Mahi Mahi gear

[Gerry Zagorski]

Not sure what your budget is but a few things you want in a trolling rod for inshore. I'd say you'd want a minimum of 30 pound class and if you plan on trolling heavier stuff like spreader bars 50 would be better. The rods should have slick butts to make them easier to get out of the rod holders when a fish hits and a nice long fore grip for steadying the rod during the fight. Rollers guides are not needed and you don't want them if you also intend to use the same rod for jigging.

If you don't have outriggers and you plan to troll spreader bars a taller Rod in the 7 foot class is going to make them run better. You want your line to run at a steeper angle and higher up out of the water so they don't dig as much. If you have outriggers then the rod length is not as important unless you have an outboard, in which case a longer rod also helps since it makes it easier to clear the outboards when fighting a fish.