trolling set-up

what rod and reel is best for musky trolling? would like one w/line counter Does anyone have a favorite brand planner board they use to pull musky baits??

Reefhawg for pounders I use the Tooth Tamer XXXH you can throw anything with that rod!!!

That Tooth Tamer trolling rod, albeit a bit heavy weightwise for casting conventional lures, is my go to rod for pounders very late in the fall as well. Jason Schillinger Toothtamerrods.com

I just picked up a Tooth Tamer Glass rod and already have plans to get another. Great looking rod for trolling and it will double as my sucker rod in the fall. I have used the Diawa accu depth for the last 2 years for sucker fishing with no problems.

Good comments by all. I won't comment much on gear as there are already many responses, though I do run Daiwa Sealines and Okuma Convector line counters and Tooth Tamer trolling rods(newly designed and softened per my recomendation). You did ask about inline planer boards though and though I don't make a living trolling, I've run the Big birds, the Off shores with beefed up clips, and now for the past 4 years have settled on the Church Tackle boards as my personal favorite for ease of use, functionality, and value. They are ready to go right out of the box, very easy to snap on your line, and in my opinion a nice alternative to some of the other store bought boards. My friend Jeremy machined several new pins for the rear release out of stainless and that has been the only modification I have made to the them. I also have a few spare front clips for when the rubber coating wears out, which will eventually happen over heavy use and time. Jason Schillinger toothtamerrods.com H20 Tackle GP Thumper Tackle "Get Smoked"

I agree the Tekota ia the best but like you said is way more then the others,I do have one and unless I could get some at a deep discount will not buy anymore.Unless I start trolling for Bluefin tuna or other saltwater fish.But then there is nothing wrong with buying the best if you can afford it.

Hands down the best trolling reels are Shimano Tekota 600LC and 500LC series. I've used Okuma, Diawa and the Ambassadeur. All decent trolling reels but nothing has held up to the abuse or is as smooth as a Tekota. But they are costly. I have a couple of Okuma Convectors and Diawa Sealine as backups and they work well. Okumas and Diawas drags can be a little finicky but are good all around reels. Rods - I love the 8' glass St Croix. But again, pricey. I've used the MI 9' glass livebait/trolling rods. Held up well but way too stiff for most trolling applications. Fenwick makes a 8' 6" glass rod which I've been happy with for about $100. I also have a few of the Shimano glass (not Talora but the 30$ model) rods that have been ok. One of the most indestructible rods I've used is the Shakespere Tiger? trolling rod. Only make a 7' glass one but it's withstood everything I've done to it..

Muskytroller have you tried the Ambassadeur line counter it has a so much better drag then the Daiwa Sealine.You can upgrade the drag but by the time your done you have more money in it then an Ambassadeur.I do use Sealine's for walleyes and they hold up for that but for Musky the Garcia is the way to go.I have some Ambassadeurs from the 60's that are still fishing.

After 7 years of trial and error I have found the Daiwa Linecounter 27's and 47's day in and day out last longer and have the best components available. The drag clickers are loud, doesn't seem like much but with motor, wind and other noise you can actually hear your reels go off on a hit. This is from a guy who has tried them all. Rods.....dont go expensive for trolling, cork handles will tear off from rod holders. Cabelas Cats, Berkleys and Shakespears with the foam handles do just fine. Just make sure you check the line guides for cracks. See any cracks, throw them away and spend another 20 bucks. If you have floating weeds and debris in the water like we do here stick the rod tips in the water to collect the weeds and it keeps weeds off your lures. Therefore I like the 7'5" lengths, medium heavy. There you have it. Steve R

I mostly use Ambassadeur 6500 line counters with Cabela's Whuppin stick rods there is know need for an expensive rod for trolling.One advantage with an Ambassadeur is that you can also use them for casting they have a anti backlash system.

I have been looking for the same set up my self, but I would like to use the rods for trolling and sucker fishing in the fall. I think I will be going with the St. Croix glass muskie rods there are a little pricey at 200 a piece but form what I hear they are a good quality rod. As for the reels I would go with okuma convectors or diawa sealines.

Well first question is, whats your budget for gear??