Lake Trout Rod help....

[DakotaElkSlayer]

Guys, I am looking for a long, jigging rod for lakers and burbot for next season....fish up to around 7lbs or so.  What is better, graphite or glass for the rod material?  Medium action, 36" rod be ok?

Jim

[Big_Z]

The target depth of these fish can be very deep. I would stay away from fiberglass. I would look for IM7 or higher graphite rods as they are the most sensitive. I just had hook setting issues on Lake trout at a depth of 140ft. mostly due to line stretch. The low stretch lines such as braided are also highly recommended

[Drifter_016]

The target depth of these fish can be very deep. I would stay away from fiberglass. I would look for IM7 or higher graphite rods as they are the most sensitive. I just had hook setting issues on Lake trout at a depth of 140ft. mostly due to line stretch. The low stretch lines such as braided are also highly recommended

I have glass and graphite but use braid and I can feel hits in any depth.
Last time out I had one bump my lure 4 times before committing. The bumps were very light and I was unsure what was going on at first until I saw a flicker in the bottom return on my Marcum. This was in 100 FOW. If you were using mono you would never know it was even there.

[HARDTOP]

Guys, I am looking for a long, jigging rod for lakers and burbot for next season....fish up to around 7lbs or so.  What is better, graphite or glass for the rod material?  Medium action, 36" rod be ok?

Jim

I have jigged for macks for over 30 years have try ed lots of rods and line and i always go back to my 4'8" ugly stick its tough inexpensive and very sensitive . 40# braided with 18#leader mono. you cant go wrong.

[Merv]

I dont use a rod for lakers i make my own stick made out of old trim about 2 1/2" wide and 16" long with a  grove cut out on both ends 2" deep and 1 1/2" wide where you wrap your line around and each full wrap is 2' or 1/2 wrap is one foot i find this much easier to use then a rod cause you dont know what depth your dropping your line unless you have a flasher

[troutsdaddy]

I use a 44in HT Ice Blue rod.  Its not real sensitive but i am an avid line watcher.  pauses in the drop or slack line means a bite.  I like the length to help with fighting fish,  good for leverage.  Wish it was a higher quality graphite though.  Some of the other bros from team Wyoming use a full length spinning or baitcast rod.  Its all up to what you would be more comfortable with.  I would personally choose something with plenty of backbone and a fast action for solid hooksets.  IF YOU FIND A GOOD ONE, OR BUILD A GOOD ONE FOR THAT MATTER, LET ME KNOW...........troutsd addy