Can I use a casting rod for trolling?

[albravo2]

My favorite river fishing rod is a Sage 4110 that I've had for many years. Is there any reason I shouldn't use it for trolling? I realize the finger rest is meant for casting but if I put a mooching reel on the rod the finger rest will be above the reel and shouldn't get in the way.

Also, I've seen a few 3106 casting setups for sale but very few trolling/centerpin rods. If the rods are interchangeable I might just buy one and trim off the finger rest.

Is the location of the reel on the handle a problem? It strikes me that my casting rod has the reel further away from the butt.

 

[Hardy Guy]

You can do it. Yes the reel is further from the butt but it will work. Some of us may smirk but don't worry about it ...... its better than holding the rod upside down and reeling backwards .......

 

[pescador]

Yes. Got my biggest Spring on a spinning reel trolling.

 

[eroyd]

Level wind reel set-ups seem to be the standard for the Americans. You can use anything you want as long as it fits in your rod holder. I know some dummy that pinched his trolling rod in the downrigger. Used his 6' jigging rod in it's place and ended up having some fun with a good Spring.

 

[albravo2]

to be clear, i'm not talking about a level wind reel, i'm talking about a mooching reel (MR3) on a casting rod.

 

[CIVANO]

Trim off finger rest and go fo it

 

[Hardy Guy]

to be clear, i'm not talking about a level wind reel, i'm talking about a mooching reel (MR3) on a casting rod.

I was too. You will be fine. Like Civano said: if you like it and plan to do it more you can trim the trigger off.

 

[Tomic Slayer]

It all depends, will you be retrieving with your right hand or your left hand?

 

[albravo2]

I was too. You will be fine. Like Civano said: if you like it and plan to do it more you can trim the trigger off.

Understood. My reply was targeted at eroyd because I thought he misunderstood my mission.

I think the question is moot though-- Gone Fishing has a great sale starting tomorrow and I think a couple Okuma SXT will end up in my cart.

 

[RBL]

Just don’t burry the line in a new rigger clip if it’s a light action rod.

 

[Fizzishin]

Probably want to make sure you don't choke up on the rod (past the cork) if you get a lunker on the line. I've broken a few rods that way

 

[uclueletcharters]

Use what you like there’s no rod or reel rules in fishing it’s all about the fun. Kind of fun using gear that’s outside the box and landing the big one. Makes for great stories. Many years ago I hooked a 44lber on a steel head rod with an abu bait caster reel, no problem little extra finesse. Was one of those memorable times on the water hooking the big one and landing it.

 

[Alex_c]

I’ve caught sockeye in the ocean and rainbows/kokanee in lakes with casting rods and spinning reels in my down riggers. I found that braided line with a 20-30’ of mono on top worked well. Braid doesn’t stretch so it’s a bit easier to get the line out of the clip.