1st Wire Rig, which rod; Diawa Heartland or Okuma Blue Dia?

[Trout Bum]

I am rigging my first wire rig for a dippsy rig.

I purchased a Diawa Sealine 47 line counter reel, 1000' of 30# wire and 30# big game for backing and leaders.

I have been looking at both the Diawa Heartland 9'6" dippsy rod and the Okuma Blue Diamond 10' dippsy rod and cannot decide which to buy.

Which of the above (2) rods would you recommend?

Thanks,

Trout Bum

[Gotta Bite]

I have the heartlands for brown trout rods, 12-20 and I have Blue Diamond roller dipsey rods which I love but had to get used to. I have the 8'6' roller rods. The only problem is that you have to have them turned at the correct angle if you have the roller rods because the line can get caught between the roller and side of the eyelet and a fish can snap you off. I had it happen but have since learned how to have the rod lay. If you get the regular blue Diamond without the rollers, I would say go for it. I like the bend and action of them. They are discontinuing them this year and redesigning them for the future. On the other hand Heartlands are an all around good rod, whether trolling of downrigging. Just need to add a twilli tip. You can't go wrong with them.

[Knotlost]

I got rid of my ok as I didn't like there to limp , I got heartlands but not the rollers.. I love them way better in my opinion.

[Don Supon]

I've used both on my boat. Either choice is a good one.

My preference now is the roller guide Blue Diamond, but I use a 8'6 MH. I don't like the long, softer rods with a lot of bend. My boat is 18', so a 10'6 rod makes it very difficult to land a fish with the long, softer rod. Especially when fishing solo or with an inexperienced partner.

A lightly set drag will give you the same thrill with the heavier pole as you get with the long soft pole. Boat length (fish fighting/landing space) is important when selecting rod length.

[william716]

I have used both rods before and like both of them but they both have a softer action. I Prefer the 10 ft ugly stick dipsey rods because of the faster action you have more control of the fish. Also they keep your wire out away from the outside riggers. The only complaint I have is the butt section is a little on the long side. I would stay away from the roller rods. Good luck

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[Mortigan]

Short answer is both are very popular but preferred length (7' up to 10') up for debate. Either will do you well.

[bottom-feeder]

go with a 10'6 rod cause when you find dipsies catch more fish then you can get some 8'6 rods to pull inside for pulling 2 on each side

either brand is good but i dont recomend rollers

[Fish Hunter]

I have used both rods before and like both of them but they both have a softer action. I Prefer the 10 ft ugly stick dipsey rods because of the faster action you have more control of the fish. Also they keep your wire out away from the outside riggers. The only complaint I have is the butt section is a little on the long side. I would stay away from the roller rods. Good luck

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We run 10' Ugly Sticks as well.

Those whippy "yellow" ones hang in the basement now.

[Dreams Come True Charters]

I have had Okuma Classic Pros 10 foot mooching rods for over 10 years now and yes the same rods!! And I charter. I love Okuma Nothing more to say.

[Tim Bromund]

My wire diver rods are 9.5' Daiwa Heartlands with Twilli tips that are 12 or 13 years old and are still as good as new.

[Big Dave]

You guys should try the 7' rods, alot more fun than those big cranes.