Shimano kokanee rod

I found the perfect kokanee/trout downrigger rod.  Model number TLA-70UL-2

7 feet Ultra light 2-8 lb test 2 or 1 piece.

It's $80 at Fisherman wherhouse and was just wondering if anybody new of this rod cheaper, or and comments on this paticular rod.

Plus the rod has a lifetime warrenty (which always helps)

Thanks, Mike

i know of a very good kokanee fisherman that swears by the shakespeare agility rods.  last time i was in fisherman's warehouse they had them.  less than $50 if i believe.  no lifetime warranty though.

This rod is my personal favorite for use on a downrigger (very durable and soft action) However it has proved to be a little soft for top-linning (not enough backbone to set the hook when they strike the lure).
As for the Agility rod this is a great rod for the money but we see many come back for warranty (to brittle).
If you're using it on the D.R. that is a great choice.
If you want to top-line look at the Lamiglas (Blue) rod ($50-$70) or the Okuma around the same price.
Either of these will have the same line ratings but a little more backbone to set the hook.

i will be using this rod for straight downrigger

The Talora is nice for the downrigger but a little too noodly IMO. Very little backbone. Great for Kokanee but if you want to go after a little bigger fish it dogs bigtime! A nice alternative it the Lamiglas CG70DR. It has nice slow action for kokanee but a better butt so if you want to go a little bigger it's possible. Also it's made in the USA and at the wonderful price of $60. It's become one of my fav. trout downrigger rods.

Z

i know of a very good kokanee fisherman that swears by the shakespeare agility rods.  last time i was in fisherman's warehouse they had them.

I just picked up 2 of the Agility from Mel Cotton's.  On sale for $29.99 a piece.  I had 2 of its predecessor, the Shakespeare Intrepid, for over 10 years and loved them.

As for the Agility rod this is a great rod for the money but we see many come back for warranty (to brittle).

Last year I snapped one of my Intrepids but through no fault of the rod - only my own stupidity.   Still have the other as a back-up.  With a little TLC, I have no doubt that my 2 Agility rods will hold up just as well.

This rod is my personal favorite for use on a downrigger (very durable and soft action) However it has proved to be a little soft for top-linning (not enough backbone to set the hook when they strike the lure).

The Talora is nice for the downrigger but a little too noodly IMO. Very little backbone.

I had the Talora in my hands also and felt the same thing (too noodly/no backbone).  Although Erik, I never set the hook when trolling and lose very few fish.  I just back off the drag and turn the clicker on.

Michael

I have a talora, it's a total noodle. 

An alternative if you want longer and even softer are some of the 9' crappie rods like the ugly stick.