Planer Rod questions

[92contender]

I am planning on setting up a planer rod this year and need some advice from the experts. What I am trying to get is a planer rod set up that can be fished stand-up and used as a regular heavy trolling rod at times. I am thinking about is a Star short curved butt 5'10" 50/100# all heavy roller rod, an Avet pro ex 50w with 150# power pro, bridle, and 100' 130# momoi leader. They also make an 80/130# rod is this better? What is the biggest Old Salty planer this can handle? #8 or hopefully #12. Is the bent butt necessary or will a straight butt work ok? I know I need a safety line, but will the short butt rod stay in a 30* rod holder given it is short enough for the gimbal to seat? (backing plates will be installed)

Thanks in advance for your help, I have learned alot of valuable info reading these forums.

[paul708]

usually a bent standup rod uses a smaller butt than a planer rod, maybe you should decide what you are going to do the most..you may be able to get a "hybrid" rod to do both..but a factory rod may not be your best choice. feel free to call and talk about some options, that may suit your needs

[austin ensor]

bent butt!!!!!! sniper planner rod!!!!

[FINRAZOR RODS]

Orders we receive that use the set-up you're proposing often go with a 50# short bent, Aftco makes one that should fit into your holders. A 6' rod may not serve you well. There's a bit of need to reach out to the rod tip on ocassion to take off the bridle planer you intend to use and 6' (including a SHORT butt) would likely need to be cut back to maybe 5'-6" overall. If you run that set-up in the shotgun position you should be OK. Not recommended positioned in a gunnel holder while using it without the planer. You might then have a reason to post in the "what's the most expensive gear you've lost" thread. Either way, short bents should always have leashes on them. A #12 planer should be well within the limits of 50-100, though stepping up a bit if you can handle it would serve to better all around. Lastly, keep in mind that short bents are better served with belts that rest on your thighs, not at your waist. The higher the gimbal is, the less control and lift power you will have. I don't fish these, however, these thoughts are what I see and hear from others.