Name: Okuma Classic Pro GLT
Brand: Okuma

Okuma Classic Pro GLT

BEST OF THE BEST

Heavy-Duty Trolling Power

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Length: 8'6"

Power: Medium Heavy

Line Weight: 12-30 lbs

Pieces: 2

Material: E-glass

The Okuma Classic Pro GLT Trolling Rod is engineered for those who need a dependable rod for trolling in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Built with a durable E-glass blank, this rod offers the backbone necessary for handling big fish and the rigors of trolling.

Stainless steel double-footed guides provide smooth line movement and reduce friction, while the comfortable EVA foam grips ensure a secure hold during long fishing sessions.This rod is available in multiple lengths and actions, allowing anglers to select the perfect setup for their specific trolling needs.

The Classic Pro GLT is also equipped with a stainless steel hooded reel seat, ensuring your reel stays firmly in place even under heavy loads. Whether you’re targeting salmon, lake trout, or saltwater species, this rod delivers consistent performance and reliability.

PROS

Strong and durable build
Comfortable grip for long use
Smooth line guides
Affordable price point

CONS

Heavier than some alternatives
Limited sensitivity for lighter bites

Lamiglas X-11 Salmon & Steelhead

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Premium Salmon Trolling Rod

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Length: 9'6"

Power: Medium

Line Weight: 10-20 lbs

Pieces: 2

Material: Graphite

Lamiglas is renowned for producing high-quality rods, and the X-11 Salmon & Steelhead Trolling Rod is no exception. Designed specifically for salmon and steelhead fishing, this rod features a graphite blank that provides both sensitivity and strength.

The moderate action allows for excellent lure control and hook-setting power, making it ideal for trolling applications.The rod is fitted with stainless steel guides and zirconium inserts, ensuring smooth line flow and reduced wear.

The cork handle offers a classic look and comfortable grip, even during extended fishing trips. With its lightweight design and responsive action, the X-11 is a top choice for anglers seeking a high-performance trolling rod for salmon and steelhead.

PROS

Lightweight and responsive
Excellent build quality
Smooth line guides
Comfortable cork grip

CONS

Higher price point
Not ideal for very heavy species

Shakespeare Ugly Stik Bigwater

Budget-Friendly Trolling Choice

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Length: 10'

Power: Medium Heavy

Line Weight: 15-30 lbs

Pieces: 2

Material: Graphite/Fiberglass

The Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Rod by Shakespeare is built to withstand the harshest fishing conditions. Featuring the iconic Ugly Tech construction, this rod combines graphite and fiberglass for a strong yet sensitive blank.

The Ugly Tuff guides are made from stainless steel, providing durability and corrosion resistance, which is essential for both freshwater and saltwater trolling.The rod’s EVA grips are designed for comfort and control, even when battling large fish.

Its clear tip design enhances sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect even the slightest bites. With a reputation for toughness and reliability, the Bigwater series is perfect for those who want a dependable trolling rod without breaking the bank.

PROS

Extremely durable
Good sensitivity
Comfortable handle
Great value for money

CONS

Heavier than pure graphite rods
Basic aesthetics

PENN Squall II Conventional

Saltwater Trolling Specialist

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Length: 6'6"

Power: Heavy

Line Weight: 30-80 lbs

Pieces: 1

Material: Glass

PENN is a trusted name in saltwater fishing, and the Squall II Conventional Trolling Rod lives up to the brand’s reputation. Built with a one-piece tubular glass blank and solid tip, this rod offers the strength needed to handle hard-fighting saltwater species.

The heavy-duty stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts provide smooth line movement and resist corrosion from saltwater exposure.The rod features a high-density EVA handle for comfort and a non-slip grip, even when wet.

Its graphite reel seat is both lightweight and strong, ensuring your reel stays secure during intense battles. Designed for use with conventional reels, the Squall II is ideal for trolling offshore for tuna, mahi-mahi, and other large species.

PROS

Excellent for big game
Corrosion-resistant components
Comfortable grip
Strong and reliable

CONS

Shorter length limits reach
Heavier than composite rods

St. Croix Mojo Troll

Lightweight Downrigger Performer

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Length: 8'6"

Power: Medium

Line Weight: 10-25 lbs

Pieces: 2

Material: SCII Graphite

The St. Croix Mojo Troll Rod is crafted with premium SCII graphite, providing a lightweight feel without sacrificing strength. This rod is specifically designed for use with downriggers and other trolling setups, making it a great choice for targeting salmon, trout, and other species that require precise lure presentation.

The Mojo Troll features Sea Guide stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide rings, ensuring smooth line flow and durability. The premium-grade cork handle offers comfort and a secure grip, even during long days on the water.

With its moderate action and sensitive tip, this rod allows anglers to detect subtle strikes while maintaining the power needed to land big fish.

PROS

Lightweight and sensitive
High-quality components
Comfortable cork grip
Excellent for downriggers

CONS

Higher price range
Not suitable for very heavy species

How our picks compare

Specification	Okuma Classic Pro GLT	Lamiglas X-11 Salmon & Steelhead	Shakespeare Ugly Stik Bigwater	PENN Squall II Conventional	St. Croix Mojo Troll
	Check Price at Amazon	Check Price at Amazon	Check Price at Amazon	Check Price at Amazon	Check Price at Amazon
Length	8'6"	9'6"	10'	6'6"	8'6"
Power	Medium Heavy	Medium	Medium Heavy	Heavy	Medium
Line Weight	12-30 lbs	10-20 lbs	15-30 lbs	30-80 lbs	10-25 lbs
Pieces	2	2	2	1	2
Material	E-glass	Graphite	Graphite/Fiberglass	Glass	SCII Graphite

Selecting the right trolling rod can make a significant difference in your fishing experience, whether you’re targeting freshwater species like walleye and trout or heading offshore for tuna and marlin. The process involves more than simply picking a rod labeled for trolling; it requires understanding the nuances of rod construction, action, length, and how these factors interact with your target species and fishing environment.

Start by considering the type of water you’ll be fishing in. For inland lakes and rivers, lighter rods designed for smaller species are often sufficient. These rods typically range from 6 to 8 feet in length and are built to handle lighter lines and lures. In contrast, saltwater trolling demands rods that can withstand the corrosive effects of salt and the power of large, hard-fighting fish. Saltwater rods are generally longer, heavier, and constructed with materials like graphite or fiberglass, sometimes blending both for added strength and flexibility.

Rod action is another critical factor. Fast-action rods bend mostly at the tip, providing quick hook sets and better sensitivity, which is ideal when targeting species that strike lightly. Moderate or slow-action rods bend further down the blank, offering more shock absorption. This is particularly useful when trolling for species known for sudden, powerful runs, as it helps prevent the line from breaking and reduces the risk of pulling hooks free.

The power rating of a rod, which refers to its lifting strength, should match the size of the fish you expect to encounter. Light power rods are suitable for small freshwater fish, while medium to heavy power rods are needed for larger species. Overpowering or underpowering can lead to lost fish or broken equipment, so it’s important to match your rod to your quarry.

Material choice plays a significant role in performance and durability. Fiberglass rods are known for their toughness and forgiving nature, making them a popular choice for beginners or those fishing in rough conditions. Graphite rods, on the other hand, are lighter and more sensitive, allowing anglers to detect subtle bites. Many modern trolling rods combine both materials to balance strength and sensitivity.

Pay attention to the rod’s guides and reel seat. Quality guides, often made from stainless steel or ceramic, reduce friction and wear on your line, especially important when using braided lines. A sturdy reel seat ensures your reel stays firmly attached during long battles with fish.

Handle design also affects comfort and control. Longer handles provide better leverage when fighting large fish, and materials like EVA foam or cork offer a secure grip, even when wet. Some rods feature gimbals at the butt end, which fit into fighting belts for added stability during extended fights.

Finally, consider the type of trolling you’ll be doing. Downrigger rods are designed to work with downrigger systems, featuring a softer action to absorb the shock when the line is released. Planer board rods are built to handle the unique stresses of pulling boards through the water. If you plan to use lead core or wire lines, look for rods specifically rated for these applications, as they require additional strength and specialized guides.

In summary, finding the best trolling rod involves evaluating your fishing environment, target species, preferred techniques, and personal comfort. By focusing on rod length, action, power, material, and component quality, you can select a rod that will perform reliably and enhance your time on the water.

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