Kokanee Rod Comparison: High end vs Mid-priced vs Budget

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There are many Kokanee rods on the market varying in price from $35 to $200. In this video I compare three different price point Kokanee rods. I discuss their overall design, features, and how they perform as dropper and downrigger rods. Which was your favorite?
Rods featured in this video:
- Edge Kokanee rod edgerods.com/product/fsc-kdr-...
- Eagle Claw Kokanee rod amzn.to/3aIhZpy
- Paulina Peak Kokanee Rod paulinapeaktackle.com/shop/ol...
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[@diezelvh4133]

I have high-end rods, but using my 80's 8 1/2 EC granger brings back childhood memories. It's my favorite down rigger rod ever. Very noodly. Countless kokanee, steelhead, and humpies on it. It might just be this rod, but it creates a perfect trolling action.

[@Tyler_B.]

I have 6 of the eagle claw rods that I’ve been using for about 4 years. The cork hold up pretty well in my experience. The short fire grip doesn’t bother me personally but I typically grip the reel. I also run leadcore line on these rods as well and they handle it nice with action to spare

[@bigdaddy5047]

I want to thank you for taking the time to share all of your experience. We did really well here in California yesterday. First time kokanee fishing. We had a great time.

[@spiltmilt]

Congrats! That is good to hear.

[@kcreameans]

Thanks for the insight Tyler! Very informative

[@boattothebelly]

Nothing will beat the Eagle Claw Kokanee rod when fishing with kids. If it breaks, you’re not crying and grounding them without an allowance until they’re 21

[@lunchbox5825]

I have the 2 of the eagle claw rods. Great for very little price. Caught some pinks on them too with hand tied jigs what a blast. As usual great video

[@macsmith2092]

As always, great video. Thanks

[@unknownoutdoors530]

I’ve learned so much on your videos, You’re my new kokanne mentor now😂 just started getting on them recently 🎉🎣 fish on!!

[@paulbuckles1235]

Thanks for the reviews on rods.

[@JacobPope]

I have that Eagle Claw rod, paired it with the Abu Garcia Max DLC you recommended. Really great budget dropper setup with a line counter.

[@fxbinder]

The edge rod is my new favorite rod. I've been fishing them for a year now. Such high quality and the acid wrap makes so much sense to me. I was using it out in Brewster for sockeye and it handled those fish just fine. I love getting my ass handed to me by fish a little :) We actually trolled passed you and said hey. I was out with a buddy in my drift boat. They have a screaming deal on their blanks right now. I picked 3 of those kokanee blanks up for $75 ($25/blank)! Hope all is well Tyler. Thanks for all your content!

[@larrysaari3167]

Great video. I have found the okuma black is perfect for pole holder or downriggers. Mid priced

[@terryd2634]

I like the paulina peek rod if I had to choose. The guides on the Eagle claw tend to break over time. Great info again. Thanks

[@reapergrim76]

Awesome stuff! 👌

[@Dirthawk1]

I have tried lots of different kokanee rods. I'm now fishing the Santiam Rods and really like them. The New one piece downrigger rods is really nice.

[@scottappley2626]

I don’t own an Edge rod but build on the rod blanks which are North Fork Composite. I built three on the same blank and agree with the lightness of the rod. Most of the people that I take fishing love the feel of the limber rod with a fish. The side benefit of the limber rod as the boat doesn’t loose as many fish do to folks not knowing how to fight a fish. I did use a Texulum handle for better feel as well. Two thing that came to mind on the reel seat turning is a piece of electric tape on the treads and add a Winn grip wrap to the handle for extra diameter and tacky feel

[@tribunis_gaming6760]

Found and picked up the eagle claw rod from Walmart for only $21. Excited to use it.

[@micahgelfand8282]

Gotta love the Eagle Claw. It's so cheap and noodly. Landed tons of Kokanee and Trout with them

[@2sidescrazykennel173]

I cast and catch stripers in sf bay with the eagle claw 9’ kokanee rod for years i know the rod wasn’t built for that but its held up for years

[@clemp3010]

The rods I have been using are light/med 7' ugly sticks. They seem to work pretty good for all around trolling for me. I need a better reel though. One day I will get some dedicated kokanee setups. I like that Paulina peak rod. Looks pretty decent for the money

[@martinchen3838]

I have an Okuma SST which I like and fish don't get away but it is too soft for a dropper rod ( I either downrigger or flatline). Later I got a North Coast (Daiwa) kokanee rod which has more backbone. I plan to use the Daiwa for bass and panfish I like it so much. I also do a deep flatline by using a rattling diving plug instead of a sinker. For this I use an old Ugly stick. This seems to be deadly on trout. I think all my rods are low end by your definition but I'm happy with them.

[@chrisvanzandt5400]

i liked the video. very informative. i own and use all the rods you have and then some lol. of the 3 i like the edge kdr760-1. 2 major aspects of a fishing rod and material you arent taking into consideration is torsion. toray carbon fiber in single wrap has less torsion than composites and glass rods. but the edge isnt by a long shot the best either, shimano does a double spiral wrap over a vertical grain core, nearly 0 torsion and some other blank companies are doing double spiral or helix, 3 times in one blank with tubular cores. those are INSANE. i do very much love the PPT rod i have nearly 0 complaints other than torsion and weight. eagle claw featherlite, good starter rod but thats about it for me. TICA makes pretty good mid range rods too ive had a lot of success with TICA, the brand that makes the reel on your eagle claw. also with the edge kdr760-1, i caught a massive mackinaw on it it was a once in a lifetime experience lol. held up perfectly. 37 inch wallowa mack. but like i mentioned in another comment i think a bamboo rod would be the most high end and also the highest performance for kokanee, followed by tubular carbon fiber that includes a minimum of double spiral wrapped. i THINK your in the king of kings event, if so pm me and ill happily share some more info with you on these mind blowing new high tech builds i found. also, do a review on santiams new line of koke rods they deserve a good looking at

[@chillipphi]

I found a mod/light Shimano TDR that I’m going to try. That and and old mod/light ugly stick I’ve had for years. Will see how that goes!

[@rustynail7803]

Have you tried NW Rods?I love their Kokanee trolling rods. Love your videos. Always full of great content. Looking forward to your Ice fishing videos this year..

[@spiltmilt]

I've not fished them before but hear good things.

[@jerryberg6244]

Are there any more of your sweatshirts with your logo with the red colored salmon on it? You were wearing one a couple videos ago. Love your videos!

[@spiltmilt]

Yes you can buy them here spiltmiltproductions.myspreadshop.com/spilt+milt+pnw+est+2013-A6116d1abbff85d4df5b93b48?productType=20&sellable=E77GzyV50aTovNRgpR2e-20-22&appearance=812

[@MrAcuta73]

Been stupidly happy with my Cameron Black rods w/Coldwaters. Not cheap, but not expensive. Give a good fight on smaller Kokes, but have handled Rainbows and one Brown up to 8lbs without issue. I also have a couple of the Lami rods that I like, but don't handle incidental big fish well (My son STRUGGLED to land a 4lb Rainbow on Wickiup years ago. Unfortunately died in the long fight, would have let it go otherwise). And would be a poor choice anywhere the Kokes are running large. Is a fun rod, though! That Rainbow could have been a 50lb Chinook for the effort required to put it to the boat. LOTS of serviceable-great rods on the market. From dirt cheap to making the wallet cry a little. Bugger is there are not a lot of reels that fit the bill. An ultralight reel with a line counter would be ideal (obviously). Preferably with some variable price-point options. Heck, I'd put out the money for a fancy billet aluminum model, but have a few "cheap" but quality reels for other rods. So idea for the next video: Reels! You might have to do a little extra homework on that one. LOL

[@mccurjm]

Tyler did a video on that 8 months ago. Best Line Counter Reels for Kokanee [Walleye too!!!] kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ3cqJuMmbmqfas

[@ronlee597]

Fishing 6-7 lines and with kid crawling around the boat, if we were using relatively fragile graphite poles, we'd be spending a fortune with broken tips. Thank heavens for the Eagle Claw kokanee poles.

[@spiltmilt]

They are a rare gem! Most sub $30 rods are garbage but the Eagle Claws are amazing.

[@ronlee597]

@@spiltmilt Tyler, btw the reason you grab the rod ahead of reel is because you are facing the bow. If facing the stern, most grab behind/below the reel. Keep up the good work!

[@bradyk5691]

Really enjoyed my five lamiglas rods. Run 7’6” and 9’ combo out each side with one more in middle. Handles downriggers, drop weights and long line setups very well. You should give them a go.

[@spiltmilt]

Tried them. Not a fan of their blanks or the company for that matter

[@michaeldilbeck5859]

@@spiltmilt, what don’t you like about the company?

[@veilside180sx]

@@spiltmilt The company of today is not what they once were when Dick was alive.

[@michaeldeanyork6]

I'll never buy another rod from Lamiglas. Terrible customer service.

[@BryanLD]

Can anyone give their opinion regarding the YAKRODS Kokanee rod?

[@Phishrman]

I love my Paulina Peak Rod, especially if i hook into a bigger fish. I would love to hear your opinion on the Velocity Kokanee rods

[@boattothebelly]

I have a 3 Velocity Ninja rods but harder to find them any more. I absolutely love this rod for Kokanee, big trout and sockeye. I haven’t tried their other rods, but if they’re anything like the ninja you will love the feel and sensitivity with backbone for larger fish as well. Reasonable price at $80-90.

[@Phishrman]

Thanks for the info

[@Shinnen09]

I would recommend checking out the Berkeley Lightning Rod UL trolling rod for another cheap option. MSRP IS 40 but can be picked up for 30 pretty often. It’s an 8’ rod, but I have been pretty happy so far. It’s got a nice forgrip, the reel seat has two collars with the second acting as a lock nut. I like it much more than the Eagle Claw for a cheap rod.

[@spiltmilt]

I love the Berkley Lightning rods. The dual locking reel seat is really nice and the grip and weight are spot on. I will check those out. I use them for Walleye jigging and love them.

[@Shinnen09]

@@spiltmilt yeah I fish it 100% dropper and it’s worked well. Handled a 19” rainbow out of merwin no problem. what’s weird is all the literature doesn’t show the fore grip but at least the one I picked up from fisherman’s in PDX it has a full hand fore grip. I am a bass newbie but their medium casting rods have worked well for me as affordable crank bait and lighter swim bait rods.

[@SVaya2018]

I haven't tried too many kokanee rods but sure like my okuma SST. They seem to do well on the downrigger and with droppers. Also use them on Lake Wenatchee for sockeye. Thanks Tyler, great video!

[@randallpinkfloyd7225]

I like my Okuma SST as well! Very versatile rod.

[@stevej2120]

I didn’t like mine at first. Felt too stiff. After using it a couple years, I came to like it a lot more. Then my fishing partner jammed it into the gunnel and broke it into three pieces this summer. Haven’t decided what to replace it with. I also have one of the Eagle Claw rods. I have had to replace one of the guides. At first I thought it was too limber, but again, after more use I like it better.

[@SVaya2018]

@@stevej2120 nice, tough to know what to replace it with. I think for the cost, okumas are hard to beat though. They have served me well.

[@dustinrhodes1091]

I have numerous sst, a couple Okuma kokanee black rods, lamiglas classic glass, lamiglas x-11 and a Okuma celilo…. If possible I’d like to see you do a review like this on a sst kokanee just to see what you think. I really wanted a g loomis rod I have saw a couple times but not real budget friendly

[@spiltmilt]

I am not of fan Okuma SST rods. I prefer composite or glass rods in Kokanee fishing and really only see graphite as useful when flatlining surface Kokanee.

[@JMYaaj]

What you think about crank bait glass rod for down rigging?

[@spiltmilt]

Should be alright. Awesome for dropper rods

[@michaelr4401]

I'm thinking of a spiral wrapped rod. I was curious if you have tried Vance tackles version or have any thoughts on it. Have your thoughts on Edges rod changed since this video? If you had to pick one would you have a preference? Thank you.

[@spiltmilt]

The spiral wrapped thing is a gimmick. I ended up selling the Edge as it was too wimpy for my Kokanee fisheries

[@bullethunt]

What lake is this video on?

[@robertwoods9045]

This is a video I have watched a few times. Today I went out and purchased my second Eagle Claw just so I’m running the same equipment out of my Hobie Pedal Kayak. The challenge I have faced and struggle to correct is not being able to maneuver the kayak and not having the two rods cross each other. I try to keep I fairly direct / straight path while zig zagging but find it very difficult to run both rods at the same time. I am not sure if you have a video on this subject but would love to hear your input. Congrats on your KZbin success. Again I always enjoy watching your videos. Thanks 🎣

[@spiltmilt]

I almost never have tangles. At what angle do you have your rod holders?

[@robertwoods9045]

Thanks for your reply! I wish I knew exactly the angle but I’m thinking I have them at or close to 45 degrees. My rods are not elevated as you have yours as I’m not sure if that makes a difference? Last week I had a lot of issues at Paulina lake. The wind could have been a factor but maybe my turns are just too sharp or it happens more when changing directions parallel with the shore. I’m sure I will work it out eventually :)

[@bradyjowell1609]

What lakes here in the PNW have you been fishing for Kokanee here in the fall time

[@spiltmilt]

Alta, Wapato, Curlew, and Bonaparte

[@fxbinder]

I believe the Edge rods are composites, hence why you can flex them so extremely. Also you can download their catalog from their website. They have a relatively in depth section on their blank materials. It's Gary's last company. He's a leader in the industry. Sounds like you didn't like the rod too much. It suits my fishing style great (ie. I only touch the foregrip on bigger fish such as kings when they go on a run). I believe the guides are REC titanium alloy without a ceramic insert which also make the rod more durable and lighter. More expensive too! As you said....top of the line.They are expensive, but the patient angler can snatch them up for a deal as Edge has sales all the time. Sheesh, I sound like I work for Edge....I don't, I just really like that rod.

[@spiltmilt]

Yeah I love the blank but really dislike the handles and reel seat design.

[@KD-kf4zm]

Regarding the sales, what price is good to pick them up for would you say?

[@fxbinder]

@@KD-kf4zm I think they retail for around $200 but if you sign up for their emails and promotions- they have sales all the time.

[@KD-kf4zm]

@@fxbinder Right now they are 161.10, but with shipping and two separate tax fees, it totals 197.22 Do the promos you are aware of have a better starting point than $160? I know they have a type of promo where if you buy more rods, you get a better price. But 5 of them can a lot to drop on rods you can't see / hold first.

[@kimneill8681]

Which rod would you recommend for top lining and lead core Thanks Burl

[@spiltmilt]

Eagle Claw and Paulina Peak can handle top lining and up to 5 oz of lead.

[@JanoyCresva]

Anyone ever fish for bass with this thing? Im waiting until black friday to buy a new bass rod and i want to go hit the pond and throw some jigs around. Wondering if i'll be able to use this for just some 3 or 4 pound bass or small perch.

[@spiltmilt]

These are not appropriate for bass. They will not cast lures well.

[@allandam9540]

May i ask what is the bext action and lenght of rod for trolling kokanee? i am thnink of using 7 feet medium action, would this good?

[@spiltmilt]

I have a video that covers this topic What To Look For In A Kokanee Rod: Trolling & Jigging kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmfGkGN9e96Bp8U

[@Mrpike69]

Whats your opinion on let's say the Okuma Black Kokanee rods Vs a Tica Vs lamiglas tournament ?

[@spiltmilt]

I've never fished a Okuma Black but I am a big fan of the Ticas. The Tica SUL is the perfect rod for small Kokanee fishing. The Lami tournament rods are better for bigger fish and I enjoy fishing them but I do think they cost more than they should.

[@KD-kf4zm]

​@@spiltmilt Is the edge rod wimpier than the Tica SUL? I have the Okuma black rod and the Tica SUL. Okuma wins in looks category, the Tica Super Ultra light wins in the fun category.

[@gabewr9]

I’m looking to buy my first trolling setup. I mostly troll for trout, but would like to get into Kokanee. Can I get a Kokanee rod and use it for trout as well or vice versa? Which would be more versatile?

[@spiltmilt]

Kokanee rods make great trout rods. Any would work for both fisheries.

[@gabewr9]

@@spiltmilt cool thanks. What about reel size? Need a line counter. Was looking at okuma coldwater I think. It was $90 at the general store here in Spokane. Want to thank you again for always answering questions. Definitely be purchasing some WA ice fishing merch in the near.

[@chillipphi]

I just got the AbuGarcia DLC for $89 from Fish Field. They have really good sales

[@lanikasuyama989]

How do you feel about the Lamiglass Kokanee rod?

[@spiltmilt]

I've used the red Kokanee Lami rods and liked them

[@wscrig00]

I have two of them and am very happy with them.

[@nathanjiminez7094]

What reel with counter and without counter would you recommend

[@spiltmilt]

I cover that topic here: Best Line Counter Reels for Kokanee [Walleye too!!!] kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ3cqJuMmbmqfas

[@nathanjiminez7094]

@@spiltmilt thank you

[@chrisvanzandt5400]

the composite companies dont really specify their build material because its a secret lol. seriously. i want to see you try a bamboo rod, real high end. found some for about $1700 from a company in alaska

[@mccurjm]

The Paulina Peak rods aren't even showing on the website for me. That rod looks very similar to a Velocity Ninja. Do you know the differences between the two?

[@spiltmilt]

They are sold out right now. Ive not used Velocity so I cant compare

[@jcheng8999]

Late comment but the Paulina peak rods have a much softer tip, but similar butt power to the ninja. I like Paulina peak better on the rigger and ninja better as a dropper. If I was doing both, I would go ninja but the Paulina Peak Tackle rod should also be good for droppers.

[@tbcooperstube]

Those eagle claw rods are great for the money. What blows my mind is they are labeled as a casting rod. Do yours say that?

[@tbcooperstube]

I do have the 7’6 ones though I wonder if they are referring to the shorter rod being easier to cast. But they definitely look and feel like a trolling rod to me. Super slow action

[@spiltmilt]

Technically trolling rods are just specialized casting rods.

[@WillYllera]

Would okuma sst be a good dropper rod?

[@spiltmilt]

The Okuma Mag-taper steelhead SST rod is actually a good dropper rod. Their Kokanee rod doesn't have enough backbone.

[@WillYllera]

For the eagle claw what’s the drop weight range? Can it handle the 3-4oz?

[@ronkeffer]

FYI Address not found on website listed

[@spiltmilt]

All the links work for me.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

The closed captioning said "coconut rods" ssooooooo.. I'm still waiting for that review :)

[@spiltmilt]

🤣🤣🥥🥥🌴🌴

[@wreck96]

Paulina Peak website doesn’t have rods listed anymore. Grumble grumble

[@richardgregory4111]

what is your favorite reel

[@spiltmilt]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ3cqJuMmbmqfas