The best trout trolling setup is a 7 foot 6 inch fiberglass rod paired with a line counter reel, since a line counter lets you repeat a productive depth exactly. Cal Kellogg fishes Cal's Leadcore Trolling Rod with a hybrid leadcore reel spooled with three colors of leadcore, 20 lb braid backing, and a 25 foot fluorocarbon top shot. Run the main line through a bead to a bead chain trolling swivel to stop line twist. Okuma Cold Water, Abu Garcia 5500, Penn Warfare, and Daiwa Lexa 100 reels all get the job done.
What rod is best for trout trolling?
Cal fishes a 7 foot 6 inch fiberglass trolling rod, which he calls rugged and responsive. It handles all the gear you put out, from divers and side planers to downriggers and leadcore. A rod like Cal's Leadcore Trolling Rod both fights fish and manages the implements you use to get baits down to depth.
Why do I need a line counter reel for trout trolling?
A line counter is a must for the trolling techniques Cal uses on the lakes. It tells you exactly how far your gear is set back so you can repeat a productive depth after every fish. Without one you are guessing, and depth is often the single factor that decides whether you catch or not.
What reels does Cal use for trout trolling?
Cal runs three main reels. The Okuma Cold Water is durable, proven, and has a line counter, though the retrieve is a touch slow. The Abu Garcia 5500 and 6500 are his all time value picks, smooth with great drags. The Penn Warfare is wider, faster, and versatile. He also fishes the compact, smooth Daiwa Lexa 100 line counter.
What is a hybrid leadcore setup for trout?
Cal's hybrid leadcore rig runs three colors of 15 lb leadcore over 20 lb braid backing, finished with a 25 foot 20 lb fluorocarbon top shot down to a bead and trolling swivel, then a leader around 40 inches. A hybrid leadcore reel comes pre spooled, so you just mount it, thread the guides, and tie on.
Why run braid on a trout trolling reel?
Cal is sold on 20 lb braid for downriggers and top shots. It has almost no stretch, a very fine diameter, and it is nearly impervious to UV, so it lasts on the reel indefinitely. He reports it holds in downrigger release clips just fine and saves money and time over constant respooling.
What reel features matter most for trolling?
Cal likes a low profile reel that does not take up much space and a line counter positioned in the front and centered, rather than off to the side where it makes the reel wide. Power handles give newcomers a stable throw. A smooth drag matters, and the reel should be capable of landing a big fish.
How do I rig the business end of a trolling rod?
Whether it is a leadcore or downrigger rod, run the main line through a bead, then tie a bead chain trolling swivel with a Palomar knot and add a cross lock snap for fast lure changes. A Trolling Rod Rigging Kit carries the beads and swivels. The bead chain swivel prevents line twist from reaching your main line.
Watch the technique
Trout trolling rod and reel setup FAQ
Yes. Cal calls a line counter a must for lake trolling. It lets you set gear back to the exact distance that produced a fish and repeat it, which is critical since a small depth change often makes or breaks the bite.
Three colors of 15 lb leadcore, 20 lb braid backing, and a 25 foot 20 lb fluorocarbon top shot down to a bead and trolling swivel, then a leader about 40 inches long. Cal sells these reels pre spooled and ready to fish.
Cal considers it proven and exceptionally durable with a smooth enough drag and a built in line counter. His only minor complaint is that the retrieve runs a little slow for his taste. You can also spool it with braid for stripers or light sturgeon.
Cal uses a 7 foot 6 inch fiberglass downrigger and leadcore rod. Fiberglass gives a rugged, forgiving, responsive blank that handles hard trolling gear and cushions the head shakes of a big trout near the boat.
The bead marks the line to leader junction so the netter can track a fish in low light, and it stops you from reeling the swivel into the rod tip. The bead chain trolling swivel prevents twist from the lure or dodger from transmitting up your main line.
Yes. Cal notes the Penn Warfare and Okuma Cold Water are versatile. Strip off the leadcore and spool 40, 50, or 65 lb braid and you are ready for sturgeon, ocean salmon, or river salmon with a reel that can fight big, hard pulling fish.
A power handle gives a stable, comfortable throw and is especially helpful for people who are not used to running trolling reels. Cal likes them on his guide boat because clients do really well with them right away.
