Kokanee Rod Recommend

Hi Everyone,

Any recommendations on a Kokanee rod for use with a downrigger?

I currently use a Phenix Abyss 807 and Daiwa Lexa 300 for halibut bounce ball trolling. I'd like to try my luck with Kokanee. Would it be unwise to use my Phenix rod or should I look for a different one?

 Cheers!

A member here recommended the Okuma Celilo Kokanee 7' rod a while back, and it is fantastic for pretty much all light freshwater targets.  I only troll with them - they are a little noodl-y for casting.  I've caught kokanee, some nice sized trout, my PB largemouth bass (a modest 8 or 9lbs - was 21" long and FAT on stocked trout), smallmouth bass, and catfish on mine.  I troll all sorts of lures, often with up to 3oz weights to get to target depth, no prob.  I don't have a proper downrigger, but I do have a makeshift situation that works well with these too. 

I have model CE-C-702L.  They go on sale on Okuma's website every so often for $25-30, and at that price are worth buying a few at a time.  I've had two for about a year now, and fish them a LOT, and have zero complaints. 

I use a pretty basic low profile Piscifun reel with 10lb braid and 10lb floro leader.  A small round reel with a line counter would probably be more versatile, but regular low profile reels work well enough - I just count the number of "turns" the level wind makes to estimate how much line I have out.

Would there be any difference in a rod for a downrigger vs a sliding weight for trolling?

I like the Lamiglas CG 70 DR | Classic Glass 7' 4-10lb Casting rod.

But anything 7’-8’ ultralight rod will do the job with your DR. There’s lots of options on the market spanning the whole price range.

For a budget rod, I’ve heard great things about the Eagle Claw Featherlight Kokanee Special (FL209C2-76)

“Would there be any difference in a rod for a downrigger vs a sliding weight for trolling”

I think you could use the same rods I suggested with an inline sinker rather than a DR, then again you may want something with a little less flex using a weight to get it down. There are members here who fish that way and may chime in

Thank you Sea-Bree. That information is helpful. I might try the budget option.

I like the eagle claw rod anything cheap will work

an 807?!  They aren't Salmon dude! 

If you haven't seen Spilt Milt on YouTube he has Zillions of videos on kokanee fishing, and he recommended the Santiam rods. Around $129.

So I have a couple of Santiam 7'6" Kokanee glass downrigger rods, and they have been working fine for me. I have a Phenix kokanee rod but it is to flimsy in my opinion.

I use the Eagle Claw Featherlight Kokanee Special 7'6' rods paired with Abu Garcia Max DLC's. They work great on a down rigger or using the sliding weight system. The action is fast enough so you an detect the slightest hit but they have enough backbone to handle larger fish. I have caught kokanee, Trout and landlocked Kings with them. Some people will say you need a $100+ rod but that's just them saying "Mine is bigger than yours and cost more, so it's better". If you pair the Eagle Claw with a descent reel that has a quality drag, you'll be fine.
Kevin

I found an old used lamiglas 6 foot rod that I use (spinning). I think the best is to look at ultralight, but also slow action I think is important. I looked for a rod that can stay bent for long periods of time without deforming, so I tried to focus on fiberglass rods instead of graphite. I imagine carbon fiber would work real nice too, but not really necessary for the price. I'm not super experienced at getting kokanee, but I rarely have a problem with fish getting away after a hookup. I use double hooks and when that pole pops off the DR it really does a nice job setting.

Anyway, this is what I was told, feel free to dispute guys. Ultralight, slow action fiberglass rod.

My favorite is the Okuma Kokanee rods personally, but since I have two I have no need for another.  If I was just buying my first one I would go with that Egale Claw for cost.

Okuma SST Kokanee with cork handles (my preference). Medium light 7-8.5’ for lead weights 1-4oz, light 7-8’ for leadcore, ultralight 7-8’ for toplining no weight.toss up between UL and L for downrigger.

Another vote for an inexpensive Okuma rod here. Pair it with a low profile baitcaster, throw on some 10lb braid with a topshot of mono. Works for downrigger, weights, and flat trolling. I think I’m using the 7-6 light model.

Another vote for an inexpensive Okuma rod here. Pair it with a low profile baitcaster, throw on some 10lb braid with a topshot of mono. Works for downrigger, weights, and flat trolling. I think I’m using the 7-6 light model.

I was blown away at how good these rods are.

an 807?!  They aren't Salmon dude! 

I think they are salmon...little salmon. Haha I get the point, I just wanted to get by without having to buy more gear than I already have.

 I picked up an Eagel Claw Featherlight 8'6 today, and for 30 bucks it seems legit. It reminds me of an Ugly Stick.

If I end up wanting to fish for kokanee more, I appreciate all these recommendations, as I could justify getting better gear then 🤣