Current 9ft trolling rods - What is good out there?

Hot-Streak

Hot-Streak

Well-Known Member
I just picked up a R3EF reel today. Looking to pair it with a 9ft trolling rod. What is good out there in the lower end of the budget range for 9ft rods?

I've been fairly happy with my 9ft ugly stick gx2 BIGWATER trolling rods paired with my Trophy XL QR reels so looking for 9ft for my 3rd rigger rod to use with the R3EF reel I got.

I like the GX2 because of the stainless eyes, they are flexible and bendy. My friend uses cheap Shimano TDR rods that feel like broomsticks to me with very little flex. I prefer the bendy/sensitive nature of the Ugly sticks.


Problem is I can't find the GX2 anywhere in town. Trotac has the standard uglystick rods with the ugly yellow accent colour.

I fish fairly regularly and the Ugly Sticks take a beating and last so looking for a rod that is
9ft, durable, flexible/sensitive and would be sub $200 dollars. So what do my fellow fisherman recommend?
 
Last edited:
P.S. I asked DeepSeek AI and this is what it suggested.

AI search (DeepSeek)

Fishing for salmon in the Pacific Ocean off Vancouver Island with downriggers requires a rod built for saltwater durability, backbone to handle large salmon (especially Chinook), and the ability to work smoothly with downrigger setups. Here are my top recommendations tailored to your needs:

1. Shimano Talora TLA-90M2​

Why it’s great for Vancouver Island:

  • Power/Action: Medium-Heavy power, Fast Action – perfect for driving hooks into hard-fighting Chinook and handling heavy downrigger weights (15-20+ lbs).
  • Saltwater-Ready: Fuji corrosion-resistant guides and a graphite/fiberglass composite blank resist ocean corrosion.
  • Sensitivity: Excellent for detecting subtle bites while trolling deep.
  • Local Favorite: Widely used by West Coast salmon guides for its reliability.
Best For: Anglers who prioritize performance and want a rod trusted in Pacific Northwest waters.

2. Lamiglas X-11 Ocean City Classic XCC 962​

Why it’s a contender:

  • Power/Action: 9’6” Medium-Heavy, Moderate-Fast Action – slightly longer for better shock absorption during head shakes.
  • Construction: Fiberglass-blend blank with a parabolic bend, ideal for downriggers and big salmon.
  • Guides: Stainless-steel frames with ceramic inserts (saltwater-safe).
  • Reputation: A legendary West Coast trolling rod designed specifically for Pacific salmon.
Best For: Those who want a slightly longer rod for added leverage and a forgiving bend.

3. Okuma Classic Pro GLT-C-902M​

Why it’s budget-friendly:

  • Power/Action: Medium power, Moderate-Fast Action – softer tip helps keep hooks set when salmon strike at trolling speeds.
  • Saltwater Build: Aluminum oxide guides and fiberglass/carbon composite handle ocean conditions.
  • Value: Affordable but reliable for occasional saltwater use.
Best For: Anglers on a budget or those who fish saltwater occasionally (rinse after use!).

4. Daiwa Wilderness TWLS902MHS​

Why it’s underrated:

  • Power/Action: Medium-Heavy, Fast Action – crisp hooksets and enough backbone for Chinook.
  • Guides: Saltwater-rated Fuji guides with aluminum oxide.
  • Portability: Two-piece design for easy transport on boats.
Best For: Travelers or those with limited storage space.

5. Fenwick HMG Inshore HMGI90MHF​

Why it’s versatile:

  • Power/Action: Medium-Heavy, Fast Action – lightweight high-modulus graphite for sensitivity.
  • Guides: Titanium-frame K-guides resist corrosion.
  • Multi-Species: Works for salmon, halibut, and lingcod.
Best For: Anglers who want a rod for mixed saltwater species.
 
Chat GPT says

Best Reel Pairings​

  • Trophy XL QR – Works well but may feel slightly heavy
  • R3EF Reel – Balanced setup for Chinook and Coho

Final Verdict​

If you want a durable, budget-friendly rod that can take a beating, the Ugly Stik 9’ Mooching Rod is a good choice. If you prefer more sensitivity and a lighter feel, something like the Shimano Technium or Fenwick HMX would be better.
 
My longest living rods are my Daiwa wilderness and older Shimano Talora (9'6"). I bought a shimano Clarus & Technium over the last couple years, and they both lasted less then 1 season. The technium also didn't have any sort of warranty when it broke.. apparently the newest blanks are more durable, but why risk it? I just replaced the Technium with another Daiwa wilderness I picked up for $40.
 
I run Lamiglass 10 foot Kenai Quick series.
I've only broken 1 in 25 years. It was my buddies fault.
 
The Salty Outdoors (R3EF) rod seems to be a pretty good match to their reels. ~$150. Just give the cork a good twist to make sure it doesn't have any play. I'm a fan of the TFO 9" rod but I think they've gone up a lot in price over the last couple of seasons.
 
shuter said:
Seconded, if you’re in Vic I have an extra you’re welcome to try out
Click to expand...
Thanks. I am in Victoria. Where can I see one/buy one at a local store? is it one of these in the link? If not I may ask to take a quick look at yours.

www.harbourchandler.ca

TFO Downrigger-Mooching Rod 9'

Made of a special combination of S-Glass and carbon fiber for both sensitivity and power. Our Downrigger/Mooching rod is quickly becoming one of the most popular rods on the west coast. At 9' long, this rod conforms to Tyee Club regulations and its extra sensitive tip is exactly what anglers...
www.harbourchandler.ca www.harbourchandler.ca
 
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eroyd said:
The Salty Outdoors (R3EF) rod seems to be a pretty good match to their reels. ~$150. Just give the cork a good twist to make sure it doesn't have any play. I'm a fan of the TFO 9" rod but I think they've gone up a lot in price over the last couple of seasons.
Click to expand...
Do they have them at Trotac or Outfitters?
 
I think that Tyee rod is actually a Trophy rod. I have one that I tried to match up so I had one for the other side, as they were really good 9 foot rods with nice action. Handy for Coho and with new people on board. Call Tyee and ask if that is the Trophy rod, the one they have their own name on. The numbering system on it I believe is the same as the 9 foot Trophy rod that I mentioned already.
 
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