Would this work? It’s tempting bc it’s only $16. If not, what would be a cheap rod combo and rig to catch bluegill? I’m thinking under $30-35. I want to start catching live bait and my 6’ rod doesn’t work very well for that.
Posted by nicholasjamesclifton
4 Comments
I have two dock runners and love them. Bought the second one because it was just $16 on Amazon. I put leftover 10lbs braid and a 2.5″ jerkbait on it and catch small bass and bluegill on it.
EDIT: I have 6lbs braid on the second setup. The reels are ok, I plan on using until they die or I see a killer deal on a replacement reel.
The Ugly Stik Dock Runners are fun little rods when you don’t need to cast very far. The rod is only 36″ long. If you’re fishing small creeks or off of a dock (where you’re already out on the water) these are good.
If you’re bank fishing on a larger body of water you’ll want a longer rod to get better casting distances.
The reels on the combo are terrible. Plan on replacing it.
You catch damn near anything with this rod. It just depends on how you set it up with line strength, hook size, and drag.
The reel itself isn’t that great but can definitely catch you panfish.
I’ve caught crappie and bluegill all the way up to 20lb carp with this thing. It’s a lot of fun for $16
It sounds overkill but a 7′ 6″ medium light rod is my general use rod. A short dock runner rod isn’t for casting. If you are just dropping down from a dock sure it will work. Also those reels are junk on the dock runners.
If you are only targeting blue gill, it’s not the rod you need to adjust, but the line and reel. You want 4lb test max with the cheapest ball bearing reel like a Sienna.