Trying to put together a planer rod combo..

[3lbCroaker]

Looking for suggestions on what I need to get for a planer rod. I have a Penn 9/0 that I'm going to load up with Power Pro Braid (What pound test should I use?). What do I need to get for a rod? How long? Does it need a roller on the end? Really have no clue as to what I need. A little help?

[Tuna Taxi]

Go to www.sportfisherman.com and talk to wahoonbox. More info than you could ever process, but you'd get an incredible planer rod. Give him a couple days to respond, they're in the Big Rock Tourny this week.

[3lbCroaker]

I've read a lot of his stuff on here before. I know he sells the real deal, but I'm not looking to put that kind of cash in a rod. I MIGHT get out 3 or 4 times a year if I'm lucky. Just looking for something inexpensive (doesn't have to be dirt cheap, but not the top of the line either). Thanks for any help.

[Darren]

150-200 lb test. Best bet is probably to get one custom built. Definitely go with a roller/swivel tip. Nothing cheap about a planer rod set up.. Rod will cost you between $250 and at least $300, you'll dump another $100 to $150 in line depending on what you use.

[Chumlord]

How much are you looking to spend?? I had mine made for $720.00 all new and complete............custom rod, #4 bent butt (I provided), Aftco swivel tip, (2) Fuji Silicone Carbide guides, Avet Pro EX 50 wide 2 speed reel spooled with 150 lb PowerPro and 100 lb backing. Bishop's Tackle in Hampton VA 591-9300

[reelguy]

a charter buddy of mine, uses an old solid glass tidewater rod with roller gides shortend to about 4 ft with roller tip. 9/0 senator w/ 100lb power pro. total cost around $100. just not real handy around an outboard. i've a $700 bent butt rod w/ 12/0 senator, bent butt really helps w/ an outboard.

[bayrunnerrods]

I build Marty's "Death From Above" planer rod on an IGFA 80 blank, #4 bent butt, Silicon Carbide (SiC) guides and a #32 AFTCO swivel tip. Give me a call for any other specifics. Joe

[3lbCroaker]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll have to do some looking around and see what I can come up with.

[3lbCroaker]

One more thing. When you put the line on, do you fill the reel full of the braid or put mono on 1st? Seems like you would only need enough braid to get the planer down.

[AquaMan]

I wouldn't recommend Power Pro on the planer rod. It will work fine with small planers and smaller fish, but with a big planer down (tight drag) and a freight train bluefin, the PP will bite in and break off. Did it three times b4 learning lesson. Wire is best.

Nolan