roller Fishing Rod

This final trolling rod is another great option for anglers looking to chase large fish with a durable construction material, outstanding strength to weight ratio and dual roller guides. See its specifications below:

  • Brand: Shimano
  • Length: 6′
  • Material: Carbon composite
  • Weight: 1.54 pounds
  • Power: Extra heavy
  • Action: Fast

Other inclusions:

  • Aluminum reel seat
  • Graphite gimbal
  • One-year warranty

Why have I chosen this?

This rod has a TC4 blank construction, which reduces weight and makes it very comfortable to fish with. It has a faster action than others here however which is offset by the extra heaviness of the rod. The rod won’t twist under strain and the rollers will keep the line running smoothly in both directions.

Conclusion

There you have it, my three best deep-sea trolling rods to lean on the big ones with this year. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time

Have fun

Paul

3 Best Deep Sea Trolling Rods - Pinterest

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