I know this gets asked a lot and I have done a search.
I live in Maine and fish lake trout, landlocked salmon, brook trout, and lake whitefish. For over 20 years I found the Ugly Stick Big Water 8'3" downrigger rod to be just about perfect and use them downriggers, in-line boards, and up to 5 colors of leadcore. After 20 years I have completely worn them out. From what I have seen and read, the new models are not the same so I'm looking for something different.
In particular the FishUSA Flagship Trolling rods.
I HATE buying a rod sight unseen but am wondering how these may compare. Thinking the 8'6" 2 piece or the 9 foot ML. I should mention that the rods will be paired with Okuma Coldwater 203D reels and I typically use 10-12 pound main line with 8 pound leaders..
Other suggestion are greatly appreciated.