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- #5 Saltwater Offshore Heavy Trolling Rod From Fiblink
- #4 Squall II Level Wind From Penn
- #3 Kokanee & Trout Trolling Fishing Rod From Lamiglas
- #2 Classic Pro GLT Rod From OKUMA
- #1 Roller Guide Saltwater Fishing Rod From EAT MY TACKLE
Best Trolling Fishing Rods 2021
Whether youre targeting largemouth bass, walleye, or any other predatory fish, a quality trolling rod is essential gear in your fishing arsenal. A high-performing trolling rod will allow you to cast your line out further and hook up with more fish, while a quality spinning rod will perform well when spinning in closer.
With more choices than ever before, it can be hard to find the perfect combo for your fishing needs. After researching the top brands on the market, we’ve chosen the best highly specialized fishing rods you can buy, that you can use for trolling open water from a boat.
We’ve even found the ultimate fishing combo, complete with the best spinning rods and reels for your next big game adventure. We have not listed these products in any specific order. So stay tuned to the end, so you don’t miss the perfect choice for your needs.
To make this top 5 of the best Trolling Rods, we have analyzed 3390 customer reviews and looked through 52 products.
#1. Roller Guide, Saltwater Fishing Rod From Eat My Tackle
Best Overall Saltwater Fishing Rod
Best of the Best
The EatMyTackle Roller Guide Saltwater Fishing Rod is the result of years of research and development. It features wide-mouth roller guides capable of passing the largest wind on leaders for outstanding control at the boat side. While these rods perform well for all species of fish, they are particularly impressive when fighting marlin.
- Sensitive Tip
- Carbon Composite Material
- Different Sizes Foam Grips
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The EatMyTackle Roller Guide Saltwater Fishing Rod is the result of years of research and development. This is the most expensive rod on the list, and this shows in the craftsmanship. It features wide-mouth roller guides capable of passing the largest wind on leaders for outstanding control at the boat side.
Designed for the most aggressive marlin fishers, it has a stiff backbone and a sensitive tip. It has a phenomenal feel and is sensitive yet stiff enough to land just about anything. The blank is made from the finest high carbon composite material and the guides are made with the finest stainless steel roller components.
And the roller has double wraps for added strength. Additionally, the rod has an impressive eye relief and is fully customizable. You can choose between two different sizes of EVA foam grips, to fit just about any rod holder.
While these rods perform well for all species of fish, they are particularly impressive when fighting marlin. As you might guess, the eating my tackle rod is for the serious fisherman. Having a great feeling on the water is always important, but having a great looking rod that can also handle the largest fish is always nice.
#2. Classic Pro GLT Rod From Okuma
Best Budget Option
Budget Option
Okuma has been manufacturing fishing rods for over 50 years and continues to offer some of the best performance and value in the industry. The Classic Pro GLT series is designed to target specific species and applications. These versatile rods are built with E-glass blanks that are engineered for strength and durability, with guides that will take the abuse of braided, leadcore and copper lines.
- Rugged
- Rubberized Grib
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Okuma has been manufacturing fishing rods for over 50 years and continues to offer some of the best performance and value in the industry. The Classic Pro GLT series offers a wide array of rods designed to target specific species and applications. Each model has a different action, which may include a spinning, casting or anchoring rod. These versatile rods are built with E-glass blanks that are engineered for strength and durability, with guides that will take the abuse of braided, leadcore and copper lines.
Their construction is top-notch and their performance will blow you away. They are rugged, versatile and precise. All Classic Pro GLT rods feature an eye-catching design with unique features like shrink tube rear grips, ideal for cleaning and easy handling in rod holders.
The grips are rubberized for improved grip and durability, and each one features a stainless steel tip over the butt ferrule for added strength.
#3. Kokanee & Trout Trolling Fishing Rod From Lamiglas
Best for Kokanee and Trout Trolling
Top Pick
Followers Jared Johnson and Jason Oberg have created a series of great rods for kokanee fishing. They are lightweight with a high-modulus blank made from a proprietary blend of glass-filled Nylon and Elastomer. When casting for Kokanee they have a split cork handle that allows for a little extra flexibility. The large middle section of the rod has a large spool of EVA foam to keep the rod tip from smashing the bottom.
- 8, 9, & 10 Feet
- Well Balanced
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Followers Jared Johnson and Jason Oberg have put together a series of great rods for kokanee fishing. They have a lot going for them. They are lightweight with a high-modulus blank made from a proprietary blend of glass-filled Nylon and Elastomer. When casting for Kokanee they have a split cork handle that allows for a little extra flexibility.
The large middle section of the rod has a large spool of EVA foam to keep the rod tip from smashing the bottom. They are designed to work well with a downrigger and are available in 8, 9, and 10 feet lengths.
The Kokanee & Trout Trolling Fishing Rod has a medium action and is balanced well. It’s ideal for casting and trolling. And is a fantastic option for those that like to fish for Kokanee. Its blank is made from fiberglass with a graphite insert to enhance durability.
#4. Squall II Level Wind From Penn
Best Bang For Your Buck
Best Value
PENN Squall II Star Drag reels are designed to meet the rigors of hard-hitting saltwater species from the surf or the boat. They are lightweight and quick on the retrieve thanks to a revolutionary Live Spindle design and free-floating spool. High-strength, marine-grade bronze alloy main gear and fast gear access side plate make it more angler friendly than ever. Squall model features upgraded ball bearings and a knob mag dial for the ultimate in control while casting.
- Fast Gear Access Sideplate
- Marine-Grade Main Gear
- Right- & Left-Handed Models
- 12 To 40 lb
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The PENN Squall II Star Drag reels were designed to meet the rigors of hard-hitting saltwater species from the surf or the boat. They are lightweight and quick on the retrieve thanks to a revolutionary Live Spindle design and free-floating spool. And they are made even more castable thanks to the revolutionary Fast Gear Access Sideplate.
The Squall II Star Drag reels are equipped with a high-strength, marine-grade bronze alloy main gear and fast gear access side plate, making it more angler friendly than ever.
The Squall II model features upgraded ball bearings and a knob mag dial for the ultimate in control while casting. All configurations of the new PENN Squall II reels are available in both right- and left-handed models.
The Squall II Star Drag reels are available in five sizes, ranging from Sizes 12 to 40 lb.
#5. Saltwater Offshore Heavy Trolling Rod From Fiblink
Best for Big Game Fishing
Top Pick
The fiblink saltwater offshore rod comes in different configurations with a max power rating from 30-120 pounds. It has a medium-fast action and is powerful and flexible, ideal for handling larger fish. It also has a relatively short length which might be a little awkward for some novice fishermen. Beyond that, if you are looking for a serious fishing companion for your next big game fishing trip, this is a serious option to consider.
- 80lb – 120lb Capacety
- Medium-Fast Action
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Fiblink is a company that has been in the fishing business for quite some time. They offer a number of different products and this is one of the best that we’ve come across. It is mainly designed for those who love boat fishing because it has a long length and it’s designed to handle the heavy-duty fish which can weigh up to 120 pounds.
This particular rod has a weight of 30 Ounces which is about average for a fishing rod of this length. The fiblink saltwater offshore rod comes in different configurations with a max power rating from 30-120 pounds.
The rod has a medium-fast action and it is powerful and flexible, which is ideal for handling larger fish. It has a great balanced design and both a comfortable grip and a reel seat that can take a beating.
The power and flexibility make it a great choice for both light-duty and heavy-duty fishing. This rod comes at 5 feet and 1 inch in length. This means that it’s not going to bend a lot and that it’s convenient to handle
Beyond that, if you are looking for a serious fishing companion for your next big game fishing trip, this is a serious option to consider.
