Quote Originally Posted by Duayne View Post
Stiffer isn't better. Downrigger rods are longer with a lot of bend to them. The idea is, if a fish pops the line off there is a bunch of slack. Having a rod that snaps up can help take that slack out faster. I tried downrigger rods but there was too much flopping with the heavier slide divers on them. Using a med heavy or even a med light (haven't tried them as I've used what I have) would allow at least some bend and would allow them to snap up. Probably going with those 8'6" rods would be a good idea if you have room. I've had a LOT of hits and misses with bucktails. I know some of that has to do with the slack in the line that is there after the strike and slide diver release. I don't have as many misses with plugs but those are thinner wire trebles versus a #3 single on a bucktail.
I use the 7' Ugly Stik "Striper" rods for "down rods" off the side of the boat, not downrigger rods. I will be adding downriggers as well but right now I am trying to buy 4 rods that are ideal for use with "slide diver lite bite". Would a MED-HEAVY be the ideal choice for Slide Divers? WHat about ideal length in your opinion/experience?