What is Trolling?

Trolling is a type of spinning fishing for large fish conducted from a moving motorized boat. In the past, this method, when done from a rowboat, was called “dragging”.

Trolling is primarily used to catch predatory fish such as pike, catfish, zander, and others. Lures can include spoons, wobblers, artificial baits, and sometimes even live baitfish.

Choosing a Spinning Rod for Trolling

Selecting a trolling rod is not particularly difficult. The choice depends mainly on the body of water you’ll be fishing in and the size of the predator you’re targeting. However, there are several general guidelines that can help beginners make the right choice. A properly chosen trolling rod is often the key to a successful fishing trip.

Trolling can vary widely in its application. It includes both freshwater trolling and deep-sea trolling from powerful boats. If you're trolling in a small lake or river, almost any spinning rod will do, but for deep-sea trolling, you’ll need powerful rods.

Trolling rods come in different types, including planer board rods and downrigger rods. However, many rods can be used across multiple types of trolling.

When selecting a trolling rod, consider the following factors:

Material

Rod length

Action (flexibility and sensitivity)

Power rating (weight of lures and fish it can handle)

Fishing conditions (depth, trolling speed, number of rods used per boat side)

Material of a Trolling Rod

While trolling, the fishing line often collects weeds, algae, and other underwater debris, which creates additional strain on the rod. The rod itself is the first line of defense against a fish’s sudden movements, absorbing the impact before the reel’s drag system kicks in.

A weak rod won’t be able to handle these stresses, while an overly powerful rod will be too stiff, reducing sensitivity and making it difficult to detect light bites.

The best materials for trolling rods are:

Carbon fiber (graphite) – Lightweight and highly sensitive but more fragile.

Fiberglass – Durable and low-maintenance but less sensitive.

Composite (carbon + fiberglass blends) – A balance between strength and sensitivity. The specific percentage of materials in a composite rod determines its characteristics.

Handling a Trolling Rod

Many anglers prefer to hold the rod in their hands or, at the very least, keep it steady with their foot while controlling the boat’s motor. This helps to feel the lure's movement and detect bites more accurately.

Since trolling often lasts for many hours, it’s essential to choose a lightweight rod with a comfortable grip.

A long handle is ideal, as it allows the angler to rest the rod against their elbow for support. Some anglers prefer rods with a belt support system, which can make it significantly easier to fight large fish.

Trolling Rod Length

The optimal length for a trolling rod is 1.9 to 2.4 meters (6’3” to 7’10”). Longer rods (2.7–3 meters / 8’10”–9’10”) are rarely used but can be beneficial when fishing with two rods on the same side of the boat. In such cases, a longer rod allows for better separation, reducing the chances of line tangling, especially when using cheaper wobblers.

Longer rods are also useful when fishing in areas with frequent depth changes. Since adjusting lure depth using the reel alone can be challenging, a longer rod helps quickly correct the trolling depth. However, in most other situations, a long rod is inconvenient to use from a boat, particularly when two anglers are fishing together. On the other hand, a rod that is too short can be difficult to maneuver from side to side.

Trolling Rod Action

Rod action directly affects sensitivity. For trolling, Fast (F) or Extra-Fast (FF) action rods are preferred.

Fast action rods bend only in the top third of the blank.

Extra-Fast action rods bend only in the top quarter of the blank.

This type of action makes the rod highly responsive to the smallest movements of the lure, allowing the angler to react quickly. Additionally, fast action rods enable a sharp hookset without risking rod breakage.

Trolling Rod Power (Lure Test Range)

The power rating (or lure weight range) should be chosen based on the expected weight of the lures being used. The ideal power rating depends on the specific fishing location:

For deepwater trolling with heavy lures, a rod with a 100–150g test range is necessary. The stronger the current, the higher the upper limit should be.

For shallow rivers (e.g., similar to the Oka River), rods with a test rating of up to 30g are sufficient.

Lower test ratings mean higher sensitivity, allowing for better bite detection.

Rod Guides and Reel Seat

Line guides should be securely fastened, with no rotation, cracks, or chips.

The tip-top guide (tulip guide) must meet the same high standards.

A high-quality trolling rod should have durable and reinforced guides, as their weight also affects the overall rod weight.

The reel seat must be reliable and secure.

Reel Compatibility

Most trolling rods are designed for baitcasting (multiplying) reels, which are more durable and provide better control in trolling conditions. However, some universal models are available that can accommodate both baitcasting and spinning reels.